Do you have what it takes to 'Open for Lights'?

CIBC presents Student Life Network's cross-campus search for next singing star

TORONTO, Feb. 28, 2012 /CNW/ - Student Life Network launched its 'Open for Lights' contest today giving students at over 60 university and college campuses in Canada a chance to win a concert for their school by Juno award-winner Lights, along with a chance to show off their musical talents.

"We are in search of Canada's next singing sensation and are excited by the response from all of our Student Life Network schools," said Stephen Sills, Creative Director Student Life Network. "The response has been incredible and the competition has already identified some fantastic talent.  I look forward to finding Canada's best and rewarding them with a free show for their school and the chance to open the show."

"The Student Life Network is growing its College and University base at an incredible pace.  We began launching our Private Student Social Networks in January 2011 and already have 60 campuses live with take up rates of up to 40%," said TJ Donnelly, CEO of Student Life Network. "Student Life Network has a unique and highly desirable market position in its niche. Its online community represents a highly sought after demographic for advertisers to engage with in the social media arena."

The three week talent contest, sponsored by CIBC, seeks to identify the best solo artist at each school across Canada and reward the Grand Prize winner with a free concert for their school by Juno Award winning artist Lights.  Even better, the winning student will get to open the show and showcase his or her talent.

"CIBC is proud to present Student Life Network's 'Open for Lights' contest - the search for the next singing sensation on Canadian college and university campuses," said Veni Iozzo, CIBC Senior Vice-President of Marketing & Strategy. "We are thrilled to celebrate Canadian Music Week by sponsoring the Student Life Network's initiative, which gives students a chance to showcase their musical talents, win a Lights concert for their school and be the opening act for the Juno Award-winning star."

Students at each school will vote on a representative using Student Life Network's polling platform.  A panel of celebrity judges will select the grand prize winner. Any unsigned artist at any school with a Student Life Network is eligible to enter by uploading their video to the contest via YouTube or Vimeo and sharing their video within their school's private social network to garner a fan base and votes. For details, visit the Open for Lights website.

About Student Life Network
Student Life Network is the leading provider of private student social networks- exclusive spaces for the campus community to connect and share - to college and universities across Canada. It provides a marketplace, discounts, clubs, events, discussions, polls, contests, picture and video sharing and a safe place for students to connect with each other.  Access is granted only to those that have a valid student ID or email address.

About CIBC
CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) is a leading North American financial institution with nearly 11 million personal banking and business clients. CIBC offers a full range of products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking network, branches and offices across Canada, and has offices in the United States and around the world. For information on CIBC's free banking offer for students, please visit cibc.com/ca/chequing-savings/advantage-for-students.html.

About Lights
Lights is a Canadian singer-songwriter. She won the 2009 Juno Award for Best New Artist.  On October 4, 2011, Lights' second studio album, Siberia, was released online to US and Canadian iTunes stores.  The first single off of the album, "Toes", was released on 16 August to iTunes.

For media or other inquiries, please contact:
TJ Donnelly
President & CEO
[email protected]
416.606.7366
http://studentlifenetwork.com
@StudentLifeNet
For more information on sponsorship and advertising opportunities, please contact:
Theresa McVean VP of Advertising and Sponsorship
[email protected]
416.432.5596