MARRIOTT HARTFORD DOWNTOWN HOSTS EXCLUSIVE EVENT
FEATURING AMERICAN IDOL SENSATION TAYLOR HICKS

Hartford, CT (April 12, 2007) – On April 5 American Idol winner Taylor Hicks performed live at the Marriott Hartford Downtown during an exclusive event organized by Hartford radio station WTIC-FM. About 150 American Idol fans gathered in the hotel’s ballroom for an exclusive invitation-only breakfast concert. With harmonica in hand, the 30-year old Hicks took the stage and serenaded the audience while flashing his Southern gentleman smile and charming the crowd. After his performance, Hicks signed autographs and met with fans.

Taylor Hicks rose to prominence in 2006 as the winner of the 5th season of American Idol. Upon winning the competition, he was signed to Arista Records, under which his self-titled major label debut was released on December 12, 2006. His energetic stage performances and influences - derived from classic soul, blues, and R&B music - have earned him a following of devout fans, the “Soul Patrol”.

About Marriott Hartford Downtown
Located at 200 Columbus Boulevard and Grove Street in downtown Hartford, the Marriott Hartford Downtown is the anchor for the new Connecticut Convention Center and key destination in the state’s 33-acre Adriaen’s Landing enterprise of retail, residential, entertainment, and cultural venues and attractions. The Marriott Hartford Downtown has redifined Hartford as a premier business and travel destination, and plays a significant role in the revitalization of Hartford.

About Waterford Hotel Group, Inc.
Waterford Hotel Group, Inc., with headquarters in Waterford, CT, currently manages 25 properties in 7 states. Waterford Hotel Group has experience operating virtually every type of hotel property, including limited services properties, all-suite hotels, conference centers, and large full service and resort properties. The company's approach to hotel development and operations is hands-on, and features frequent site visits and constant communication with customers and partners. Additionally, Waterford Hotel Group offers centralized accounting, financial reporting, strategic marketing, human resources, and day-to-day operations management systems to increase market share and profitability at all properties. For more information, visit the company's website at www.waterfordgroup.net.
 

###