Dear Houston Press,

While we are humbled by and grateful for the Houston Press Music Awards nominations granted upon us this year, our obligations to protect our quadrant of our Star System may not allow us the time to attend your ceremony this evening. This being a distinct possibility, we are sending Lord Hightower of the Galactic Council in our stead. Please note, that as a representative of the LP4 and our Carcasian Star System, any actions that he may engage in are protected by diplomatic immunity. Furthermore, as per Star Charter 38B-179.8, you are to furnish him with free beer.

Thank you again kindly for the nomination,
The Linus Pauling Quartet