SANDY HOOK STUDENTS ALONG WITH INGRID MICHAELSON RELEASE “OVER THE RAINBOW” TO BENEFIT THE NEWTOWN YOUTH ACADEMY AND THE UNITED

Recorded at the Home of Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth (Tom Tom Club / Talking Heads), The Benefit Single Is Available at Digital Music Outlets Worldwide

Newtown, CT and New York, NY - January 15, 2013 - As a tribute to the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, twenty-one young students from Newtown, CT, along with platinum-selling singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, recorded "Over The Rainbow" at the Connecticut studio of Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth, of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club. The proceeds from the sales will benefit the Newtown Youth Academy and the United Way of Western Connecticut

CBGB-owner Tim Hayes orchestrated the project in order to bring a ray of hope to the Newtown community in the wake of the tragedy.

"Music has the power to heal both the listener and the performers," says Executive Producer Tim Hayes. "The new arrangement of the song feels as if the young angelic adult voice, Ingrid's, is almost teaching the song to the children. First she introduces it to them, then she is joined by an innocent, yet strong chorus of voices and by the end of the song it is only the children that we hear. In fact, the children were asked to sing the song as if it was a prayer. That emotion really comes though when the children sing their 'oooos,' which transforms the recording into something truly spiritual."

"When Tim reached out to me to be a part of this recording, I was very grateful," said Ingrid Michaelson. "To be able to honor those who lost their lives is something I am incredibly humbled by."

As longtime residents of Connecticut, Frantz and Weymouth opened their home studio to the group that, including parents, swelled to 60+ people inside on a cold winter day. Giving back to the community comes naturally to the famous couple.

"I wish to send my heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful people and kids involved in this beautiful recording - including those who will buy it online - for coming together to combat violence with our very best human qualities: compassion and generosity," said Tina Weymouth.

The tracks are available through worldwide digital music services via The Orchard, a New York City-based music and video distributor. To learn more about the project and watch a video from the recording session, go to www.sandyhooksomewhereovertherainbow.com.

About The Orchard 
The Orchard, a pioneering independent music and video distribution company operating in more than 20 global markets, provides an innovative and comprehensive sales and marketing platform for content owners. With industry-leading technology and operations, The Orchard's creative, tailored approach streamlines its clients' business complexity while amplifying reach and revenue across hundreds of digital and mobile outlets around the world, as well as physical retailers in North America and Europe. The Orchard was founded in 1997 to foster independence and creativity in the music industry. For further information, please visit www.theorchard.com.