• by Tanya Gazdik , March 18, 2011

Jim Beam is launching "Live Music Series" which includes a 10-market concert tour, each featuring a different headline artist, and exclusive downloads of live concerts.

Artists performing as part of the "Jim Beam Live Music Series" include Kid Rock, Bob Schneider, Cold War Kids, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Band, The Fray, Grace Potter and The Nocturnals, The Hold Steady, Manchester Orchestra, O.A.R. and Richard Ashcroft. Cities on the tour are Boston; Cleveland; Atlanta; Philadelphia; San Francisco; Chicago; Orlando, Fla.; Flint, Mich., and Holmdel, N.J.

A video message from Kid Rock is included on the microsite promoting the tour at http://www.jimbeam.com/live-music-series. The site also includes interviews with each of the artists under the headline "Profiles in Bold." The Deerfield, Ill.-based brand also is promoting the music series and giveaways on its Facebook page and on Twitter.

Beginning in May, special boxes of Jim Beam and Red Stag by Jim Beam will be marked with offer details and instructions on how to download a total of five "Live Music Series" tracks from the 10 artists on JimBeam.com. Jim Beam will also be streaming portions of each Live Music Series concert and exclusive interviews with each artist on JimBeam.com and Pandora.

From June 1 to July 4, consumers age 21 or older can enter to win a trip to O.A.R.'s Live Music Series concert at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, N.J. by texting MYTOURBUS to short code 66937 or visiting www.jimbeam.com/livemusicseries to enter online.

Upon arrival at Newark Airport, one lucky winner and three friends will be provided with their very own tour bus to live the rock star lifestyle for 24 hours. In addition to VIP treatment at the show, they will also receive a private meet and greet with the band before the concert.

Jim Beam has linked with musicians in the past. In 2010, the spirits maker launched a consumer program for both the spirits and music industry by offering exclusive Kid Rock music downloads on Jim Beam and Red Stag by Jim Beam special boxes.

In addition to spotlighting established artists, Jim Beam also supports up-and-coming musicians. Kid Rock handpicked three emerging artists -- Taddy Porter, Ty Stone and Leroy Powell -- to perform at the Jim Beam "Emerging Artist Showcase," hosted by Kid Rock and presented by Pandora. Mozes, an affiliate sponsor of the showcase, will be on site to bring the event to life across its mobile platform. Music from each emerging artist will be available to download on JimBeam.com.