07/29/11 - StarNight headliner changes from Loggins to Rogers

                                    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 27, 2011
Contact: Jan Hollingsworth
jan.hollingsworth@siskin.org
423.648.1730, office

Did We Say Kenny Loggins? We Meant Kenny Rogers!
Siskin Children’s Institute announces StarNight headliner change for annual fundraiser

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Flexibility is the name of the game this week at Siskin Children’s Institute as StarNight planners mobilized to sign a new headliner for the organization’s largest annual fundraiser just 17 days before the event.

In May, the Institute announced Kenny Loggins as this summer’s StarNight headliner. The Institute received word this week that a significant medical issue has forced Loggins to cancel his late summer and early fall tour dates, including his Aug. 13 performance on the StarNight stage.  

“Within a few hours of hearing from Loggins, our staff and StarNight volunteers had a short list of possible alternate entertainers,” said Jerry Jensen, president and CEO of the Institute. “This event supports the kids with special needs and their families whom we serve, so the show must go on. Within 48 hours, we had a signed contract from a first-class performer.”

The Institute is pleased to announce that Kenny Rogers, a StarNight veteran who headlined the 2004 event, will make a Chattanooga stop in his busy summer concert schedule between gigs in Quebec and South Dakota.

“We are thrilled that Kenny has agreed to come south for our event,” said Kim White, StarNight co-chair. “He remembered performing for StarNight in 2004 and was happy to return on short notice.”

Rogers is known for his instantly identifiable and endearingly raspy vocals and for his songs that tell a poignant story as they pull at a listener’s heartstrings. His long list of timeless classics includes an impressive 24 #1 hits like "The Gambler," "Lady," "Lucille," "She Believes in Me," "Islands in the Stream," and "We've Got Tonight."

During his storied 52 years in the entertainment business, Rogers has recorded more than 65 albums. He is the Recording Industry Association of America’s eighth best-selling male artist of all time with one Diamond album, 19 Platinum albums and 31 Gold albums. He is a performer with universal and timeless appeal and has continued his amazing run into the 21st century with his critically acclaimed 2006 Water and Bridges album that produced the hit single "I Can't Unlove You” and this year’s inspirational gospel album The Love of God.

“Kenny Rogers is a phenomenal singer, songwriter, musician and performer who really makes a connection with his audience,” said Jensen. “He will put on an incredible show.”

“We sincerely hope those who have purchased tickets will rally behind us after this unavoidable eleventh-hour headliner change,” said White. “StarNight is a highly anticipated annual event that promises a great night of fun and entertainment and supports an incredible cause. And that’s exactly what guests will get.” White said the Institute will offer a ticket reimbursement for those desiring one.

StarNight, now in its 49^th year, benefits children with special needs and their families who are served by the Institute through its four areas of focus: education, outreach, developmental behavioral pediatric health care and research.

StarNight 2011 opens with a cocktail reception, beginning at 6 p.m., and a formal dinner followed by Roger’s performance packed with down home country and pop favorites. An after-party with dancing and live DJ rounds out the night.

Guests can attend the full black-tie gala, including cocktail reception, dinner, dessert, musical performance and the after-party, for $250 per person. Eight-person tables start at $2,000. The $100 per person Star Attraction option invites guests to arrive at 8:45 p.m. to enjoy Roger’s performance and the after-party. For tickets, visit www.siskin.org/starnight or call 423.648.1707.

ABOUT SISKIN CHILDREN’S INSTITUTE
Siskin Children's Institute makes life better for children with special needs and their families. Founded in 1950, the non-profit organization achieves its mission locally and nationally through four initiatives: education, outreach, health care and research. The Institute provides early childhood education where children with and without disabilities learn together; family support and professional development programs; developmental behavioral pediatric health care; and innovative research in early childhood development and special education. For more information about Siskin Children's Institute, visit www.siskin.org.