FUNday Pops Concert on  Holloway Hall Lawn 

SALISBURY, MD -- Salisbury State University’s 75th birthday party, FUNday (a Festival for University Neighbors) on Saturday, September 23, culminates with a pops concert in front of Holloway Hall featuring three of the region’s most popular musical groups. Strictly casual, bring lawn chairs and blankets for an evening under the stars.

Festivities begin at 7 p.m. with the joyful sound of the Nichols Sisters and Family. Originally from Mardela Springs, these gospel singers appeared on campus last year as part of "A Tribute to African American Women Writers," in a rousing and moving performance. Self-described as old school where music and words are both important, they pick songs with vivid imagery which will appeal to all ages, according to Sarah Tuston, one of the original sisters. The Nichols Sisters and Family have performed throughout the mid-Atlantic.

Following them is SSU alum Randy Lee Ashcraft, popular in another musical realm. In 1998 Ashcraft was the first country act in the history of the Independent Music World Series to make it to the finals in Philadelphia. He and his band went on to win. There were also winners of the True Value/Jimmy Dean Country Showdown in ‘97-98, the largest talent contest in the world, held at Universal Studios, Orlando, FL. He has opened for several national acts including Allison Kraus, George Jones and Lonestar.

After Ashcraft comes a joyous rendition of "Happy Birthday, SSU," led by President Janet Dudley-Eshbach. Then, the Eastern Shore’s largest symphonic orchestra, the Salisbury Symphony, ends the evening with selections by John Williams including his rousing Star Wars theme with special lighting produced by the University’s Events Services.

Also in this half, Ashcraft will return to the stage with the SSO for "Music of the Night," part of a medley from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera.

The concert culminates an event-filled day which starts that morning with some 100 different activities. Most are interactive and fun-filled, with something for all ages. Food and refreshments will also be available.

All FUNday events are free. For more information, see the SSU website at www.salisbury.edu, check the Wednesday, September 20, special tabloid in the Salisbury Daily Times or call the SSU Public Relations Office at 410-543-6030.