WILLIE NELSON'S COUNTRY THROWDOWN TOUR 2011
PREPARES TO LAUNCH AS ARTISTS COME TOGETHER
TO HELP TORNADO RELIEF EFFORTS IN ALABAMA

As Willie Nelson's Country Throwdown Tour 2011 prepares to launch, Willie Nelson, Jamey Johnson, and other Throwdown artists announce that they will donate their performance fees from the Orange Beach, AL show on June 5 to tornado relief efforts in Alabama.

Says Nelson, “I am saddened by the devastation in Alabama from the recent tornadoes that have hit that state. In an effort to pitch in, I am going to donate my income for the upcoming Throwdown date in Orange Beach on June 5. I believe this will assist the relief ef-fort in that state to help people in real need.”

Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Caitlyn Smith, and Alabama native Adam Hood will also be donating their performance fees.

Says Hood, "You never know how devastating things are until they hit close to home. Alabama is still where I hang my hat and this has changed the lives of many of my friends, family, peers, and supporters, and mine as well.”

Other artists pitching in to show their support include Randy Houser, Craig Campbell, Lee Brice, and Drake White.

The 24-city second annual music extravaganza launches at the Mann in Philadelphia on May 27 and the Country Throwdown headliners are sure to please. Willie Nelson, Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, Craig Campbell, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and Drake White will take two stages for a full day and evening of musical entertainment.

“Willie Nelson is an American treasure,” said Jamey Johnson. “When I was asked to return on The Throwdown Tour and was told Willie would be doing the shows, it was a simple yes.”

“Country Throwdown offers country music fans a truly unique experience says Sarah Baer, co-producer for the tour," we bring the legends and new faces closer to fans' homes.”

For more information about Willie Nelson's Country Throwdown Tour 2011 dates and venues, visit www.countrythrowdown.com

www.willienelson.com