Alabama State University News January 6, 2017 ASU's Band Gets New Nationwide Reality TV Show Premiers Tuesday Alabama State University's popular television reality show - based on its Mighty Marching Hornets Band - has been picked- up by the nationally syndicated ASPiRE Television Network, which has announced the acquisition of the show based on the band, which is titled "Bama State Style." The program originally ran on another network nationwide and earned top ratings. The ASPiRE Network announced that the ASU Mighty Marching Hornets will take the field on its national television network on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. CST. ASU MIGHTY MARCHING HORNETS - MTV, HOLLYWOOD & NATIONAL TV The reality TV show will feature Alabama State University's famous Mighty Marching Hornets - the esteemed marching band known throughout the collegiate world for its amazing 'mashups' and dance collaboration with such international stars as Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke at the MTV Video Music Awards. The Mighty Marching Hornets Band may also currently be seen in the movie "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk," which is directed by two-time Academy Award(r) winner Ang Lee. NEW REALITY TV SHOW FOR ASU The new television series on ASU's band begins as five candidates audition for the season's top position of head drum major. In the meanwhile, the show highlights the drama as the talented ASU 'Stingettes' and the awesome 'Honey Beez' kick off their respective seasons with a bang. ASPiRE will air eight one-hour episodes including four previously aired episodes from the old A&E Network show and four never-before-seen episodes. COMMENTS ON ASU's "BAMA STATE STYLE" The ASPiRE Network had the following to say about ASU's new reality television show: "Bama State Style" is the perfect addition to the ASPiRE lineup as we continue to be the destination for HBCU programming," said Melissa Ingram, vice president and channel manager of ASPiRE. "ASPiRE is committed to showcasing the lifestyle and infectious pride of historically black colleges reflective of their value to the African-American community," she added. The director of the ASU Mighty Marching Hornets Band said he is very excited at the band's new nationwide television premier --- "We are excited about the opportunity to continue to showcase our students and University on a nationwide level," said Director James Oliver. "Bama State Style" showcases the efforts, talents and hard work of ASU's students to our television audience," Oliver said. "We are honored that ASPiRE is allowing the ASU Mighty Marching Hornets to tell its story, where everybody has a chance to be inspired while watching ASPiRE," he added. "Bama State Style" is produced by Tremendous! Entertainment and its executive producers are Colleen Needles Steward, Shannon Keenan Demers, Tim Hamilton, Jennifer Colbert and Brendon Carter. ASPiRE has acquired "Bama State Style" from the A&E Network. ABOUT THE ASPiRE NETWORK ASPiRE is the television entertainment network that presents authentic portrayals of black and urban culture through stories of heritage, heart and humor. ASPiRE offers a diverse programming mix of movies, series and specials featuring music, comedy, drama, faith/inspiration, theater/performing arts, lifestyle and news/information. The network was launched on June 27, 2012 by Magic Johnson Enterprises, which acts as a catalyst for driving unparalleled business results for its partners. ASPiRE is available in 24 of the top 25 African-American markets including New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.aspire.tv, facebook.com/aspireTV, @tvASPiRE on Twitter and @ASPiRETV on Instagram. INFO ON MAGIC JOHNSON ENTERPRISES Magic Johnson Enterprises fosters community and economic empowerment by making available high-quality entertainment, products and services that answers the demands of ethnically diverse urban communities. For more information, visit http://magicjohnson.com/enterprises. News media contact for ASU and its Mighty Marching Hornets Band is Kenneth Mullinax, 334-229-4104. SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/