IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 20, 2008
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:
724.738.4854

gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

The Four Freshmen bring sweet harmonies to SRU Dec. 6

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. –The Four Freshmen, the legendary vocal harmony group that transcends bobby socks, rock-n-roll, disco or any other genre of the past 60 years, will bring the sweet sounds of “Graduation Day,” “It’s a Blue World” and several holiday classics to Slippery Rock University for a Dec. 6 performance in Miller Auditorium.

            Tickets are on sale now for the 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are also available for a pre-performance dinner at The University Club. Tickets for the dinner are separate from the performance.

            The group’s appearance, part of SRU’s 2008-2009 Performing Arts Series, will include a performance by the SRU Jazz Ensemble directed by Stephen Hawk, professor of music.

            Formed in 1948 and credited with inspiring The Beach Boys and Manhattans, the latest incantation of The Four Freshmen incorporates the group’s original hits as well as jazzy renditions of American classics such as “Route 66,” “Angel Eyes” and “Day In, Day Out.”

            “The voices are new, as are some of the songs, but the sound is the same trademark mix of tight harmonies and keen jazz,” said Deborah Baker, director of University special events. “You’ll find yourself traveling back to the era of crew cuts, fast cars and drive-ins during the nostalgic older songs and you’ll enjoy the group’s fresh take holiday songs.”

            The Four Freshman was formed in 1948 at Butler University. They have released more than 40 albums, 70 singles and have been nominated for six Grammy’s.

             Current members are Bob Ferreria, Brian Eichenberger, Curtis Calderon and Vince Johnson. Ferreira is the veteran of the group, having joined 16 years ago. Eichenberger joined in 1996 and is only the group’s third lead singer. Calderon was invited to join the group in 2001 after the Freshmen heard him performing at a jazz club in San Antonio. Johnson, who sings bass, joined in 1999.

            The Performing Arts Series will bring two other performances to campus. The music of Woody Guthrie, the folk legend who wrote “This Land is Your Land,” will be celebrated by Pastures of Plenty Feb. 6. The group pays tribute to Guthrie through music, dance and song.  Guthrie’s daughter Nora Guthrie produces the show.

            Dublin’s Traditional Irish Cabaret rounds out the series March 21 with a celebration of traditional Irish music, humor and dance. The performance stars Irish comedian Noel V. Ginnity and features vocalists, dancers and award-winning musicians. 

          The Four Freshmen tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for children and those 62 or older and $8 for students. For tickets call 724.738.2091. The pre-performance dinner is $24 per person. The meal includes shrimp rubbed with chipotle peppers and roasted garlic, roasted chicken jambone, Mediterranean salad and several desserts. To reserve dinner tickets call  724.738.2840.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.