Alan Doyle Becomes Champion Mentor for DAREarts National Charity

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 30, 2012) -

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

Today, Alan Doyle, actor, producer, lead singer of Great Big Sea and solo artist behind the recently launched album, Boy on Bridge becomes Champion Mentor for DAREarts to inspire vulnerable Canadian youth to rise above external limitations and become leaders.

DAREarts is a national charity that empowers thousands of Canadian at-risk youth yearly to have the courage and confidence to ignite positive change in their lives and communities through its intensive out-of-school arts and literacy programs. Other renowned DAREarts Champion Mentors include Christopher Plummer, Morgan Freeman, Gene Hackman, Karen Kain, Eugene Levy and more.

Doyle's life story is perfect inspiration for DAREarts students who live in underprivileged Canadian neighbourhoods and communities. In response to being named DAREarts Champion Mentor, Doyle says, "Sometimes, I still can't believe this is my life. I'm hoping some of the kids DAREarts helps will say the same thing in twenty years."

Happily raised in Petty Harbour, rural Newfoundland as one of four siblings in a two-room home, Doyle's life has been transformed by music and his discipline in practicing his crafts. After receiving a B.A. from Memorial University, he honed his performing skills as a solo artist in the city's pubs, standing on miniscule stages, belting out folk songs and the classic rock for the rowdy patrons. In 1993, he joined forces with Sean McCann, Bob Hallett and Darrell Power, and together they started Great Big Sea whose nine albums and two DVD releases have been declared Gold or Platinum.

Doyle is also much in demand as a producer, arranger and general musical catalyst, having produced albums for actor Russell Crowe and Juno Award winners The Irish Descendants, among others. In 2010, he joined his friend Russell Crowe onscreen, utilizing his acting skills in the role of troubadour Allan A'Dayle in the Universal blockbuster Robin Hood.

Doyle's solo album, Boy On Bridge is a huge step forward, making it the ideal time for Alan to become DAREarts Champion Mentor. While he plainly has not forgotten his past in Petty Harbour, or his love of Great Big Sea, he is ready to step out of the shadow of both and face his music on his own terms.

Marilyn Field, President and Founder of DAREarts says, "We're thrilled to have Alan join our team of Champion Mentors as he demonstrates DAREarts core values in his own life and career - Discipline, Action, Responsibility and Excellence. By being a Champion Mentor for DAREarts, he will inspire thousands of vulnerable Canadian kids to do the same."

Backgrounders:

DAREarts is a national charity that empowers thousands of vulnerable Canadian youth with the confidence and courage to become leaders and ignite positive change in their lives and communities through their intensive arts and literacy education programs. For more information, visit www.darearts.com.

Alan Doyle, actor, producer, and best-known as lead singer for Newfoundland's beloved Great Big Sea these past near-20 years, recently launched his first solo album, Boy On Bridge on Universal Music Canada (UMC), the country's leading music company. For more information, visit www.alandoyle.ca.

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