GRANDSLAMJAM V

GIBSON GRANDSLAMJAM V - FEBRUARY 3-4, 2005 - AUSTIN, TX
TENNIS/CELEBRITY CHARITY EVENT - HOSTED BY JIM COURIER



Austin's annual love affair with world-class tennis and live music stormed into town with a celebrity lineup befitting the fifth anniversary edition. Two of the fastest young guns on the ATP Tour - World No.2 Andy Roddick and Top 40 serve-and-volley expert Taylor Dent squared off in one singles set. Grand Slam champion and host Jim Courier took on 15-year-old phenom Donald Young in another. The highlight of the evening was a spirited celebrity doubles contest that featured two Texas originals - six-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong and nine-time GRAMMY®-award winning musician Ray Benson. Armstrong needed a quick refresher on strategic doubles positioning, but held his own against a determined Benson, who introduced a new stroke to the sport with what could only be described as the Gibson acoustic smash.

The next night's Jam at the Paramount drew a record gate, including Texas Gov. Rick Perry, to celebrate the songwriting excellence - and the 28th birthday - of Platinum recording artist, Gavin DeGraw. It was a triumphant return for DeGraw, who started entertaining at GrandSlamJam long before the rest of the world discovered his talent. Opening for DeGraw was rock guitar prodigy and Slam regular Nick Sterling.

In all 6,386 tennis and music fans joined in the festivities, the proceeds from which support the Hope Foundation's goal to end the pain and suffering of cancer in all forms.