Nashville singer-songwriters also to perform at event
OXFORD, Miss. – The Ole Miss Women’s Council members get a little help from their friends to celebrate their 10th anniversary on Feb. 5, when the popular Mystery Trip band of Nashville brings its high-energy renditions of Beatles hits to the University of Mississippi.
Also performing at the concert and offering different musical genres are Nashville award-winning singer-songwriters Rivers Rutherford, Bryan Kennedy and Gordon Kennedy, who will perform and comment on their work in a relaxed, cafe-styled segment. Proceeds from the 7:30 p.m. event at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts will fund OMWC scholarships.
“If you are a Beatles fan at all, you will not want to miss this exciting concert by Mystery Trip’s five extraordinary musicians, who all have been heavily influenced by the legendary Liverpool band,” said Martha Kirkley of Columbus, the OMWC member coordinating the concert. “In addition, we are thrilled that three remarkable singer-songwriters are also helping us celebrate by sharing their talents. That’s why we are describing this event as a ‘cross-section of music for the soul.’ The evening will offer an amazing entertainment experience.”
Tickets range from $10 for UM students and $25 for general admission to $50 for orchestra seating that includes a reception with performers. To purchase a ticket, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/fordcenter, call 662-915-7411 or stop by the UM Box Office in the Student Union from noon to 4 p.m. weekdays or the Ford Center Box Office from 10 am. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
Traveling across the country to deliver crowd-pleasing songs made popular by the Beatles are Mystery Trip band members Saul Zonana, Gordon Kennedy and Steve Allen on guitar. Rob Arthur takes command of the keyboard, and John Salaway is on drums.
“This versatile tribute band often has its members switching instruments during concerts, and audience members come to their feet when they hear the skilled guitar work, vocal harmonies and popular playlists of Beatles’ greats,” Kirkley said.
Sharing the Feb. 5 concert’s spotlight are prolific singer-songwriters and producers who are some of the industry’s most respected creative talents. Kirkley said audience members will quickly recognize the musicians’ work.
Gordon Kennedy captured a Grammy with the song “Change the World,” which was recorded by Eric Clapton. He has also toured with Peter Frampton and co-wrote several songs on Frampton’s latest album, “Fingerprints.”
Bryan Kennedy has co-written songs with Garth Brooks, and among his hits are “Good Ride Cowboy,” “Beaches of Cheyenne” and “American Honky Tonk Bar Association.” Rutherford is responsible for such No. 1 hits as Brooks and Dunn’s “Ain’t Nothing ’bout You,” Brad Paisley’s “When I Get Where I’m Going” and Montgomery Gentry’s “If you Ever Stop Loving Me.” Bryan Kennedy and Rutherford are Ole Miss graduates.
The concert kicks off the OMWC anniversary celebration. A decade ago, a group of women gathered at the university to exchanges ideas on offering students more than traditional financial assistance – although that in itself is life-changing for recipients. The Women’s Council was created to attract private gifts for a different kind of scholarship awarded to both women and men based on academic achievement, need, leadership and a desire to give back to society through community service.
With a $7.3 million endowment and 60 scholarships awarded since its founding, the OMWC is making a difference on the Oxford campus and beyond.
“Those of us who serve on the Women’s Council have pursued diverse paths but have filled our lives with careers, family and friends, and many other endeavors,” said Mary Sharp Rayner, chair of OMWC and a member of the UM Foundation Board of Directors. “We felt we could draw on our compassion, concern, knowledge and experience to nurture young people and provide broadening experiences to enhance student scholarships.”
Included among those experiences are monthly “Red Plate Suppers,” which allow scholarship recipients and Women’s Council members to share a meal and discuss life issues and career paths. Through the mentoring experience, Women’s Council scholars are encouraged to become servant-leaders throughout their time at Ole Miss. They’re also asked to contribute to the program once they graduate and establish their careers.
For more information on the Women’s Council, providing support or establishing a scholarship, contact Sarah Hollis in University Development at 662-915-1584. Hollis also can be contacted by individuals or businesses interested in concert sponsorships.