Contact: Sammy McDavid
STARKVILLE, Miss.--A popular multicultural American funk and soul band led by a nationally recognized pedal steel guitarist is headlining Mississippi State's April 9 Old Main Music Festival.
Taking place at the University Amphitheater immediately after the Maroon and White spring football game, the free 2011 campus concert will feature Robert Randolph and the Family Band.
Since forming the versatile group (http://www.robertrandolph.net/) in Orange, N.J., in 2001, Randolph has been named to Rolling Stone magazine's "100 greatest guitarists of all time" list.
The game, which kicks off at 5 p.m. at nearby Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field, typically runs about two hours.
Others on stage during the evening will include:
--Barbados-born singer and songwriter Shontelle, known for her rhythm and blues, pop, dance, reggae, and hip-hop shows (www.shontellemusic.com/);
--New Orleans-based e.company, a band describing itself as "five guys from Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana who share a love for making original musical experiences." (http://easycomusic.com/); and
--The Motions, a Columbus group and local battle-of-the-bands winner (www.myspace.com/themotionsonline) that will open the concert at MSU's outdoor arena, located across the Junction and Stone Boulevard from the stadium.
Co-sponsored by the Campus Activities Board, Music Maker Productions, Student Association--along with a number of local patrons--the Old Main Music Festival is among a wide range of activities taking place during Super Bulldog Weekend, MSU's spring homecoming celebration.
For a complete list of SBW events and activities, visit the athletic department web site, www.mstateathletics.com, and click the "countdown clock" link at the top of the page.
For more about the 2011 Old Main Music Festival, contact Jackie Mullen at 662-325-2930 or jmullen@saffairs.msstate.edu.