PRESS RELEASE: LOCAL BAND AZUAR TO APPEAR AT FOLSOM "PICNIC IN THE PARK" 31 July 2000 Folsom, California Azuar (pronounced "as - you - are") [www.azuar.com], a rock/pop band which calls Folsom home, will be performing at the Folsom Chamber of Commerce "Picnic in the Park" concert series on Friday, the 11th of August. The group was recently formed by experienced musicians from St. John's Catholic Church and the Lighthouse Nazarene Church (Note: the band's performances are not religious in nature and the group is not formally affiliated with either church). "We first discussed the idea of forming a new band last Christmas, during the Folsom Christmas tree lighting ceremony, where the church groups were performing jointly" said Al Arrivas, the band's bass player and public relations director. The idea became reality with the band's first rehearsal on tax day -- April 15th -- this year. "Because of our prior experience performing with each other at church, things came together very quickly," according to multi- instrumentalist Serafin Garcia. "Playing with this band is just what I was looking for, i.e., veteran players who want to have fun and be 'better than okay' ...and we are!," stated drummer Clark Freschi. Since April, the band has been building and polishing its eclectic repertoire. The variety of music the band plays ranges from classic Santana, to country hits from Shania Twain, to current items from groups like Matchbox Twenty. "It reflects the wide range of musical tastes and experiences within the band," said keyboard player and music director Frank O'Peka. "We're also working on incorporating original music written by band members," mentioned singer and business manager Leona Meyer. Soft-spoken Grandon Gray, who sings and plays guitar with Azuar, described how a recent hiatus in his daytime job as a "computer industry sales and marketing deviant" proved to be most productive for his song writing avocation: "I could just sit around and write songs all day -- it was great!". Thus far, Azuar has chosen to perform only at low-key community events in addition to the "Picnic in the Park" concert, although the band expects to expand its range of engagements in the Fall. "For now we're happy to be playing for our neighbors," commented lead guitarist Randy Erwin. "After all, all of Azuar's musicians live, work, or worship in Folsom." The "Picnic in the Park" performance starts at 6:30 P.M. at Folsom City Park. The event is free. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and your favorite refreshments. The whole family is welcome. More information on Azuar is available on the World-Wide Web at www.azuar.com. For further details, please contact Al Arrivas at 984-9247 or al@azuar.com.