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Celebrate the blues at Miller Auditorium

Oct. 21, 2004

KALAMAZOO--Three of the most recognized names in blues today join together for a unique performance, Celebrating the Blues, Thursday, Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m. in Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University. Tickets range from $25 to $40.

Celebrating the Blues features New Orleans pianist and singer Dr. John and his band and performances by harmonica legend Charlie Musselwhite and fast-rising young blues headliner Shemekia Copeland.

Dr. John is a four-time Grammy Award winner, whose biggest hits include "Right Place, Wrong Time," "Iko Iko" and "Such a Night." He stands along side of Louis Armstrong and Fats Domino as one of New Orleans' all-time distinctive voices. Not only is his dry, gravel cackle one of the most infectious sounds in both jazz and popular music, but he is also universally celebrated as the living embodiment of the rich, musical heritage exclusive to the Crescent City.

Grammy-nominated Charlie Musselwhite has won twelve W.C. Handy Awards including nine for Best Blues Harmonica, and one for Song of the Year in 2002. His first album, released in 1967, was one of the first critically acclaimed white blues albums.

Shemekia Copeland took the music world by storm on her debut album, "Turn the Heat Up." Since then she has received four W.C. Handy Awards, including Best Blues Album, Song and Contemporary Female Artist of the Year. Her 2002 album, "Talking to Strangers," was Billboard's No. 1 Top Blues album.

Tickets are available by calling (269) 387-2300 or (800) 228-9858, online at www.millerauditorium.com, or by visiting the Miller Auditorium Ticket Office or the Epic Center Box Office in downtown Kalamazoo.

Celebrating the Blues is sponsored by WRKR 107.7 FM.

Media contact: Tracey Lawie, 269 387-2309, tracey.lawie@wmich.edu

WMU News
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