12/5/02

Ronnie Milsap Christmas Show ~ Pre-Eminent Country Soul Singer!

BENTON TOWNSHIP, MI - The Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Mainstage will celebrate Christmas with Ronnie Milsap on Friday, December 13, at 8:00 p.m.

Ronnie Milsap's forty #1 hits, six Grammy Awards, and eight Country Music Association Awards mark him as one of the best-loved and most important artists in country music history. A versatile performer, Milsap is a classically trained pianist who has mastered the guitar, violin, clarinet and cello. Combining this talent in classical music with his love for rock n' roll, blues and folk music has made Milsap an incredible success. Ronnie will bring us a new dimension of a musical performance. This promises to be a truly unique Christmas show!

While Milsap continues to be synonymous with country music, he's always delving into blues, R&B, and even a touch of pop from time to time. Interpreting the standards of George & Ira Gershwin, Rodgers & Hart, and Cole Porter is yet another creative expression for him. Milsap's latest release is a recording of a concert in Biloxi, Mississippi in CD and DVD format. His second live release provides a full segment of great American music including "My Funny Valentine," "If Not for Me" and "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning," all of which Milsap performs with a few members of his band and a 20-piece orchestra.

At age six, Ronnie was put into the Morehead State School for the Blind in Raleigh, where he was forced into strict classical music training. To escape the extreme disciplinary treatment, Ronnie took refuge in music and would listen to the radio obsessively, especially the late-night programs of country music, gospel, and rhythm-and-blues. His demanding classical study and an intense pop-music obsession set the stage for Milsap's life. His first single, "Never Had It So Good," was a top- five hit on the Billboard soul chart. His 40 #1 hits stand as a testament to his success and staying power as a country artist; only the late Conway Twitty scored more top country hits, and his included many duets with Loretta Lynn.

Tickets for Ronnie Milsap's Christmas Show performance at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Mainstage are available by calling (616) 927-1221. Students (kindergarten through college) and senior adults (60 and over) receive a 10 percent discount off single ticket prices. Special group rates are available to parties of 20 or more. These groups receive 15-percent savings on ticket prices. For further information about group rates and special arrangements, call the Group Coordinator at (616) 927-8109. Park Inn International and WYLTZ Y Country Radio are sponsoring Ronnie Milsap's performance.

The 1,505-seat Mendel Center Mainstage Theater offers state-of-the-art acoustics and comfortable seating in elegant surroundings. Other amenities include free, lighted parking; handicap accessibility (inside and out); an array of special services; and friendly ushers and support personnel.

The Mendel Center is located within 30 minutes of Niles and 40 minutes from Kalamazoo or South Bend. Located on the Napier Avenue campus of Lake Michigan College, the Mendel Center is one mile east of I-94 on Napier Avenue (Exit 30) in Benton Township, Michigan.