“HERE’S YOUR SIGN.” BILL ENGVALL TO HEADLINE BOWL EXPO 2009

Due To A Scheduling Conflict Popular Blue Collar Comic To Replace Chicago At Club Xpo

ARLINGTON Texas - Tough times need not be all cloudy and sometimes we can all use a good laugh.  Best known for his “Blue Collar Comedy Tour” comedian Bill Engvall will provide the laughs during the closing night of Bowl Expo 2009 inside the popular Club Xpo at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. 

One of the stars of the WB network sketch comedy show, "Blue Collar TV," and the star of his own popular, “Bill Engvall Show,” Engvall will share the Blue Collar humor he finds in everyday situations with attendees June 25.

He replaces previously-announced headliner, Chicago, who had to cancel their appearance due to scheduling conflicts with their U.S. and international tours.  Bowl Expo officials are already working to possibly secure the Grammy-winning band for Bowl Expo 2010.

Bill Engvall first introduced America to his Blue Collar comedy with first album, "HERE'S YOUR SIGN" in 1996.  It was quickly certified platinum and held the #1 position on the Billboard Comedy Chart for 15 straight weeks, and peaked at #5 on Billboard's Current Country Album Chart and reached the Top 50 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart.

His “The Bill Engvall Show,” is one of cable TV’s Top 3 sitcom telecasts of all time.  Engvall also hosts one of the top rated shows on CMT, Country Fried Home Videos and has hosted “Mobile Home Disasters,” a blue collar version of “Extreme Home Makeover.”  Besides his comedy tours and WB TV shows, Engvall also hosts one of the top-rated shows on CMT, “Country Fried Home Videos.”

Engvall also starred in a movie version of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour as well as several other comedies for the big screen.  His newest movie, “Baitshop,” premiers on the USA Network August 9.

Besides “Here’s Your Sign,” Engvall’s CD’s include, “Dorkfish” and his latest, “15° Off Cool.”   He has also written several books, including his autobiography, "Bill Engvall -Just A Guy" (St. Martin’s Press).

A native of Galveston, Texas, Bill was a disc jockey in Dallas before trying his hand at standup comedy.  Soon after, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue television opportunities.  He was recognized as "Best Male Stand-up Comedian” at the American Comedy Awards.  He has had guest appearances on several TV shows, including a recurring role on The Jeff Foxworthy Show and Delta, starring Delta Burke.  He has also had numerous appearances on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Tonight Show” and has hosted several comedy specials on Showtime and Comedy Central.

Also appearing at Club Xpo:  Haute Chile.  Seven incredible musicians fronted by strong vocals will provide the best of Motown, Classic Rock, Jazz, Standards, Disco and current Hip-Hop favorites topped with a taste of Salsa.  Along with their powerful sound, Haute Chile features highly energized choreography and a highly stylized look.  Haute Chile is a pumped-up fiesta band guaranteed to keep attendees dancing into the wee-hours.

International Bowl Expo (June 21-25) is the premier annual event for bowling center owners, operators, managers, bowling suppliers, pro shop owners/managers and various other bowling industry-related businesses.  The theme of IBE09 is, “We’re On A Roll,” and the trade show floor will be home to nearly 800 exhibit booths and representatives from approximately 300 companies showcasing a wide-array of products and services.  There will also be more than 50 seminars and workshops for owners, operators and managers to attend to learn the latest trends, marketing ideas, profit center opportunities, and tools to help build their businesses and spread the excitement of bowling throughout their communities. 

Thanks go to current Diamond Level sponsors Pepsi-Cola, the official soft drink of bowling; Anheuser-Busch; Brunswick, North Pointe Insurance Group and QubicaAMF Worldwide who help make IBE 09 possible.

Register online at the official Bowl Expo Web site, www.BowlExpo.com, or by calling the Expo answer line: 888.649.5585.

International Bowl Expo is the premier industry event for owners and operators of bowling centers, billiard centers and pro shops worldwide.

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