McKenzies Mill Wins Wildhorse Saloon’s ‘Battle for the Saddle’ House Band Search Competition

Nashville, Tenn.—( June 2, 2011 )

The world-famous Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, Tenn., now has a new house band. Its third annual Battle for the Saddle band search competition ended in an intense and exciting finale among five acts last night, and McKenzies Mill was named the winner, snagging a highly coveted position as the venue's latest house band.

McKenzies Mill has earned an enticing package, including a showcase with music industry executives, permanent rotation in the Wildhorse's band line-up, an artistry photo shoot with Edwards Photography Studio and an appearance during next week's Country Music Association (CMA) Festival.

Fronted by brothers Justin and Ryan Harris, the North Carolina band features a blend of Southern rock and country, thanks to influences like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. In last night's finale, they had the standing-room crowd on the dance floor, as the band jammed on the guitar, harmonica and down-home lyrics.

"Winning this competition is such an honor, and we have had an absolute blast during the whole process," Justin Harris said. "To be a part of such a world-renowned venue, doing our thing in front of a great audience every night, is our dream. We are looking forward to everything that lies ahead."

The Battle for the Saddle band search competition began in April. Throughout a series of live auditions, five bands advanced to last night's finale—Heath Forbes, McKenzies Mill, Rachael Johnson, The Buchanan Boys and Derek Joseph. Serving on the panel of judges in the finale was Bo Bice, Southern rocker and runner-up in the fourth season of American Idol; as well as, Michael Knox, record producer for country megastar, Jason Aldean; Jeff Howard, talent agent for Agency of the Performing Arts; and Ron Kerere, general manager of the Wildhorse.

"Our third annual band search competition was a huge success. We received numerous submissions, and the bands who competed were all amazing musicians that absolutely rocked the house," Kerere said. "McKenzies Mill will be a great addition to our Wildhorse family. They join the ranks of bands like Trick Pony, Lonestar, Ricochet and Lo Cash Cowboys, who all got their start here. We are excited to join with McKenzies Mill in what is sure to be a huge stepping stone in their endeavor for a successful career."

For more information on the Wildhorse Saloon, please visit www.wildhorsesaloon.com or call 615-902-8200. View photos from the Battle for the Saddle band search competition.

ABOUT THE WILDHORSE SALOON
The Wildhorse® Saloon turned a three-level historic warehouse into a 66,000 square foot restaurant, bar and live music and dance destination that sees more than 1.5 million music fans stampede through its doors annually. Since opening in 1994, the venue has played host to the top performing artists in all genres, including Alan Jackson, Bret Michaels, Sugarland, Ringo Starr, Rick Springfield and Craig Morgan. The Wildhorse is the largest per capita restaurant in all of Tennessee and also has the largest television screen in Music City, not to mention the largest dance floor. The Wildhorse Saloon is owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a leading hospitality and entertainment company based in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, visit www.WildhorseSaloon.com.

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Media Contacts:
Ann Dee McClane-Bunn
(615) 458-2896
amcclane-bunn@gaylordhotels.com

Jennifer McKell
(615) 902-8282
jmckell@wildhorsesaloon.com