Music
Press
(note those nifty MotorSportsNews.Net visors the girls are wearing - click here to get yours)
Valvoline Sponsors Harmony
for 2004 Race Season
by MotorSportsNews.Net staff writer Robyn Snell
Here's some math for you:
(courtesy Valvoline.Com) presents
Amanda
Meredith +
Amanda
MacKay =
Harmony
"We are extremely excited to announce that Harmony will visit selected NASCAR tracks with Valvoline in 2004", says Jim MacKay, the group's manager and father of one of the two singers.
While not all of the details were available, it is clear that the dynamic singing duo from Detroit will represent Valvoline at some of NASCAR's marquee events, including the Daytona 500, Coca-cola 600, Brickyard 400, Pepsi 400 as well as shows at Bristol, Loudon and Chicago.
"This is so awesome!" exclaimed Amanda MacKay. "My dad spent alot of time working with Valvoline on the idea of having us "tour" with (the Valvoline team) in '04. We've been working on all new songs for this year and we can't wait to rock with the race fans in Daytona!"
The group first met representatives from Valvoline at Daytona in July of last year during the Pepsi 400 speedweek. The girls, then both age 15, sang the National Anthem for the Winn Dixie 250 Busch Series race and offered to perform at many of the Fan-walk displays.
"We sang for alot of the teams at their Fan-appreciation displays," explained Amanda Meredith, the group's other singer, "... and the Valvoline guys were just unbelievably nice to us and kept asking for us to come back and sing some more. So we did. I think we did like 4 or 5 shows over 3 days."
The group stayed in contact with Valvoline and the two were asked to perform for Valvoline at Talladega and Atlanta.
Valvoline is experiencing a complete makeover of sorts with the departure of Pontiac and with Johnny Benson being replaced by Scott Riggs
In 2001, Valvoline became the first consumer products company to own a NASCAR team when it joined forces with MB2 Motorsports to create MBV Motorsports. MB2 Motorsports also owns the No. 01 U.S. Army racing team. The Valvoline Company is a division of Ashland Inc.
Riggs, 32, began his racing career on two-wheels in motocross competition. He moved into NASCAR’s Mini Stock Division at age 17 and posted 12 wins in just three years. The Bahama, N.C., native conquered Late Model Stock Cars next and was named track champion at Southern National Speedway in Kenly, N.C., twice before joining the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2000. In 2001, Riggs finished fifth in points with five wins, 14 top-five finishes, 16 top-10 finishes and five pole positions in 24 events.
Riggs moved into the NASCAR Busch Series in 2002. He earned Rookie of the Year honors after winning two events and scoring 13 top-10 finishes en route to a 10th place finish in the series point standings.
For the 2003 Season, Scott Riggs finished 6th in points. Look for Scott to be a major contender this season among Nextel Cup's young guns!
Valvoline appears to be the first team to forge an exclusive working relationship with a performing artist/group.
MotorSportsNews.Net is proud to announce this new "Team Venture" between 2 very special young ladies and Valvoline.
Best wishes to Valvoline and Harmony for many successful years together!
Harmony is still constructing their website but for all of the latest you can always check them out here at MotorSportsNews.Net.
If you'd like to read more about Harmony, please visit Harmony "Notes", at MotorSportsNews.Net, the primary source for news and information about Harmony!
While you're here, click here to sign up to receive the FREE Stock Car Gazette e-zine. We will deliver the latest news from ASA, ARCA, USAR Pro Cup, NASCAR Busch, Craftsman Truck, and Winston/Nextel Cup series directly to your email box.
Robyn Snell (click on her name to send Robyn e-mail) - Motorsportsnews.net
Harmony, Presented by Valvoline Announces Performance Schedule During Daytona Speedweeks
by MotorSportsNews.Net staff writer Robyn Snell
"We're ready to rock!" So claims Amanda MacKay, one half of the vocal duo Harmony as they prepare for Daytona. "As of right now, we will be at East Bay Raceway in Tampa on Wednesday night (February 11) for the Winter Nationals - 410 Sprint Car races. We will perform a concert set as well as the National Anthem", she added.
ESPN has scheduled to have Harmony perform the National Anthem for background music on an editorial piece discussing President Bush's appearance at the Daytona 500. Be sure to tune in to ESPN to catch the girls performing on national television. As soon as the air date/time is determined, it will be posted on www.MotorSportsNews.net.
