[New Albany, Ohio] – The New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix & Family Day announced today that New Albany’s own teen rock band sensation, Monkee Hollow, will be opening for American Idol celebrity David Archuleta at the Tween Brands Concert at The Classic, presented by Justice on Sunday, September 26, 2010. Monkee Hollow will be the first-ever local band to be invited to perform on the Tween Brands stage.
Winners of the 2010 Battle of the Bands in central Ohio, they will debut their first single “sick” in an upcoming Rock Band videogame. Guests at The New Albany Classic will have the opportunity to “follow the hollow” as they begin their ascent in the music industry.

Headliner Archuleta was the Season 7 runner-up for American Idol, and proved to be one of the best young phenoms to ever grace the Idol stage. Inspired by Les Miserables at the age of six, David used his angelic voice to win the Junior Vocal Competition on Star Search in 2003. On April 7, 2010, Archuleta returned to the Idol stage for a special performance of Imagine by John Lennon. He is currently working on his sophomore album “The Other Side of Down”, scheduled to be available for
sale in stores starting October 5th. Past performers at the New Albany Classic include Jordin Sparks and Mitchel Musso (2009); Demi Lovato and Jordan Pruitt (2008); and The
Jonas Brothers (2007).

Now in its 13th year, The Classic is a family focused event founded and hosted by Abigail Wexner as the primary fundraiser for the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence.
The all-day event is held at the Wexner residence in New Albany and features traditional carnival rides, games and activities as well as the Tween Brands Concert. The day culminates with an internationally sanctioned invitational show jumping Grand Prix featuring thirty of the top professional riders from North America and Europe. Tickets for The Classic became available in July at www.ticketmaster.com and through all
Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets are $15 each for adults 13 and older, with children 12 and under admitted free of charge with an accompanying adult. Tickets also became available this month at Easton Town Center’s Guest Services desk; Equus
Now!, 8956 Cotter Street, Lewis Center; and New Albany Realty, 220 Market Street, New Albany.

One hundred percent of the funds raised through The Classic benefit the Coalition and to date, the event has generated more than $15 million to support domestic violence initiatives in central Ohio, while also providing a great value for families seeking weekend entertainment. All guests (including children) must have tickets to enter the event and free tickets for children can be obtained when purchasing adult tickets. The cost of the ticket includes the concert, entertainment and craft activities, as well as entrance to the Grand Prix. An all-day carnival ride bracelet for children and adults can be purchased for just $5 per child. Tickets must be purchased in advance and no tickets will be sold at the gate. Parking is free.

Founded in 1998 by Mrs. Abigail Wexner, the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence (www.ccafv.org) is composed of leaders from businesses and community organizations in central
Ohio committed to reforming our systems and improving the community’s response to family violence. The Coalition is organized around five task forces or victim “touch points,” entities where a victim is most likely to seek help – the Business Community, Faith Community, Health Care, Legal System and Victim Services. Each year The Classic relies on the generosity of more than 300 volunteers to help ensure a successful day. Volunteers play a critical role in successfully hosting the thousands of people that attend The Classic. Persons interested in contributing their time in support of the Coalition and The Classic can learn more at www.thenewalbanyclassic.com