DRIVERS WANTED.

VOLKSWAGEN'S DRIVERSFEST '99

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced that it will host its first-ever DriversFest on August 28, 1999 in Long Island at the Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh, New York. The first of what will become an annual event celebrating Volkswagen owners, DriversFest '99 will feature fresh live rock bands, hands-on driving events, sporting activities and much more.

According to Bill Rodgers, Volkswagen of America's Chairperson for DriversFest '99, the event is designed to honor Volkswagen owners. "Our goal is to make this the ultimate beach bash for Volkswagen drivers. DriversFest '99 will celebrate Volkswagen owners, their active lifestyles and loyalty to the brand over the last 50 years. We're proud to have such devoted owners, and this is our way of saying thank you."

Rodgers says the timing of the event coincides with 50 years of Volkswagens in the U.S. In 1949, two Dutch importers imported and sold the first two Volkswagen Beetles in the U.S.

From that modest beginning, Volkswagen has since become America's top European importer and internationally is the world's fourth largest automaker.  Volkswagen is extending invitations to all Volkswagen owners for DriversFest.

The celebration kicks off on Sunday morning with activities lasting all day and well into the evening. "The atmosphere is ... think Woodstock meets the summer XGames meets a stroll along a serene beach meets a Volkswagen fantasy driving experience meets ... You get the idea. This is big! Something for everyone just doesn't say it," said Rodgers.

DriversFest '99 will include: live outdoor concerts showcasing up-and-coming bands of various music styles, and featured headliners at the Jones Beach Theatre. Also planned is a "Drivers Lifestyle" exposition, performance driving clinics, new car test drives, a "Drive and Shine" competition and historical car displays.

Attendees will have full use of the many amenities of Jones Beach State Park to indulge in including six and a half miles of ocean beach frontage and spans of more than 2,400 acres of the Long Island south shore. Also, a large variety of sports and outdoor activities such as basketball courts, fishing docks, a miniature golf course and many more.

For up-to-date information and to register for DriversFest '99, please call 1.800.434.5280.

THE VERVE PIPE, VIOLENT FEMMES, DISHWALLA, THE ATOMIC FIREBALLS AND GRAND FUNK RAILROAD TO PLAY AT DRIVERSFEST'99

The Verve Pipe
The Verve Pipe is from East Lansing, Michigan. The band includes Brian Vander Ark (lead vocals, guitars), Donny Brown (drums, background vocals), A.J. Dunning (guitars, background vocals), Doug Corella (keyboards, percussion) and Brad Vander Ark (bass, background vocals). The Verve Pipe has released the following albums: "I've Suffered A Head Injury" (1992), "Pop Smear' (1993), and Willains!' (1996). These can be found in the alternative rock section. Their next album will be released this summer. The Verve Pipe is currently on a tour of the United States.

Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes are an alternative rock band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who put out their first album titled "Violent Femmes" in 1982. It includes such songs as "Blister in the Sun," "Add It Up"and "Gone Daddy Gone." The band is comprised of Gordon Gano (lead vocals and guitar), Brian Ritchie (vocals and bass) and Guy Hoffman (drums). The Violent Femmes have a new album coming out this fall and are currently on tour in Europe, Canada and the United States.

Dishwalla
Dishwalla is based in Santa Barbara, California. The band includes Scot Alexander (bass, tabla, bells, Roland Juno-60, vocals), Rodney Browning (guitars, vocals), George Prendergast (drums, percussion, vocals), J.R. Richards (vocals, Hammond organ, piano, Roland Juno-60) and Jim Wood (keyboards). Their albums include "Pet Your Friends," and "And You Think You Know What Life's About"and can best be described as alternative rock.

The Atomic Fireballs
The band was formed in the spring of 1996 by vocalist/songwriter John Bunkley and jazz trumpeter James Bostek. Other band members include Duke Kingins (guitar), Geoff Kinde (drums), Randy "Ginger" Sly (piano), Tony Buccelli (trombone), Shawn Scaggs (upright bass) and Eric Schabo (tenor sax). Their songs include "Caviar and Chitlins," "Berserk" and "Swing Sweet Pussycat." They describe their style as a combination of music from the 40s and 50s, 60s soul, and 70s and 80s punk.

Grand Funk Railroad
Grand Funk Railroad was formed in Michigan in 1968 with Mark Farrier on guitar, Mel Schacher on bass and Don Brewer on drums. In 1970, Grand Funk Railroad sold more albums than any other American band. In June 1971, they sold out Shea Stadium in New York, breaking The Beatles' record. In 1973, Grand Funk Railroad reached number one on the singles chart with "We're an American Band," while the album of the same name reached number two. In 1998, Grand Funk Railroad toured the United States. Their music style can best be described as classic rock.