It's still Rosemary's music fest

By Nick Clooney - Cincinnati Post, September 18, 2002

We're on a countdown. Ten days now.

It will be the fourth annual Rosemary Clooney Music Festival and the first without Rosemary. That makes this concert crucial, of course. On Saturday, September 28th, we will begin to answer the question everyone avoids asking: Can the festival that meant so much to Rosemary survive without her?

The signs so far, it must be said, are pretty good. At first there was hesitation because no one was sure what the plans might be after Rosemary's death in late June. When the announcement was made that the show would go on, support began to grow.

The family closed ranks. Nina and I will be there, of course, as we have been for each of them. Our son George has been able to clear his schedule — despite working on two film projects simultaneously — and will be here to introduce the "Down From the Mountain" country music stars who were so much a part of his hit movie, "Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou?". Our daughter Ada and her family will lend support.

Rosemary's son Miguel Ferrer, star of "Crossing Jordan," is doing his best to squeeze 24 hours out of his TV shooting schedule so he can introduce some brief videos honoring his mother. Rosemary's husband, Dante DiPaolo, is coming in and I will prevail on him to say a few words.

Our kid sister Gail will be there with her family. Maysville relatives, Cincinnati relatives, our extended family of friends who have sustained us for so many years — all will be on hand. I'm told ticket sales are brisk, but some are still available.

The wonderful Blue Wisp Big Band will play during dinner. Then we'll hear the hugely successful "Down From the Mountain" performers. This was a brilliant idea that was hatched by our son George and our nephew Miguel and then implemented by Rosemary's longtime manager Allen Sviridoff. All three thought it would be appropriate to salute Rosemary's country music connections.

Obviously, Kentucky was always a hotbed of country music. Our Grandmother Guilfoyle only understood that Rosemary was a major star when she appeared on "Grand Ole Opry." The Clooney Sisters' first important appearance on WLW radio, according to a scrapbook kept by the teenagers at the time, was on the "Midwestern Hayride."

More than that, so many of Rosemary's earliest hits had folk and country roots. The traditional "Beautiful Brown Eyes," Hank Williams' "Half As Much" and Stuart Hamblen's "This Ole House" were central to her success.

For this year's festival, the icing on the cake was the news that Alison Krauss would headline the "Down From the Mountain" segment. That would have made Rosemary very happy.

There are certain singers who, whatever musical genre they represent, have the ability to settle right in the center of a note and allow listeners to know precisely what the composer had in mind. Among women, opera star Dorothy Kirsten had the gift, so does pop singer Jo Stafford, so does country star Anne Murray, so did Karen Carpenter, so did Rosemary Clooney.

And so does Alison Krauss. It is a rare talent and the festival will provide a rare opportunity to hear it in person. By my count, Miss Krauss now has 11 Grammys. It is not nearly enough.

Festivities will begin Friday night, the 27th, with a free performance by the Van Dells at the outdoor main stage, Third and Market. Always great fun. Saturday there will be free music performances at several places, including the Opera House on Second Street, with excerpts from musicals all afternoon.

Those who can't buy tickets for the Saturday evening performance — all proceeds going to the "Rescue the Russell Theater" project, where the premiere for Rosemary's first film was held in 1953 — can bring lawn chairs and watch from Third or Market streets. There are big screens bringing the performances close to everyone.

It is shaping up to be a great night. We won't see Rosemary, but don't think for a moment she won't be there.

Whose festival is it, anyway?

By LISA DUNBAR - Staff Writer Maysville's Ledger Independent - September 17, 2002

While the dinner performance Saturday may be the highlight of the Rosemary Clooney Music Festival, there are also free opportunities to enjoy great music Sept. 27 and 28.

Rock and roll music review The Van-Dells will kick off the weekend on Friday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. The Van-Dells have been together for more than 20 years recreating 1950s and 1960s era music.

The Van-Dells have performed with rock and roll greats such as Chuck Berry, Chubby Checker and Jerry Lee Lewis.

They have also performed with country music stars Alan Jackson, Colin Ray, Lee Greenwood and Wynonna.

The group has appeared at Harrah's Casino in Reno, the Four Queens and the Rivera in Las Vegas, among many other places.

Tables and chairs will be set up on Third Street near the stage which is at the intersection of Third and Market streets. The Knights of Columbus will have food for sale. And the Outgoing Working Ladies Club will serve dessert.

The Van-Dells are sponsored by the city of Maysville and the Maysville-Mason County Arts Commission.

Events on Saturday begin with Picnic in the Parking Lot sponsored by the Maysville Players at the Washington Opera House in Maysville from 11:30 to 3 p.m.

There will be an outdoor pig roast and various musical performances including the Limestone Choral at 2 p.m. Tours of the historic theater will be available.

The Mason County High School Orchestra will perform piano and string selections at the High School Auditorium on East Second Street at noon. Local favorite Woody Wood's Big Band will perform at the Second Street Mall at 3 p.m.

