August 7, 2003

For Immediate Release
For more information contact:
Joanne H. Wzontek
Development & Public Relations Director
(319) 273-3680

Ray Charles Performance Cancelled at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Motown Legend Smokey Robinson set to Perform

Due to acute hip discomfort, now being aggressively treated in Los Angeles, 13-time Grammy Award winner and music legend, Ray Charles, has decided to cancel his remaining tour dates for 2003 including his appearance at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center set for Saturday, September 6th. Mr. Charles, who turns 73 on September 30, has not missed a tour in 53 consecutive years of concert travels. “It breaks my heart to withdraw from these shows,” he says. “All my life, I’ve been touring and performing. It’s what I do. But the doctors insist I stay put and mend for awhile, so I’ll heed their advice.”

“We’re obviously very disappointed at this turn of events,” said GBPAC Executive Director Steve Carignan. “but no one could have anticipated this when we originally booked his performance last year. We wish Mr. Charles a speedy recovery and hope to bring him to the Center as soon as he’s back on tour. We’re very fortunate to have confirmed Motown legend Smokey Robinson to replace Ray Charles on the same performance date – Saturday, September 6th.” Performance time for Smokey Robinson’s performance remains the same at 8:00p.m. All those who had previously purchased tickets for Ray Charles may call the GBPAC box office to arrange to exchange their tickets, receive a gift certificate for future use, or to request a refund.

Robinson is synonymous with Motown and its’ rise to prominence in the recording industry. He served as writer and producer of many of Motown’s most popular hits including such classics as “The Way You Do the Thing You Do,” “Ooo Baby Baby,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” and “I Second That Emotion.” Bob Dylan once said that Smokey Robinson was “America’s greatest living poet.” Robinson is considered by many to have one of pop music’s most sophisticated voices.

Ticket holders for Ray Charles are asked to contact the Gallagher-Bluedorn ticket office at (319) 273-SHOW (7469) or 1-877-549-7469 with any questions or to exchange their tickets. The GBPAC ticket office hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays.