One of America’s most enduring singer-songwriters, Don McLean, will make a rare concert appearance at the West Virginia University Creative Arts Center on Saturday, June 8. Showtime is set for 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center box offices, online at ticketmaster.com, or by calling 304-293-SHOW and 800-745-3000.

Since first hitting the charts in 1971, Don McLean has amassed more than 40 gold and platinum records worldwide. His unique brand of folk rock has earned him both critical and commercial success. His songs have been recorded by artists from every musical genre, most notably Madonna’s No. 1 recording of “American Pie” in 2000 and George Michael’s version of “The Grave” in 2003, sung in protest of the Iraq War.

McLean’s journey to become one of folk music’s biggest names began in New York City clubs in the ‘60s. His break came in 1970, when Perry Como covered his song “And I Love You So.” McLean’s transition to international stardom began in 1971 with his iconic “American Pie,” inspired by the death of Buddy Holly. The song was recently voted No. 5 in the “365 Songs of the Century” compiled by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts. McLean’s success continued with “Crying,” “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” and “Castles in the Air,” forever sealing his legacy as one of America’s premier singer-songwriters.

McLean was inducted into Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 2004 and in 2012 was the subject of the documentary “American Troubadour,” produced by multi-Emmy award-winning film director Jim Brown.

Showtime is set for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. Tickets range from $40 to $55, depending on seat location. WVU students may purchase discounted tickets at the campus box offices (one discounted ticket per valid WVU ID). Tickets are may be purchased at the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center box offices, online at ticketmaster.com, or by calling 304-293-SHOW and 800-745-3000.

McLean’s concert is part of the University Arts Series, produced by WVU Arts & Entertainment. For additional event information, call 304-293-SHOW, or visit events.wvu.edu. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/wvuevents and follow us on Twitter at @wvuevents for the most up-to-date show information.

-WVU-

dr/05/06/13

CONTACT: David Ryan, WVU Arts and Entertainment
304-293-8222, David.Ryan@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.