News
July 6, 2009
Blues Icon Delbert McClinton Will Headline RWO4
Mayor Charles Meeker today announced that three-time Grammy Award-winning artist Delbert McClinton will be the headliner for Raleigh Wide Open 4 (RWO4). The Oct. 24 festival will celebrate the opening of City Plaza and the continuing renaissance of Downtown Raleigh.
Mr. McClinton’s 2001 album “Nothing Personal” and 2005’s “Cost of Living” both won Grammy Awards in the Best Contemporary Blues Album category. In 2002, his “Room to Breathe” was nominated in the same category. The quintessential Texas Blues rocker scored his first Grammy Award in 1991 for his duet with Bonnie Raitt, “Good Man, Good Woman.” In addition to being a legendary performer, Mr. McClinton is an accomplished songwriter, pianist and harmonica player. He is releasing a new 14-track album on Aug. 18 from New West Records. “Acquired Taste” is described as a juke-joint blend of country soul, infused with blues, rock and jazz.
Mr. McClinton’s 9 p.m. performance will be culmination of a day-long celebration beginning with a 10 a.m. parade down Fayetteville Street. Musical performers and a plethora of fun activities and arts and crafts will line the street throughout the day. Fireworks will mark the close of RWO4.
Mayor Meeker said that sponsorships for the citywide celebration are needed to make the event a success. He said that letters requesting support were sent out last week to area businesses and organizations. He said that in the pinched economy, a coming together of all of Raleigh’s resources is even more essential.
He said that work was progressing well on City Plaza and that the assembly of the four signature 50-foot light towers that will adorn the 500 block of Fayetteville Street are being assembled throughout the month of July by Greensboro artist Jim Gallucci.
The plaza will be officially opened at noon on Oct. 23.
Prepared by:
Jayne Kirkpatrick
Director
Public Affairs Department
For More Information Contact:
Jayne Kirkpatrick
Director
Public Affairs Department
222 West Hargett Street
Raleigh, NC 27602
919-996-3100
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