COUNTRY ARTIST KELLIE PICKLER
to HEADLINE 2015 EVENING OF STARS
Critically acclaimed country music singer, songwriter Kellie Pickler will headline the 22nd American Red Cross Evening of Stars April 15. The Evening of Stars is the largest fundraiser to support local American Red Cross services, such as blood donation, disaster assistance and military family support. The event is at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 15 at the Marriott in Uptown Normal.
Kellie Pickler grew up immersed in country music in the small town of Albemarle, North Carolina, and at the age of 19, she gained fame as a contestant on the fifth season of “American Idol.” Since her debut album release in 2006, Pickler has gone on to record four critically acclaimed albums – 2011’s release 100 Proof named the No. 1 Country Album of The Year by Rolling Stone, released several hit singles, and established herself as not only a powerful vocalist but also a songwriter. In spring of 2013, Pickler partnered with dance coach Derek Hough and won the Mirror Ball Trophy on “Dancing with the Stars.”
Throughout her career she’s remained true to herself and her small town roots.
“I really do think that music heals,” says Pickler. “It has healed me in so many ways and I want to write about it. I don’t know how to write about something that’s not real. My life is a country song.”
She’ll bring that talent, hard work and genuine spirit to Bloomington-Normal on April 15 when she’ll put on a musical performance and interact with the audience.
“We are thrilled to bring Kellie Pickler to Bloomington-Normal to support American Red Cross services,” said Kim and Colleen Kannaday, co-chairs of the 2015 Evening of Stars. “Her genuine spirit and sense of giving back to the community is something we feel Central Illinois can really relate to.” Colleen is President of Advocate BroMenn Medical Center and Kim is a stay at home Dad and the proud father of two children ages 9 and 16.
EVENING OF STARS INFORMATION
DATE: 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2015
LOCATION: Marriott Hotel, Uptown Normal
TICKETS: $150 each. Public tickets will go on sale in mid-February. Call the American Red Cross of the Heartland at 662-0500 to hold tickets.
SPECIAL TICKETS: Enjoy the Red Carpet Experience – for $500, receive two tickets to both Evening of Stars and the special Sponsor Reception held just prior to the event.
PAST EVENING OF STARS SPEAKERS
1994 Charles Kuralt
1995 Art Buchwald
1996 Tony Randall
1997 Regis Philbin
1998 Mike Farrell
1999 Sen. Robert Dole
2000 Capt. James Lovell
2001 Capt. Scott O’Grady
2002 Cokie Roberts
2003 Dick Vitale
2004 Lynn Redgrave
2005 Bob Costas
2006 Peyton Manning
2007 Chris Gardner
2008 Mike Ditka
2009 Mike Krzyzewski
2010 Cal Ripken, Jr.
2011 Nando Parrado
2012 Joe Buck
2013 Amy Grant
2014 Nik Wallenda