SPEED Channel has Harmony "on call" for a performance on the new Speed Stage. "We were told that SPEED Channel is interested in having the girls perform for them on their new sound stage at the entrance to the (Daytona International Speedway)" said Jim MacKay, manager of the group and father of one of the singers. "But our sole purpose for being at Daytona is to represent Valvoline and Scott Riggs. I cannot tell you how excited we all are to have this kind of opportunity."
Amanda Meredith has one request for everyone visiting Daytona. "Please stop by (the Valvoline Fan Appreciation trailer) and say 'Hi!'"
Scott Riggs has also been found signing autographs at the Valvoline merchandise trailer, right around the corner from Harmony's location at the Fan Appreciation Center. Valvoline has also been raffling off Scott Rigg's t-shirts and hats. Fans, make sure you stop by the Valvoline merchandise trailer and meet Scott. Scott is a very personable young man and even talks to you as he autographs your Valvoline merchandise! We wish Scott, Harmony and Valvoline the best of success in 2004.
Look for Harmony at the Valvoline fan-Appreciation trailer Thursday through Sunday. Amanda and Amanda will be at the trailer on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 1:00 PM and on Friday from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
When you stop by the Valvoline Fan Appreciation trailer, be sure to tell Harmony you read about them on www.MotorSportsNews.net.
Click the links below and enjoy Harmony (short MP3 samples):
The Star-Spangled Banner (partial) 1:00 in length, 953K in size
Safe In The Arms Of Love (partial) 1:12 in length, 1.14 meg in size
Dancin' In The Street (partial) 1:00 in length, 943K in size
If you'd like to read more about Harmony, please visit Harmony "Notes", at MotorSportsNews.Net, the primary source for news and information about Harmony!
While you're here, click here to sign up to receive the FREE Stock Car Gazette e-zine. We will deliver the latest news from ASA, ARCA, USAR Pro Cup, NASCAR Busch, Craftsman Truck, and Winston/Nextel Cup series directly to your email box.
Robyn Snell (click on her name to send Robyn e-mail) - motorsportsnews.net
Harmony's ESPN Debut
by MotorSportsNews.Net staff writer Robyn Snell
Valvoline's singing duo Harmony will appear on ESPN Sunday February 15, 2004 on the Sports Center airing from 10:00am through noon. The segment of the show presenting Harmony was taped this afternoon in Daytona, Florida.
Harmony thoroughly enjoyed performing live for ESPN. These fine young ladies are so thankful that Valvoline is sponsoring them this NASCAR season on a limited schedule.
Be sure to tune in Sunday morning and enjoy the beautiful voices of Amanda MacKay and Amanda Meredith that are making perfect "Harmony" during this 2004 NASCAR Speed Weeks.
You can find "Harmony" at the Valvoline Fan Appreciation Hauler Friday all day and Scott Riggs will do a autograph session at 5PM Friday.
Stay tuned for further updates coming to you live from Daytona International Speedway via www.MotorSportsNews.net.
Click the links below and enjoy Harmony (short MP3 samples):
1. The Star-Spangled Banner (partial) 1:00 in length, 953K in size
2. Safe In The Arms Of Love (partial) 1:12 in length, 1.14 meg in size
3. Dancin' In The Street (partial) 1:00 in length, 943K in size
If you'd like to read more about Harmony, please visit Harmony "Notes", at MotorSportsNews.Net, the primary source for news and information about Harmony!
While you're here, click here to sign up to receive the FREE Stock Car Gazette e-zine. We will deliver the latest news from ASA, ARCA, USAR Pro Cup, NASCAR Busch, Craftsman Truck, and Winston/Nextel Cup series directly to your email box.
- motorsportsnews.net
Discography
2002 - Baby Steps CD released in China
Photos
Bio
Amanda has transitioned to her new band, Starfarm!!!
Starfarm is based out of East Lansing, MI but has performances ranging from right on the Michigan State University Campus all the way to Mackinac Island! Being a part of this group provides Amanda the perfect opportunity to further her education at Michigan State University while staying true to her passion for music and performing! Starfarm is a band that plays all your favorite 80's pop/rock music. Be sure to take a look at the Starfarm website: www.starfarmband.com for details on upcoming performances as well as fun facts about the band members, a library of photos and samples of their music!
NOTE: The vocals presented in the Starfarm Music section ARE NOW AMANDA'S (in the 'music' section of the website)!!
