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New York NY, August 2009: There were no rising stars in the New York City sky this past weekend – they were all on stage at the Highline Ballroom for the first Break’N Through Pop and R & B Concert – a new showcase in New York City for “undiscovered” talent. The first show of this historic concert series, which raised funds for the VH-1 Save The Music Foundation, featured performances by five of the top unsigned artists in pop and r & b: Tina Brown, Brian Gibbs, Leah Fairchild, Chey. N, Stefani Vara and AHMIR. Comedian Paul Epperlein and actor Bob Riley (Law & Order, Nurse Jackie, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof) served as host and MC respectively, whipping the early evening trendsetters into a frenzy between sets. Rap icon and Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Darryl “DMC” McDaniels arrived in style to show his support for the next generation of music super-stars. Founder Ben Aronson of TAO Experience is the driving force behind the 2009 Break’N Through concert series. Project Runway designer Kevin Christiana, known for his “rebel rocker chic” looks, afforded his acclaimed sartorial expertise to dress and prepare the singers and dancers for the biggest night of their young careers. Record company executives, producers, and musicians convened in the V.I.P. lounge before the show in anticipation of the new artists’ “coming out party.” Though the music moguls and artists shared mutual respect, they are all competing with each other to reach the top of the charts. The headline act for the Break’N Through concert was rock rap artist Tina Brown. Brown has opened for such multi-platinum stars as Ludacris and Lila Wayne. Backstage tensions were running high as the artists prepped for the performance of their lives to impress music industry movers and shakers along with fans anticipating the “next big thing” in American pop music. Among the highlights at the Headline was the performance eighteen year-old singer, songwriter Brian Gibbs. Gibbs has appeared on the same bill as several notable acts including T.I., The Temptations, Mario, 'lil Boosie, Trina, and Jim Jones, among others. Singer Stefani Vara was among the Break’N Though hopefuls, leaving her family in Houston, Texas to pursue her dream of breaking into the music business in New York City. Part of the box-office proceeds for the Break’N Through show went to Vh-1’s Save The Music Foundation. The Vh-1 Save the Music Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in American public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education. Since 1997, the Vh-1 Save the Music Foundation has provided $43 million worth of new instruments to more than 1,600 public schools in more 100 cities around the country, impacting many. After the show fans chose their favorite artist via text and online voting on www.breaknthrough.com. The winning artist from each individual show will be brought back for a finals competition in January 2010. At the finals, one artist from each genre will compete for a grand prize package which includes studio time with a noted producer, a professional music video, head shots, and a slot to perform at a major concert.