Michael Bolton to headline 2008 Rosemary Clooney Concert
By BARBARA GOLDMAN, Staff Writer
The Ledger Independent
Grammy award-winning recording artist Michael Bolton will be the headliner for the 10th anniversary Rosemary Clooney Concert in September.
Officials with Lundy's Special Events which produces the annual show, made the announcement of this year's performer on Thursday.
If a list was made of performers who have sold more than 53 million records, won multiple Grammy trophies for Best Male Vocalist and countless other honors, earned a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and sold out arenas worldwide, Michael Bolton would be on that list. However, if all the artists were tallied who’ve sung with Luciano Pavarotti and Ray Charles, written songs with Bob Dylan, penned hits for Barbra Streisand and KISS, played guitar with B.B. King and been sampled on a track by hip-hop star Kanye West, Michael Bolton would be the only name on that list.
Bolton's latest album is entitled "Bolton Swings Sinatra." The collection finds him taking on classics like "New York, New York," "Night and Day," "My Funny Valentine," "Fly Me to the Moon," "Girl From Ipanema" bringing in special guest Nicolette Sheridan for a duet on "The Second Time Around."
"I think it's a pretty phenomenal situation," said Abby Dobson, with Lundy's Special Events. "We're really excited to have him coming here." Dobson said bringing in Bolton far exceeds any expenditures made previously for the concert. Among those who have performed at outdoor event in downtown Maysville are Roberta Flack, The Pointer Sisters, Neil Sedaka and Linda Ronstadt.
In addition to hits for Streisand, KISS and Cher, Bolton's written songs for Joe Cocker, Marc Anthony, Kenny G., Peabo Bryson, Greg Allman and Wynonna Judd. He has been named BMI’s Songwriter of the Year, earned Song of the Year and Million-Air honors, along with ASCAP’s Writer and Publisher Awards and a Hitmaker Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Dobson said this year's festival will celebrate Rosemary Clooney, the Maysville native who never forgot her hometown, even after gaining worldwide fame as a singer and actress. Clooney would have celebrated her 80th birthday today.
"We're going to celebrate Rosemary, herself, from her birthday all the way to the event," said Dobson.
Clooney chose the Russell Theatre for the premiere of her first movie, "The Stars are Singing," in 1953.
In 1999, she agreed to perform at the Rosemary Clooney Music Festival.
Lundy's Special Events produced the event for four years, and in 2002 took over the operation. This will be the second year Lundy's associates the festival with the Maysville Players and Downing Academy, with the two organizations sharing any proceeds realized from the event.
Dobson said it was important to the Lundergan family that the Rosemary Clooney Concert endowment is put into the arts in the community.
The Rosemary Clooney Concert will take place Sept. 27, with gates opening at 6:30 p.m, an hour later than in previous years.
"This will set the mood for a beautiful evening and performance.
The entertainment will take the stage at 7 p.m. At this time it has not yet been announced who will open for Bolton.
Tables are available at four levels: Premier, $2,500 per table or $250 a seat; Gold, $2,000 per table or $200 a seat; Silver, $1,800 per table or $180 per seat; and Bronze at $1,000 per table, $100 per seat. All ticket levels receive a butler served dinner. Other sponsorship options are available, Dobson said.
Call 800-785-8639 to order tickets. Credit cards and checks are accepted.
The Parrots of the Caribbean have been booked to perform the Friday of the concert weekend for a free block party in downtown Maysville. The Parrots of the Caribbean will be performing a tribute to Jimmy Buffet that night.
Contact Barbara Goldman at barbara.goldman@lee.net or by calling 606-564-9091, ext. 274.
This story originally ran in the June 17, 2008 edition of The Ledger Independent.