Some news from our colleagues in the US - Yamaha guitarist Sammy Hagar has begun his "Livin' It Up" 2006 North American summer tour, and Yamaha is with him every step of the way. The tour features a unique Cabo Wabo Village where Yamaha co-sponsors a tent showcasing the AES620SH, Hagar's signature series guitar; the BB3000MA, Michael Anthony's signature bass; the STAGEPAS300 Portable P.A. system; and the AW1600 Professional Workstation.

Trained staff is on hand in the Cabo Wabo Village to demonstrate all the Yamaha products and answer any questions. Weekly prize drawings will be held with a grand prize drawing for Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony's complete stage rigs to be given away in August at the 66th Annual Black Hills Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, S.D.

"We are thrilled to be out on the road supporting Sammy. Yamaha is honored that Sammy chooses to play our guitars, and we hope to educate lots of music fans this summer about more of our amazing Yamaha gear," comments Mike Tempesta, artist relations manager for Yamaha Guitars in the US.

 "Livin' It Up" includes Hagar performing with his band The Wabos and also Hagar reuniting with fellow Yamaha artist and his former Van Halen band mate Michael Anthony in their band The Other Half.

The Cabo Wabo Village attempts to recreate the fun, party atmosphere of Hagar's Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Beginning in the afternoons prior to the concerts, the Village is brimming with bikini girls, body builders, mariachi bands, a Waborita™ Bar, Cabo street food vendors, beach volley ball contests, and much more.

Additionally, Hagar is not stopping the Cabo Wabo experience with just his tour and the Village. Hagar is also hosting "Sammy's Cabo Wabo Happy Hour" radio show this summer with radio veteran Tawn Mastrey and Michael Anthony. The trio will play an array of rockin' party music just in time for the summer tour. Stations across the country are carrying the radio show and include those in Phoenix, Ariz.; San Antonio and Dallas, Texas; West Palm Beach and Tampa, Fla.; Birmingham, Ala.; Nashville, Tenn. and Columbus, Ohio.