(SLN) Nipissing University's Annie Sumi Opens for Lights in a Sold Out Concert

TORONTO, April 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Annie Sumi, the grand prize winner of the 'Open for Lights' contest by the Student Life Network, presented by CIBC, had the opportunity of a lifetime by performing as the opening act for Canadian singer-songwriter Lights at a free concert for Nipissing University and Canadore College students on March 29.

"The energy in the room was incredible" said Stephen Sills, Creative Director Student Life Network. "As soon as Annie hit the stage, the crowd went crazy and began chanting her name."

All of the tickets were claimed in a 48 hour span and The Wall was filled to capacity by the time Sumi, performing in front of the largest crowd of her life, was welcomed to the stage by a sea of red glow sticks for her 20-minute set.

"I never imagined that so many people at my school would come out and support me" said Sumi, "I will never forget the people I met, or the people that helped me get here. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much! It was the most amazing night of my whole life!"

CIBC cardholders had the opportunity to access the exclusive CIBC VIP Lounge, which featured a better view of the stage and complimentary refreshments.

"CIBC was proud to present Student Life Network's Open for Lights contest to give students the chance to showcase their musical talents," said Veni Iozzo, CIBC Senior Vice-President of Marketing & Strategy. "Our congratulations to winner Annie Sumi on a wonderful performance at the concert."

The three-week talent contest, which ran in over 60 campuses across the country was presented by CIBC and saw 207 entries from students who entered by submitting videos to their school's private network.  The student videos with the most votes at each school were then submitted to a panel of judges who selected the winner. During the concert, contest runner-up Danielle Jean from Canadore College received a $1,000 CIBC Education Award.

Photos from the evening will be available on CIBC's student life facebook page http://www.facebook.com/CIBCStudentLife.VieEtudianteCIBC.

About Student Life Network
Student Life Network http://studentlifenetwork.com/ is the leading provider of private student social networks - exclusive spaces for the campus community to connect and share - to colleges 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 August 16^th to iTunes.

For media or other inquiries, please contact:
TJ Donnelly
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416.606.7366
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@StudentLifeNet