FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NAKIA’S ANNUAL BIRTHDAY BASH SET FOR FEB. 20 AT JOVITA’S

NAKIA’S ANNUAL BIRTHDAY BASH SET FOR FEB. 20 AT JOVITA’S

Nakia & His Southern Cousins to perform at famed South Austin eatery

AUSTIN, TEXAS (Feb. 12, 2008) – To celebrate his 33rd birthday in style, Austin singer Nakia is inviting a few of his closest friends – and anyone else who’d like to attend – to a party on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at Jovita’s in South Austin. “Nakia’s Annual Birthday Bash Celebration,” as it has come to be known, kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with former Weary Boy Mario Matteoli, who will warm up the stage for an 8:30 performance by Nakia & His Southern Cousins. The birthday set will feature scheduled appearances by Monte Warden, plus a few other surprises. The show also coincides with KGSR-FM’s highly successful Wednesday night Social Club meet-and-mingle nights at the famed Tex-Mex restaurant.

Not long after arriving in Austin, Nakia began performing as “Vic Odin” in Miles Zuniga’s Small Stars, a clever parody of not-quite-ready-for-Vegas lounge acts. His role garnered him considerable attention and recognition as a vocalist and showman. In February 2007, Nakia released his debut EP, Playing the Cards, to critical acclaim. He formed Nakia & His Southern Cousins to support the album and began making the rounds of area stages; their appearances quickly became known for show-stopping sit-in performances by some of Austin’s best players. ME Television named the band one of its 2007 Emerging Artists and filmed a concert special at the legendary Antone’s – Home of the Blues.

“You can’t fake soul, and on his debut release, Playing The Cards, Nakia proves that he’s the real deal,” praised Singer & Musician magazine. Ed Bailey, vice president of branding for Austin City Limits, said, “No one saw him coming – but they can’t forget Nakia now.” And KGSR-FM morning show host Bryan Beck raved, “Nakia’s debut is one of the best I’ve heard in a long time!”

Playing the Cards continues to win widespread praise, most recently being named a 2007 Texas Top 10 in the Austin Chronicle Critics Poll.

“Turning 33 this year is a real blessing,” says Nakia. “I am just so proud to be living out this dream I have had since turning 5 … to sing songs and perform for an audience. None of it would be possible without this amazing community of Austin musicians. They’re like my second family.”

The KGSR Social Club is held weekly at Jovita’s, 1619 South First St., (just south of the Colorado river). It gives KGSR listeners a chance to hang out with one another and the bands they hear on the station – two per week. Independence Brewery will be providing Austin Amberlongnecks for $2.75. Attendees also get chances to win prizes such as tickets to see Bruce Springsteen in Houston – an overnight stay at the Omni Hotel included. (For more information about the KGSR Social Club, visit www.kgsr.com.)

For additional information, audio samples, or images please contact:

Graham Mason
KiaChia Productions
512-922-4487
mail@kiachia.com

or visit one of the links below:

http://www.nakia.net/
http://www.myspace.com/nakia
http://www.sonicbids.com/nakia