Bruce Hornsby Highlights in Free Four-Concert Series at April Market

Furniture World Magazine

The International Home Furnishings Market Authority announced that there will be a dynamic lineup of free entertainment at the April Market, starting with three-time Grammy winner Bruce Hornsby performing on April 27. Performances scheduled for the subsequent three evenings include The Cookie Band, The Carter Brothers and Delbert McClinton. Doors will open at 7 pm rain or shine in a tented pavilion in front of Showplace at 211 East Commerce Avenue with performers taking the stage at 7:30 pm. The concert, including free food and beverages, is open to all attendees with an official Market Pass. Market shuttle service hours will be extended for the convenience of concert goers traveling from the transportation terminal to outlying parking lots and the hotels served by the shuttles. “Our objective is to showcase artists renowned for their eclectic range of musical styles. We want to simply entertain our market visitors, no matter what their musical preferences, and help them enjoy the beauty of a North Carolina spring evening.” IHFMA President Judy Mendenhall said. Bruce Hornsby, American singer, virtuoso pianist, accordion player and songwriter has sold more than 10 million records since his platinum debut in 1986 and draws from a wide array of influences including jazz, pop, classical, bluegrass and rock. He is best known for his 1980’s signature song, “The Way It Is,” and the top five hits “Mandolin Rain” and “The Valley Road.” Hornsby appeared on stage with The Grateful Dead over 100 times between 1988 and 1995 and in 1989 he co-wrote and played piano on Don Henley’s big hit “The End of the Innocence.” Slated to perform on April 28, the Charlotte, NC-based Cookie Band is an unforgettable dance band distinguished by their high energy funk style. Playing covers from a diverse array of artists, their powerfully presented sets include songs from the 70’s icons like Stevie Wonder, The Commodores and Marvin Gaye. Their extensive 80’s and 90’s play list includes tunes by the likes of Robert Palmer, Prince, Smashmouth, Dave Matthews Band and Usher. The Carter Brothers, a Nashville band whose members hail from the Piedmont Triad, will be featured on April 29. The Carter Brothers are recognized internationally for their electric/acoustic, folk/rock/bluegrass/blues sounds that blend drums and bass with Appalachian folk instruments like mandolin and harmonica to provide a distinctive signature that resonates with listeners from around the globe. These local prodigies have appeared at the Grand Ole Opry and the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Their overseas touring includes many performances in the United Kingdom with extensive showcasing in Ireland. The last concert on April 30 will showcase the venerable Delbert McClinton. A legend among Texas roots music aficionados, McClinton is revered not only for his amazing longevity, but also for his ability to combine country, blues, soul and rock and roll as if there was no distinction between them. His early career included gigs with blues and R&B legends like Howlin’ Wolf, Jimmy Reed and Bobby “Blue” Bland. His songwriting talent has provided material for stars like Wynonna, Vince Gill and Martina McBride. One of his most notable album performances in the 90’s was with Bonnie Raitt in a duet on her Luck of the Draw album in “Good Man, Good Woman,” for which he won a Grammy. In 2001 he won another Grammy for his contemporary blues album, Nothing Personal.