"A Tribute to Rosemary" Saturday evening will begin with the Blue Wisp Big Band during dinner at 6:30 p.m. Performances by "Down From the Mountain" tour performers Alison Krauss, The Whites and The Peasall Sisters begins at 8 p.m.

The show will be emceed by Nick Clooney and will include cherished film clips of the Girl Singer. Others scheduled to appear include Rosemary Clooney's son Miguel Ferrer and nephew George Clooney.

Tickets are still available for the dinner and performance.

Order forms may be downloaded at www.cityofmaysville.com or www.rosemaryclooney.com.

Tickets for Saturday evening's show and dinner are on sale now and, as in the past, are by table or individual with either butler-served dinners or dinner baskets.

A $1,500 table includes 10 butler-served dinners. A $750 table includes 10 "Rosie" dinner baskets. Single butler-served dinner tickets are $150, and a single "Rosie" dinner basket ticket is $75.

For more information, call Duff Giffen at 564-9419, extension 322.

Maysville's Ledger Independent - September 14, 2002

In about a week, hard evidence of work that has been going on behind the scenes for almost a year will become apparent.

That's when workers will begin transforming the area at the corner of Third and Market streets into an outdoor restaurant and cabaret for the fourth annual Rosemary Clooney Festival.

Following Rosemary's death in June, the fate of the festival was in doubt. Without its star, could the show possibly go on?

The answer was a resounding yes as the Clooney family and colleagues worked together to provide a star-studded evening of entertainment for the annual event, even without its brightest star.

The festival will take on a decidedly different air than past years with some of the hottest performers in the world of bluegrass music scheduled to perform including Alison Krauss, one of today's most honored recording artist in the genre.

Others on the program include The Whites and The Peasall Sisters who, along with Krauss, are part of the "Down From the Mountain" Tour which was inspired by the George Clooney movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" The evening will be a tribute to Rosemary Clooney's Kentucky roots which were so obviously important to the Maysville native. Clips of the Girl Singer will be shown.

The bluegrass music coupled with local talent on the slate for the weekend, a free Friday night concert by the Van Dells and pre-dinner entertainment Saturday from the Blue Wisp Big Band, those attending the festival will find something for almost every musical taste. That, organizers said, makes the celebration a true music festival as it was originally envisioned.

The Clooney family has not only stepped forward to help organize the event but will also take an active part in the evening with brother Nick Clooney serving as emcee and son Miguel Ferrer and nephew George Clooney scheduled to appear.

Maysville city officials may have been a little apprehensive planning the event with such a change in musical styles headlining the event. Those fears have been soothed in recent weeks as the public responded positively to the lineup of stars.

Tickets for the event, by table or individually, are still available through the city but are sure to sell out soon. We urge those who want a top notch evening of entertainment under the star and with the stars to call 564-9419, ext. 322.

By LISA DUNBAR - Staff Writer, Maysville's Ledger Independent
September 9, 2002

Grammy award-winning bluegrass artist Alison Krauss will headline the fourth-annual Rosemary Clooney Music Festival Sept. 29.

Other artists from the "Down from the Mountain" tour, including The Peasall Sisters and The Whites, will also perform at the festival, officials learned Saturday.

Although it was announced in mid-August that performers from the tour were scheduled for the festival, Renaissance Coordinator Duff Giffen just learned who the specific performers will be.

The nationally successful "Down from the Mountain" tour is an off-shoot of the Grammy Award-winning soundtrack to "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" starring George Clooney.

These musical performances will pay tribute to Rosemary's Kentucky roots and the origins of bluegrass music.

"We said all along we wanted this to be a music festival," said Giffen. "That's why it's not called the jazz festival or big band festival."

In fact, there will be something for everyone during the weekend. There will be rock and roll with the Van-Dells during Friday evening's free concert, big band music with the Blue Wisp Big Band during dinner on Saturday and bluegrass with the "Down from the Mountain" artists to wrap up the festival.

Krauss received her first Grammy nominations at the age of 18 and won her first Grammy just two years later. She's recorded eight albums including the double platinum "Now That I've Found You: A Collection."

Like Krauss, The Whites - father Buck and daughters Sharon and Cheryl - are no newcomers. They've been playing music together for almost 30 years. They've had a number of top-20 country music hits and are long-time members of the Grand Ole Opry.

Although they've been singing together since they were babies, the success of the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack has jump-started the career of The Peasall Sisters. In addition to touring with "Down from the Mountain," Sarah, 13, Hannah, 10, and Leah, 8 have performed at many venues including OpryFest and the opening of the Nashville Independent Film Festival.

Rosemary Clooney's son Miguel Ferrer and nephew George Clooney have worked to bring these acclaimed performers to Maysville. Ferrer is planning to attend the festival, said Giffen.

The evening will also include a tribute to Rosemary Clooney with treasured film clips and memories shared by host Nick Clooney.

The Rosemary Clooney Festival was initiated to preserve and restore the Russell Theater where Clooney's first movie, "The Stars are Singing," premiered in 1953.

