Miller Music Fest

Musicians Billy McLaughlin, Jeff Arundel and Tom Lieberman headline the 2011 Miller Music Fest, Friday, May 6th at 7:00pm in the Washburn High School Auditorium.

All Millers and friends should mark their calendars for what will surely go down as a fun-filled evening of great food, fellowship and a performance from three of the all-time greatest musicians to ever walk through the doors of Washburn High School.

On Friday, May 6th, the Washburn High School Foundation will present the 2nd Annual Miller Music Fest with internationally recognized, world-class guitarist and inspirational performer Billy McLaughlin ’80, nationally acclaimed singer songwriter and international producer Jeff Arundel ’75, and Minnesota music legend from Rio Nido, Sweet Land and A Prairie Home Companion Tom Lieberman ’75, all Washburn High School Alums.

The evening will begin at 7:00p in the auditorium at Washburn High School located at 201 W. 49th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55419.

For over three decades these three music, and Washburn, legends have been a force in the music and entertainment industries. The staying power of their music and their performances continue to shine as they can be seen throughout the world.

McLaughlin has 14 CD releases, 5 Minnesota Music Awards and his decades of national concert touring earned him the Hall of Fame Achievement Award from the National Association of Campus Activities in addition to appearing in Billboard’s Top Ten.

Arundel grew up in Minneapolis in a curvy, tree-lined neighborhood called “Tangletown”. He began recording his music in 1988 with Dale Goulett, lead singer of the famed Minneapolis pop ensemble “Limited Warranty”. Six studio albums, various awards including the Minnesota Music Award, The NAIRD album of the year finalist award, two prestigious Cities97 samplers, national and international radio play, and then a whole music directing and producing evolution – Arundel has worked in a career that has taken him around the world, but he always find his way back to Minneapolis.

Lieberman began his own neo-vaudevillian odyssey at the age of 16 as a performing songwriter at the Coffeehouse Extempore on the fabled Minneapolis West Bank. By 18 he was touring professionally, and was the youngest to have appeared in solo at the Walker Art Center. From ’76-’86 he was a regular contributor to Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion”. Since the early 1980’s Lieberman has worked as a writer, composer, producer and director for radio, television, stage and screen.

Today, they stand not only as talented and successful musicians, but as artists determined to continue their success into the future.

Recognizing the importance of a balanced educational and experiential program, the Miller Music Fest aims to bring local artists from across the wide spectrum of disciplines to share their talents with our community to serve as inspiration for our children and connect artists back to the roots of our community. By brining successful artists who support public education into an urban setting we hope to raise awareness about the arts and create a stronger Washburn community.

2011 Miller Music FestWashburn alum, current Board member, and future Washburn parent Jeremy Graff ’93, is looking forward to this spectacular night of musical entertainment and fellowship for the entire community, alumni, students and parents. According to Graff, “to bring the community together to showcase the school’s past and future talents symbolizes Washburn’s return to excellence in music and the arts and this event should not be missed.”

Foundation Executive Director, Jeffrey Prottas, says “being able to host former Millers’ like Billy, Jeff and Tom, is unique, and the opportunity for them to give back to the current Miller community is a testament to the impact that Washburn has in the lives of its students, present and past. To hear their music reverberate from within the halls of Washburn is a tremendous once in a lifetime experience.”

Current Washburn parent Steph Smith says “this is the kind of WOW event that can re-energize our neighborhood. Having tremendous talent like these three great Washburn alums is great in the first place, but to have them at Washburn is even better for the school and better for the community. For my children to be able to say saw these internationally known performers at their school, Washburn, makes the experience even more memorable…”

For more information or to purchase tickets please visit the Foundation website at www.washburnconnections.org. You can also email the Foundation at info@washburnconnections.org. Student tickets are $10; general admission tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door; VIP tickets are $100 and include a reserved seat and opportunity to meet the musicians.

Corporate Sponsorships are available by calling 612.668.3483 or by email at jprottas@washburnconnections.org.