Amanda will draw you in to her singing. She just sparkles on stage!! Her voice is wonderful and you won't hear a wrong note. Watch and listen to her perform...you won't want to leave and will always want more!!!
Amanda started her singing career in 2002 as the dynamic lead singer in the group Harmony and produced a CD of children’s songs called Baby Steps used by the government in China for the school system to teach English. Harmony then established a presence in the racing world singing in front of crowds of over 90,000; ultimately being sponsored by Valvoline. Amanda has performed on national television several times (ESPN, TNT, MSNBC, and more) and sang the National Anthem for the Detroit Red Wings. Amanda demonstrates the importance of hard work, honesty, integrity, dedication and being a positive role model. Amanda’s singing has been influenced by Christina Aguilera and Martina McBride, her sense of style by Audrey Hepburn and her performance by 10 years of dance instruction. She also goes by the nickname of ‘Baita’, given to her by her little brother. Amanda loves everything about singing and performing and plans on sharing her talent with everyone who’ll listen.
Resume:
September, 2006 to Current Date: Numerous performances with STARFARM. See www.starfarmband.com for schedule!
April, 2005: Showcase performer for the Motor City Music Conference
March 2005: Selected as a Top Five vocalist for SingerUniverse's Top Vocalist of the Month competition!!
National Series Events:
Feb. 2004 National Hockey League (NHL) Detroit Red Wings National Anthem
Feb. 2004 Indy Racing League Homestead-Miami Speedway National Anthem/Concert
Feb. 2004 Rolex/Grand American Sports Car Series Homestead-Miami Speedway National Anthem/Concert
July 2003 NASCAR Busch Series Daytona International Speedway National Anthem/Concert
2003 ARCA/ReMax Series Multiple Locations National Anthem/Concert
2002, 2003 American Speed Association Multiple Locations National Anthem/Concert
International Events:
July, 2003 USSSA World Series (Fast Pitch Softball Canton, MI
2003 International Freedom Festival Taylor, MI
2003 North America Lightning Class Champ. Monroe, MI International Sailing Competition
Regional/Out of State:
March 2004 USAA Gymnastics Regional Championships Minneapolis, MN National Anthem/Concert
Feb. 2004 Republican National Committee Daytona, FL National Anthem/Concert
Feb. 2004 Hershey’s 300 Fan Appreciation Attraction Daytona, FL Concert Fan Walk Area
Jan. 2004 Rhythmic Gymnastics State Championship Ohio-Kentucky National Anthem/Concert
July 2003 Home Depot Fan Walk Daytona, FL Concert
July 2003 Sirrius Fan Walk Daytona, FL Concert
July 2003 Ocean Walk Resort Daytona, FL Concert
July 2003 Cruisin Café Daytona, FL Concert
July 2003 Daytona Club Hospitality Village Daytona, FL Concert
July 2003 Ocean View Assisted Living Center St. Augustine, FL Volunteer Concert
May 2003 Meijer’s – Alexis Rd. Toledo, OH ASA Promotional Event
April, July 2003 The Pavilion at Bayview St. Augustine, FL Volunteer Concert
April 2003 ASA Corporate Offices Pendleton, IN ASA Promotional Event
March, 2003 Boy Scouts of America Pinewood Derby Pendleton, IN Championship/National Anthem
Feb. 2003 NCAA Eastern Conference Basketball Farmington, MI National Anthem
Local:
March, 2006 Hamtramck Blowout Hamtramck, MI Concert
March, 2006 Bullfrog Bar & Grill Redford, MI Concerts
February, 2006 Bullfrog Bar & Grill Redford, MI Concerts
January, 2006 Bullfrog Bar & Grill Redford, MI Concerts
December, 2005 New Directions Center for Children Detroit. MI Volunteer Christmas Concert
December, 2005 Franklin Terrace Southfield, MI Concert
December, 2005 Bullfrog Bar & Grill Redford, MI Concerts
November, 2005 Bullfrog Bar & Grill Redford, MI Concerts
October 2005 Detroit Marathon Detroit, MI Concert
October 2005 Walled Lake Western High School Walled Lake, MI National Anthem
October 2005 Bullfrog Bar & Grill Redford, MI Concerts
September 2005 Clinton Fall Festival Clinton, MI 3 concerts and National Anthem
Season 2005 Weste
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