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Torrance, Calif. – Marching band fans can now help select one of eight coveted spots in the 2013 Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase,presented by Verizon Wireless and official banking sponsor, SunTrust Bank, from among 33 of the nation's most exceptional Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) marching bands. Fans can begin voting immediately by visiting www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com through October 25, 2012. The Invitational Showcase will be held at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Saturday, January 26, 2013. 

In addition to the spirited musical performances and dance team choreography and pageantry, this year's Honda Battle of the Bands offers fans a unique opportunity to create their own ultimate experience through a continually expanding digital and social media presence. New for 2013, fans visiting the www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com website can enter for a chance to win a personally-customized trip to the 2013 Invitational Showcase and a chance to take home an all-new 2013 Honda Accord*.

For an interactive experience, including access to the latest 2013 program updates and to share photos, videos, memories and trivia, fans of Honda Battle of the Bands can go to:

• Twitter – @The_Honda, #HBOB2013 (http://twitter.com/The_Honda)
• Facebook – (http://www.facebook.com/HondaBattleoftheBands)
• YouTube – (http://www.youtube.com/hondabotb)
• Instagram – #HBOB2013

The program kicks off with the Celebration Tour, which provides fans with a closer look at many of the HBCU bands vying for a spot in the 2013 Invitational Showcase.  The 10-stop tour runs through November, including a stop at the Circle City Classic where visitors to the Honda booth can enter the Honda Battle of the Bands sweepstakes onsite. Each university participating in the Celebration Tour receives a $1,000 grant from Honda for their music education programs, with the final eight schools advancing to the Invitational Showcase receiving an additional $20,000 grant from Honda. The final eight bands are chosen through a voting process incorporating online fan votes, band directors and the presidents of HBCU schools.

"For more than a decade, Honda Battle of the Bands has proudly supported music education programs at HBCUs, and we're always honored to provide the stage for these talented young musicians," said Marc Burt, assistant vice president, Office of Inclusion and Diversity for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The time and effort the students pour into each dynamic performance is evident every time they take the field.  The Invitational Showcase gives these bands another opportunity to display their musical talent, athleticism and original performances to marching band enthusiasts, while also earning a grant for their music education programs."

"Verizon is pleased to be part of this event that pays tribute to HBCUs and gives students a platform to express themselves through the arts," said Cameka Crawford, manager, Community Relations and Multicultural Communications for Verizon Wireless.  "Honda Battle of the Bands allows us to connect with the community in an authentic way."

For more information on the 2013 Honda Battle of the Bands, including updates, polling status, photos and video footage, and details on any and all questions about the program, please visit www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com.

About Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., was founded in 1959 as the U.S. sales and marketing subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.  Honda currently produces automobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, lawn mowers and engines at its eleven major U.S. manufacturing operations, using domestic and globally sourced parts. Honda's long-standing commitment to the support and success of the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities began more than 20 years ago with the establishment of the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, a program designed to showcase the academic gifts and prowess of HBCU students. American Honda established Honda Battle of the Bands 11 years ago as an effort to support HBCU music programs.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 94.2 million retail customers, including 88.8 million retail postpaid customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 78,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About SunTrust Banks, Inc.
SunTrust Banks, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation's largest banking organizations, serving a broad range of consumer, commercial, corporate and institutional clients.   As of June 30, 2012,
SunTrust had total assets of $178.3 billion and total deposits of $128.4 billion.  Through its flagship subsidiary, SunTrust Bank, the Company operates an extensive branch and ATM network throughout the high-growth Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states and a full array of technology-based, 24-hour delivery channels. The Company also serves clients in selected markets nationally. Its primary businesses include deposit, credit, trust and investment services.  Through various subsidiaries the Company provides mortgage banking, insurance, brokerage, investment management, equipment leasing and investment banking services. SunTrust's Internet address is suntrust.com.

*NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO PARTICIPATE OR WIN. PURCHASE WILL NOT ENHANCE CHANCES OF WINNING. Open to legal residents of The 50 U.S./D.C., 18 or older, with a valid U.S. driver's license at the time of participation. Ends 12/14/12. Void where prohibited. Subject to full official rules http://www.hondabattleofthebands.com/rules.

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