Once again Richard Van Kleeck, Artistic Director and Producer of The Lonesome Pine Specials, has lined up an impressive series of concerts for their Summer Festival.
Youssou N'Dour claims the July 24 lead-off spot when he returns -- his appearance last autumn was said to be "one of the most joyous and exciting musical events in recent memory" -- with his entourage to share more of his Senegalese Afro-Pop music and dance. N'Dour accompanied Bruce Springsteen, Tracy Chapman, Sting and Peter Gabriel on the 1988 Amnesty International Tour and his Virgin Records album The Lion has become an international hit.
On Wednesday, July 25, Maura O'Connell, Pam Tillis and Jonell Mosser, three wonderfully different and talented singers, join forces to present "Women of Song," a crazy quilt of traditional and original songs in styles ranging from Celtic and country to Swing, jazz and rockabilly. O'Connell is riding high on the success of her new Warner Brothers album Helpless Heart and returns this year with some new songs. Musical versatility, great singing and original songs are the trademark of Tillis who left a lasting impression with her rockabilly rendition of "What Would Elvis Do?" Singer/songwriter Mosser has been causing quite a stir lately with her hard-driving rhythm and blues band "Enough Rope" and her energetic stage presence.
All performances will be taped for later airing. Performances will be in the Bomhard Theater, Kentucky Center for the Arts, and all will start at 7:30 p.m.