ESPN-ABC and 'a little travelin' music'

OK, I'll admit it. The Jackie Gleason reference in the headline is a stretch. It's very likely lost completely on fans of the teen band Comic Book Heroes. The line was a staple of early television and Gleason's show.

You knew the monologue was ending and the show segueing to the skits when you heard Gleason call out to bandleader Sammy Spear: "A little travelin' music, Sam!"

The music's tempo and volume came up, carrying the anticipation with it, straight into the break. And, more importantly, helping assure the audience would still be there when the commercials were over.

There are a lot more viewing choices now, of course, but that show-biz dynamic – and the accompanying hopes that audiences will stay – haven't changed since Gleason's time.

Hence the news release below about the deal with CBH, whose music, videos and promotions will be part of ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC race telecasts this season.

"And awa-a-a-y we go!"

To kick off their new relationship with ESPN, CBH filmed a video for “Move Out of the Way,” portions of which will be used throughout the season during ESPN’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race telecasts. A new music video for the teen rock band’s first single, “Catch Me If You Can,” and six original songs from CBH also will be included in promotions for ESPN’s NASCAR coverage. Throughout the 10-month NASCAR Nationwide Series season, CBH’s music, videos and promotions will be featured in 35 races televised on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC. 

 
"Our music is fast and loud just like a NASCAR race, which makes working with ESPN on the Nationwide Series a great match.  We know ESPN will showcase another great season and are thrilled our music will be a part of it,” said Comic Book Heroes’ Steve Kowalski and Collin MacGregor.
 
Much like the NASCAR Nationwide Series, which has become a proving ground for up-and-coming stars of the sport, CBH is a rock band on the rise in the music scene. With a fan-base and influences as vast as the ESPN audience and a sound as clean, loud and fast as the cars racing throughout the NASCAR season, the band will seamlessly fit into the culture of one of today’s top sports.  
 
“NASCAR racing is a sport with sights, sounds, and speed that lends itself to rock and roll music in a very natural blend. With their fresh look and huge sound, Comic Book Heroes will add an exciting element to our NASCAR coverage in 2010,” said Rich Feinberg, ESPN vice president, motorsports, event and studio production.
 
After being named a Radio Disney “Next Big Thing” artist in January 2009, CBH continued their break-out year with “Catch Me if You Can” becoming a top 15 Radio Disney single, being named to Popstar Magazine’s Top 100 Stars Of Summer and enjoying a successful summer tour including a stop on the Van’s Warped Tour. In November, Comic Book Heroes attended the American Music Awards as the only selected artist to play the official after-party of one of the music industry’s biggest nights. CBH’s recently released second single, “Move Out of the Way,” is receiving great reviews from the band’s ever-growing fan base. CBH has also been named as one of 100 bands to the lineup for the Taco Bell Feed The Beat Virtual Music Festival. In conjunction with this program, “Move Out of the Way” was also featured throughout the X-Games
 
Comic Book Heroes self-released their current EP “Take a Seat,” which is available through iTunes.  They are currently writing and recording their follow-up EP to be released in 2010 and are planning a summer tour.