For Immediate Media Release

CONTACT: Toni Robin, Director of Marketing and Public Relations

(619) 238-0700 ext 14

(619) 997-3918 cell

San Diego Performing Arts League Announces

Plans to Strengthen Core Programs

SAN DIEGO, CA (January 29, 2004) - The Board of Trustees of the San Diego Performing Arts League announced today that, following a comprehensive review of the League’s programs and services, the League will focus its resources on its core programs designed to increase attendance and raise the profile for its more than 150 member organizations.

As part of this realignment, the League will no longer be involved in BRAVO San Diego. “We are tremendously grateful for the terrific support from so many sponsors and patrons over the past five years and to our member performing arts organizations for their outstanding performances at Bravo San Diego,” said League board president, Andrew Brooks. “We especially wish to acknowledge the leadership of the Westgate Hotel and its General Manager Georg Hochfilzer and the effort and energy provided by Appel Presents and Rob Appel to orchestrate event logistics.”

Initially viewed by the League as a one-time event bringing support and visibility to the League’s Arts and Business partnerships programs, BRAVO San Diego has now been presented for five years. “BRAVO San Diego has been a very effective tool for connecting the arts and business communities, and we are very pleased with what we have accomplished,” said Brooks. “Now, we are focusing our efforts on the League’s core priorities: selling tickets through ARTS TIX and ARTS TIX Online, increasing attendance and visibility for the performances of our member organizations and providing a variety of services that assist with their organizational development,” explained Brooks.

“We are dedicated to developing and enhancing our extensive roster of Programs and Services which enable us to help sustain a healthy and vital local arts community.”

Since 1983, the non-profit Performing Arts League has developed and implemented cost-effective, collaborative programs that bring new audiences to the arts and strengthen San Diego’s performing arts with new sources of earned income and management support. Programs include the ARTS TIX booth, selling half-price tickets on the day of the show; What’s Playing on Stage in San Diego, a comprehensive calendar of events; Arts and Business Programs including Business Volunteers for the Arts, Technology for the Arts, Lawyers for the Arts, OnBoard and the National Arts Marketing Project; a variety of services available to our membership; and Star Awards, an annual tribute to volunteers in the arts.

More information about the San Diego Performing Arts League and a complete list of Programs and Services can be found on www.sandiegoperforms.com