Linda Eder Announces TV Series for Animal Planet to Include Musical Guests

Thundering hoofs, the glory of nature, and riding "as one" with a favorite horse. For many of today's top musicians, there's no better muse. Animal Planet has announced the production of a new special, TRAIL MIX, slated to air in 2006, about the attraction and connection some of today's most popular musical artists have with horses and how creativity, joy and inspiration spring forth from this relationship.

At the heart of this special is concert and recording artist, Broadway sensation, and passionate equestrian Linda Eder, who will set out on a world-wide journey to interview popular contemporary singers who have compelling stories to tell about the impact horses have on their lives and careers. At the end of each interview will be a special music video featuring the artist and his or her horse.

"I've always been blown away by Linda's amazing talent as a performer and I am thrilled to have her bring that talent, her engaging personality, and her lifelong passion for horses to Animal Planet in TRAIL MIX," said Maureen Smith, executive vice president and general manager, Animal Planet. "We are embracing contemporary music as an important element in everything we do at Animal Planet and TRAIL MIX is a perfect vehicle to showcase that commitment while also presenting fascinating stories about the emotional connection between these musicians and their horses."

From rock stars to pop singers to opera virtuosos, featured artists will talk about their passion, explain how horses rejuvenate their art and share their most compelling stories about the horses they have known, to reveal surprising details about their own personal lives. Specific artists participating in TRAIL MIX are to be announced.

Host and acclaimed singer Linda Eder said, "As a long time fan of Animal Planet, it's a dream come true for me to branch out into television with a special that combines two of my greatest passions, horses and music."

Animal Planet has signed Brian Lockwood to direct TRAIL MIX. Among his credits, Lockwood has directed concerts and music videos for popular artists including Linkin Park, Elton John, Dave Matthews Band, Eric Clapton and Papa Roach. Doug Wilson, former executive producer of Politically Incorrect and various programs for VH-1, will produce.

TRAIL MIX is being produced for Animal Planet by Discovery Productions and is being produced in Hi-Definition format. Jamie Roberts is executive producer for Animal Planet.

Linda Eder's first true national exposure was via "Star Search," where she had an unprecedented 13-weeks of success. She created the leading role of Lucy in "Jekyll & Hyde," which went on a 35-city tour before opening on Broadway – where she earned the Theatre World Award for Best Broadway Debut as well as the Drama Desk and Outer Critics' Circle Award Nominations for Best Actress in a Musical. Her seven solo albums, concert DVD, and sold-out live performances have consistently won Linda critical and popular accolades. Linda's new album hits stores this September.

Animal Planet, available in more than 86 million homes nationwide, is the only television network dedicated exclusively to the connection between humans and animals. The network's original programming brings together people of all ages by tapping into a fundamental fascination with animals and providing an entertaining mix of programming including original movies, adventure series, sports, drama and sitcoms. Discovery Networks, U.S., a unit of Discovery Communications, Inc., operates and manages Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery HD Theater, Discovery Kids Channel, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Discovery Home Channel, The Military Channel, Discovery en Español and FitTV. The unit also distributes BBC AMERICA.