JanSport® Sets the Stage for Its Second Online Battle of the Bands Competition

The Winning Band Will Play Forecastle Festival 2010

SAN LEANDRO, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
JanSport, the original outdoor gear Brand that equips people globally with
quality backpacks, travel gear and collegiate apparel, today announced its
second annual Battle of the Bands competition in conjunction with The Forecastle
Festival, the largest gathering of musicians, artists, and environmentalists in
the Midwest.

Now through July 31, 2009, amateur, unsigned bands are invited to submit a song,
photo, video and bio to www.jansport.com/forecastle. From Aug. 3 - Aug. 31, the
public can vote for their favorite band and determine the 25 semifinalists. Of
those 25 semifinalists, JanSport and The Forecastle Festival will select the
top-five finalists, who will be revealed on Sept. 15, 2009, when the second
stage of online voting is launched and will continue through Oct. 15.

The contest winner will be announced at the "Halfway to Forecastle" concert in
Louisville, Kentucky Jan. 2010. The winning band will then have the chance to
share the stage with some of the biggest names in music and play in front of
thousands of fans, press and industry reps in Louisville, KY next July.

"Self expression has always been at the core of the JanSport Brand, and this
competition truly allows us to embrace that attribute via music," said Ann Daw,
marketing director for JanSport. "Last year`s Battle of the Bands was a huge
success and an incredible experience for us as we became exposed to so many
talented musicians. We`re excited to have the 2009 winner, The Broderick, play
this year`s Forecastle Festival and can`t wait to start the process all over
again this year."

"The Battle of the Bands partnership with JanSport is a great opportunity for
the best unsigned bands to reap the rewards of their hard work," said JK
McKnight, producer of The Forecastle Festival. "We look forward to selecting the
2010 winner."

This year`s Forecastle Festival will be held July 10-12 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Fore more information about JanSport`s Battle of the Bands Competition and to
view the Official Contest Rules, log onto www.jansport.com/forecastle.

About JanSport®

Founded in 1967, JanSport is the original outdoor gear Brand that equips people
globally with quality backpacks, travel gear and collegiate apparel.
Headquartered in San Leandro, California, JanSport stands for fun and discovery.
The company`s products are sold in retail stores throughout the world. For more
information, visit www.jansport.com.

About The Forecastle Festival

Founded in Louisville, KY, The Forecastle Festival is an annual gathering that
is equal parts Music, Art, and Activism. A symposium for musicians, artists, and
environmentalists, Forecastle connects the progressive Midwest. For more
information, please visit: http://www.forecastlefest.com

JanSport
Carrie Steinberg, Public Relations Coordinator, 510-614-4072;
carrie_steinberg@vfc.com or
Laurie Heller, Marketing Communications Manager, 510-614-4062;
Laurie_heller@vfc.com
or
Forecastle Festival
Leslie Stewart, Publicity, 502-451-7569; djgrrl@bellsouth.net
or
Nederlander Entertainment
Morrella Raleigh, PR and Marketing, 513-421-1275; mraleigh@usbankarena.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009