Charlotte LMS All-Star race news 2009-05-08

Kevin Costner and Modern West to Perform At the 25th Running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race

Country Rock Group to Open for Montgomery Gentry show presented by Jim Beam

CONCORD, N.C. (May 8, 2009) - Lowe's Motor Speedway announced today that actor and musician Kevin Costner and Modern West will perform a pre-race concert for the 25th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.

Academy Award winner Costner and his band will perform a 45-minute afternoon concert prior to the Montgomery Gentry show presented by Jim Beam in the infield between Turns 1 and 2. Admission to the concert is free with the purchase of a ticket to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.

"I have been a longtime NASCAR fan and to be able to perform at Lowe's Motor Speedway, what many consider to be NASCAR's home track, will be an incredible experience," said Kevin Costner. "With all the hype that surrounds the All-Star Race it is sure to be a spectacular night and I am excited to be a part of it."

Costner is no stranger to the art of making music. He has always had a great interest in music, learning to play the piano and guitar at a young age. Costner also sang in church choirs and school productions growing up.

In 2005 Costner returned to his roots when Modern West was formed, but the band's history goes back some 20 years. Costner first met band mate John Coinman in Los Angeles during an acting workshop and it wasn't long before the two realized they shared a passion for music and began playing and writing together. Soon after they formed a band called Roving Boy.

As Costner's acting career began to take off, his music career took a back seat, but he never lost the passion for music. After some encouragement from his wife Christine, Costner got back into writing and performing music and soon after the band was formed.

Modern West's debut album, Untold Truth's, was released in November of 2008 on the Universal Republic/Universal Records South label. Prior to the albums release Costner and Modern West performed at the Grand Ole Opry in the famed Ryman Auditorium to promote the record.

Recently the band has been nominated for CMT's Wide Open Country Video of the Year for their video "Backyard," which celebrates NASCAR and features racing legend Richard Petty.

In addition to the concert Costner will be invited to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers meeting and will serve as a celebrity judge in the Pennzoil Victory Challenge, the annual burnout contest, prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star race.

Costner has been a regular presence in the NASCAR community of late as part of his year- long partnership with the sport. Amongst many NASCAR related endeavors, Costner is serving as the 2009 NASCAR Day spokesperson, which will be celebrated this year on May 15th. As part of his role, he is helping The NASCAR Foundation to raise funds for its Family of Charities in an effort to help thousands of children live better lives (for more information visit NASCAR.COM/NASCAR Day).

Tickets for the 25th running of the May 16th NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race start at just $25 and can be purchased online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS.

-credit: lms