‘Reach Higher’ the Commonwealth Youth Games 2011 anthem commissioned by the Isle of Man Arts Council and written and performed by Davy Knowles and goes on sale on 7th September 2011. The Arts Council is proud to support the Commonwealth Youth Games by providing backing for the opening and closing ceremonies and commissioning the official anthem for the games ‘Reach Higher’. The anthem will be part of the opening ceremony on 8th September and Davy Knowles will perform it live at the closing ceremony at the Villa Marina on 12th September. Davy Knowles was born and raised on the Isle of Man. As a teenager in 2007 he quickly caught the attention of blues fans and fellow musicians alike following the release of his critically acclaimed debut album “Roll Away”. A yearlong tour of the US followed with his band ‘Back Door Slam’. Since then he has played over four hundred shows and toured with the likes of Lynyrd Skynryd, Rhythm Devils, Govt Mule, Chickenfoot and guitar legends Jeff Beck and Joe Satriani – who calls Davy his ‘favorite modern day blues man’. Davy was back on the Isle of Man this summer and gave his debut performance of ‘Reach Higher’ at the Onchan Garden Party at Begoade in July. The CD single also contains tracks from acclaimed Manx musicians Anna Goldsmith and King Chiaullee. Dave Armstrong of DAM Productions who produced the anthem and CD said: “We have kept the anthem true to its Celtic roots while ensuring Davy’s performance brings to the song his unmistakable blues rock style and really keeps it contemporary.” Quintin Gill MHK, Chairman of the Arts Council said “The Arts Council is delighted to have commissioned this memorable anthem from one of our most renowned young Manx musicians. Davy Knowles has composed a fitting tribute to the most prestigious sporting event in Manx history.” CDs are priced at ?3.99 and are available from the official Commonwealth Youth Games outlets at the National Sports Centre and Villa Marina and from Duke Marketing in Castle St, Douglas. The anthem will also be available for download via the Commonwealth Youth Games website www.cyg2011.com from 8th September. -Ends-