The festival venue is on Third Street in front of the Russell Theater in the heart of Maysville's historic district.

Tickets are available only through the city of Maysville. Order forms may be downloaded at www.cityofmaysville.com or www.rosemaryclooney.com.

Tickets for Saturday evening's show and dinner are on sale now and, as in the past, are by table or individual with either butler-served dinners or dinner baskets.

A $1,500 table includes 10 butler-served dinners. A $750 table includes 10 "Rosie" dinner baskets. Single butler-served dinner tickets are $150, and a single "Rosie" dinner basket ticket is $75.

For more information, call Giffen at 564-9419, extension 322.

A new generation Rosemary Clooney festival is taking shape

By LISA DUNBAR - Staff Writer, Maysville's Ledger Independent
August 16, 2002

Rosemary Clooney's manager Allen Sviridoff announced Thursday that members of the "Down from the Mountain" tour will perform at this year's Rosemary Clooney Festival Sept. 28.

The nationally successful "Down from the Mountain" tour is an off-shoot of the Grammy Award-winning soundtrack to "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" starring George Clooney.

These musical performances will pay tribute to Rosemary's Kentucky roots and the origins of bluegrass music.

A list of specific performers will be released in the coming days, said Sviridoff.

"I think it's wonderful," said Mayor David Cartmell. "I know it's a different style of music, but it's a style that's very popular here."

And for those who love Rosemary's style of music, the Blue Wisp Big Band will perform again this year during dinner.

Rosemary Clooney's son, Miguel Ferrer and nephew, George Clooney have worked to bring the performers to Maysville and the city is very grateful, said Cartmell.

"They're family and we're family too -- the town is," he said. "I hope they'll all participate and all come back."

The evening will also include a tribute to Rosemary Clooney with treasured film clips and memories shared by host Nick Clooney.

"I think it will be a great tribute to a great lady," said Cartmell. "I'm hopeful that it's going to be the greatest (festival) we've done yet. Her fans all want to have a bit of memory of her."

Rosemary Clooney was still planning to be at this year's festival just days prior to her June 29 death in Beverly Hills. The 4-year-old festival is to be a celebration of her life and her Kentucky roots.

The Rosemary Clooney Festival was initiated to preserve and restore the Russell Theater where Clooney's first movie, "The Stars are Singing," premiered in 1953.

The Russell Theater was built in 1930 by Col. J. Barbour Russell at a price tag of $125,000, and the first movie ever shown there was "Whoopee" starring Eddie Cantor.

The theater was leased and sub-leased for several years acting as a hamburger stand, video arcade, flower shop, used clothing business and paper filler making business.

The East Third Street theater has been closed since 1983 and was purchased by the Rescue the Russell group in 1996.

Since last year's festival, the theater's marquee has been restored and about twice as many commemorative bricks have been installed on the sidewalk in front of the building.

In addition, the new historical lighting is in on Third Street and the overhead utilities will have been removed by the time the festival rolls around.

The festival will really showcase the Renaissance improvements, said Duff Giffen, Renaissance coordinator.

The city is also lining up downtown daytime entertainment for the festival, and the Van-Dells have been booked for Friday night's free street party with a sidewalk cook out, said Giffen.

Tickets for Saturday evening's show and dinner are on sale now and, as in the past, are by table or individual with either butler-served dinners or dinner baskets.

A $1,500 table includes 10 butler-served dinners. A $750 table includes 10 "Rosie" dinner baskets. Single butler-served dinner tickets are $150, and a single "Rosie" dinner basket ticket is $75.

For more information, call Giffen at 564-9419, extension 322.

Clooney family honoring Rosemary's legacy with work for festival's future

Maysville's Ledger Independent
August 17, 2002

Thanks to the efforts of Miguel Ferrer and George Clooney, performers from the "Down from the Mountain" tour will appear at this year's annual Rosemary Clooney Music Festival. Nick Clooney will serve as master of ceremonies for the evening next month.

It seems fitting that Rosemary Clooney's son, brother and nephew have taken up the gauntlet for Maysville's annual music festival named in honor of the late singer.

Two things were paramount in Clooney's personal life -- her family and her hometown. Her loyalty to both were almost legendary, certainly in this area, and that may have played a large part in the family's decision to continue their support of the event.

The music may be a departure from the usual entertainment the festival offers, but it is more than appropriate this year. Clooney was a proud Kentuckian, and the bluegrass music genre the "Down from the Mountain" tour reflects is a tribute to her roots in our state. The Blue Wisp Big Band, also on the program, is a reflection of "The Girl Singer's" stature in the world of jazz.

Even after a months-long battle with lung cancer, Clooney still planned to attend this year's festival up until the time of her death June 29. Her determination to see the event through, even as she dealt with her illness, is a testament to her love for this area.

Her family's commitment to the event is a testament to its love for her. It's a commitment we believe is well-placed and one family members will be glad they made.

We send out our sincere thanks to the Clooney family for keeping our community an important part of the Clooney legacy.