O'Neill Brothers Release New CDs in Memory of their Late Father to Benefit Minnesota Chapter of MS Society

Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities Set for September 11 - 13

NEW PRAGUE, MINN. (August 26, 2009) - In conjunction with two major events designed to raise awareness of and funds for the Minnesota Chapter of the National MS Society, million-selling musicians The O'Neill Brothers have released a new series of CDs to benefit the organization. It's a cause near and dear to Tim and Ryan O'Neill: Their father, Bob O'Neill, battled multiple sclerosis. He passed away in February 2004.

"Songs of Serenity: Inspirational Music," the first of a three-CD collection released in concert with the 20th Annual Bike MS: Star Tribune TRAM Ride, has already raised more than $1,000. Now, the O'Neills are releasing the second and third CDs in the collection, "Songs of Serenity: Quiet Time" and "Songs of Serenity: A Spiritual Renewal," to support the Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities on September 11 - 13. A significant portion of sales of the "Songs of Serenity" collection will be donated to the Minnesota Chapter of the National MS Society. For more information or to order, visit www.PianoBrothers.com or call 952-758-9300.

Last month, when the TRAM Ride rolled through the O'Neills' hometown of New Prague, Tim O'Neill was on hand to greet the participants as they arrived. As a thank-you to the more than 900 participants of the MS TRAM, the O'Neill Brothers offered each biker a free CD download.

The O'Neill's chose songs for the "Songs of Serenity" collection based on what they've heard from fans about the melodies that are most soothing to people going through a difficult time in their lives or coping with a debilitating disease, including You Raise Me Up, From a Distance and Morning Has Broken.

"We're convinced that music has an amazing ability to offer a tangible sense of hope and encouragement for people dealing with the difficulties of life and death," said Tim O'Neill. "Whether it's coping with the illness of a loved one, or trying to understand a tragedy that doesn't seem to make any sense at all, people remind us time and again about music's power to soothe, heal, and help them get through difficult times."

"Our own experience with our dad's illness is one very personal example of the role music can play in the healing process," said Ryan O'Neill. "With these CDs, we're hoping to let other people experience the healing power of music, while supporting a very worthwhile organization."

The O'Neill Brothers have released more than 30 CDs of beautiful instrumental piano music, and sold almost two million copies -- all without being associated with a major record label. Along the way, they've written and performed music for HBO (including music for "Sex and the City"), CBS, NBC, PBS, and ESPN. Several of their collections have hit the Billboard charts, and their PBS special featuring Deborah Gibson was nominated for an Emmy award.

Editor's Note: Tim and Ryan O'Neill are available for interviews. To schedule an interview, or for photos, complimentary CD downloads or more information, please contact Brian Bellmont at 952-233-0428 or brian@bellmontpartners.com, or Shelli Lissick at 651-276-6922 or shelli@bellmontpartners.com.