RALEIGH, NC --- Three and a half years after arriving in Raleigh to join the corps de ballet at Carolina Ballet, Nicholas (Nick) Hagelin is releasing his first album "Nice To Be Here." Not long after Hagelin's arrival in Raleigh, when he wasn't performing with Carolina Ballet on the stage at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, he began appearing around town with his guitar for gigs in local clubs and bars.

In 2007 Nick Hagelin submitted two songs he composed ("Strawberry" and "Paint This Room") to the North Carolina Songwriters Contest. He was selected as one of eight finalists who were required to perform before a panel of industry judges and a live audience. He won first place and says "winning the contest was an incredible blessing that provided me with the means to produce this entire new album." His prize earnings allowed him to produce, record and distribute "Nice To Be Here' by himself. Hagelin says "it was a labor of love; the album is a true and soulful testament to my life and love." The album was mixed by local musician Sean Roux, and the artwork was designed by Clark Hipolito also of Raleigh.

On Saturday, February 21, at 10pm Hagelin will celebrate the release of his new album at Five Star Restaurant, 511 W. Hargettt Street, in downtown Raleigh. Admission is free. Hagelin will be joined by Sean Roux and his band along with DJ Danny Lapointe. He says the evening will be "a high-energy fusion of original songs and Top-40 mash-up." Earlier in the evening Hagelin will perform an all-ages acoustic set from 8-9pm with bassist /guitarist Derek Arnold and Lapointe. Phillip van Vleck, when reviewing a performance by Hagelin for Metro Magazine said, "his guitar playing was sharp, his stage presence was a major buzz and his songs were way hip. His vibe put me in mind of Dave Matthews."

Hagelin grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey and attended the School of American Ballet (artistic director Robert Weiss' alma mater) in New York City for ten years. During the past three seasons at Carolina Ballet, he has performed a wide range of classical ballets in the repertory along with works by contemporary choreographers including premieres by Robert Weiss and resident guest choreographer Lynne Taylor-Corbett. Recently Hagelin became engaged to Christina Petrovick; he says "this is truly the most exciting time of my life...it really is nice to be here."

Further information about Nick Hagelin can be found at www.nickhagelin.com or at myspace.com/nickhagelinmusic.

Related Links

1. http://www.nickhagelin.com
2. http://www.carolinaballet.com