GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING PIANIST DINO KARTSONAKIS HOSTS THE OFFICIAL BRANSON CELEBRITY FLOOD BENEFIT

Nashville, TN – May 24, 2011 –  “America’s Piano Showman,” GRAMMY Award-winning pianist Dino Kartsonakis will host a benefit event to raise funds for victims of the recent Missouri floods on Thursday, May 26, at 6:30 pm CST at the Branson Convention Center. The night will feature a silent auction, special celebrity guests, and performances by Dino

and other world-class entertainers.

On April 25, Branson, Mo. suffered the most catastrophic natural disaster to date. After several weeks of unrelenting rain, Lake Taney Como rose to unprecedented levels, breaching levees and submerging everything in its raging path under freezing water. Officials estimate that the flood affected approximately 300 families, leaving hundreds homeless and destitute. Among those families was Kartsonakis and his wife Cheryl, who lost  a lifetime of musical awards, archives, grand pianos, furniture, clothing, photographs and family heirlooms in 13 feet of water.

The Official Branson Celebrity Flood Benefit is Kartsonakis’ contribution to restoring his community. He comments, “Our goal with this event is to give back quality of life to the victims of this terrible tragedy. My hope is to make these victims victorious!

Additional event sponsors include The Hilton, Branson Bank, and Christian Associates. All proceeds will be distributed by Christian Associates and will be given directly to the victims who have been hit the hardest. For more information or to reserve your seat, visit www.bransonflood.com or text BRANSONFLOOD to 90210.

About Dino Kartsonakis:

GRAMMY Award-winning Dino is one of the premiere performers of our time. He is indeed “America’s Piano Showman” – a title aptly given to him by more than 80 million people who are witnesses to his majestic piano styling each year.

For 18 years, Dino entertained Branson, Missouri, audiences with his exceptional showmanship and talent making his Christmas production one of the most critically acclaimed shows in the entertainment city.

Taking time out from their seasonal show, Dino and his co-host and wife Cheryl make the trip to New York City, to tape “The Dino Show” – a weekly music and interview formatted show on TBN (Trinity Broadcast Network), the top rated Christian television network. TBN takes “The Dino Show” into 200 countries where Dino’s message is wonderfully received.

In 2000, Dino joined forces with QVC, the 4th largest network in the U.S. in an auction benefiting MusicCares, an organization which helps musicians and singers experiencing difficult times.

For more information on Dino, visit www.dinoplayspiano.com.