The Pointer Sisters Performing At Rosemary Clooney Festival

I'M SO EXCITED to be playing in Maysville again this year during the Rosemary Clooney Festival. I'm looking forward to meeting The Pointer Sisters, who will be performing at the festival at 8:00 this Saturday night.

From The Maysville Ledger Independent, by Misty Maynard:

Area residents may find themselves "so excited" when they learn who is set to headline at the Rosemary Clooney Concert this year.

Here's a hint: the grammy-winning trio has crossed genres with hits ranging from country to pop to R&B to soul, and have won numerous accolades during a musical career spanning three decades.

Their hits have included the grammy-winning songs "Fairytale," "Jump" and "Automatic," as well as the well-known hit "I'm So Excited," which was featured in the film "Beverly Hills Cop" starring Eddie Murphy.

Come Sept. 29, The Pointer Sisters will perform in Maysville, joining the ranks of such heralded past performers as Neil Sedaka, and paying homage to Maysville's own Rosemary Clooney.

According to Abby Dobson, with Lundy's Special Events, the decision to bring The Pointer Sisters to Maysville was made because the group was a good fit for the town. According to Dobson, the sister act has many of the same qualities Clooney had.

From humble beginnings, The Pointer Sisters sought musical success, and always sought it on their own terms. Through the years, Dobson said the women stayed true to their beliefs, and to themselves.

According to the biography on the group's Web site, The Pointer Sisters began their formal vocal training in their father's church, The Church of God in California.

The sisters have spoken of their strict upbringing by parents who forbid jewelry, makeup, dancing, movies and rock music. However, as they aged, the sisters' interest in music expanded. When Ruth Pointer brought her first record into the home, Elvis Presley's "All Shook Up," she was surprised to be allowed to play it. The only reason permission was granted, the sisters have said, was because their mother liked "Crying in the Chapel," on the other side of the record.

After high school, two sisters first formed Pointers -- A Pair, before the two other sisters joined the group.

The career of The Pointer Sisters met success after success. They were the first black females to ever perform at the Grand Ole Opry for their country hit "Fairytale," later covered by Elvis, and the group was the first pop act to perform at the San Francisco Opera House.

Other hits by The Pointer Sisters include "He's So Shy," and "Jump (For My Love)."

For those who have never attended the Rosemary Clooney Concert before, Ashley Lundergan, who is assisting with the event, said they can expect a "wonderful night of entertainment" with a "wonderful dinner."

The night will, as always, be focused on Rosemary Clooney and her efforts to continue music in her hometown.

Opening for The Pointer Sisters at the Rosemary Clooney Concert, Lundergan said, will be the Louisville Male Choir.

The Rosemary Clooney Concert will take place Sept. 29, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. The Louisville Male Choir will perform at 6 p.m. throughout dinner. The Pointer Sisters will take the stage at 8 p.m. for a 90-minute performance.

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 $900 per table, $90 per seat. The Bronze table does not have the full butler-served meal as the other levels, but instead offers the popular Rosie Baskets, Dobson said. Other sponsorship options are available, Dobson said.

Call 1-800-785-8639 to order tickets. Credit cards and checks are accepted.

Contact Misty Maynard at misty.maynard@lee.net or 606-564-9091, ext. 274.