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Presented by ����ɫ��ҹ University Foundation, Acorn Alley and Main Street Kent

Platinum-selling group O.A.R. has been added to the Sept. 8 Centennial Campaign Concert at ����ɫ��ҹ University, joining Grammy Award-winning artists Sheryl Crow and Los Lonely Boys. The three acts will perform at ����ɫ��ҹ’s Dix Stadium.

In addition, the ����ɫ��ҹ University Foundation has announced a partnership with local Kent business leaders to present the Centennial Campaign Concert. The concert has been organized to celebrate the successful end of the Centennial Campaign, which raised $265 million toward the completion of university capital projects and secured nearly 300 endowed scholarships for ����ɫ��ҹ students.

The festivities will begin with a tailgate event from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the stadium grounds featuring food and local vendors. The concert, the first at Dix Stadium in more than 20 years, kicks off at 6 p.m. with Los Lonely Boys, whose debut single “Heaven” earned them a 2005 Grammy for Best Pop Performance. Next up will be O.A.R., a band that has transformed itself from local Ohio State University bandmates to Billboard chartbusters with songs like “Shattered (Turn the Car Around)” and “Love and Memories.” Topping off the evening is singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, who has won nine Grammy Awards.

“The Centennial Campaign was an enormous success, and it was important to us to involve our donors, the community, students, faculty and staff in this milestone accomplishment,” says Gene Finn, vice president for institutional advancement at ����ɫ��ҹ and executive director of the ����ɫ��ҹ University Foundation. “We’re excited to announce O.A.R., a band that is very popular with our students, has been added to the concert. Also, our partnership with Acorn Alley and Main Street Kent is a perfect town-and-gown initiative.”
Michelle Hartman, vice president of RLB Phoenix Properties, which includes Acorn Alley, says, “We’re so excited to be a part of this event and bring visitors back to visit old favorites and new additions to downtown Kent. It is a great opportunity to show off downtown Kent and support scholarships.”

Heather Malarcik, the executive director of Main Street Kent, adds, “Our members are proud to be part of the celebration and to be part of the renaissance of downtown Kent.”

A portion of ticket sales for the Centennial Campaign Concert will benefit the Campaign for Change, a scholarship for ����ɫ��ҹ students. Tickets are available for the general public ($35 and $50) at . ����ɫ��ҹ student tickets ($20 and $30) can be purchased at the ����ɫ��ҹ Ticket Office in the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center with a valid ����ɫ��ҹ student ID.

From now through Sept. 4, all ����ɫ��ҹ University faculty, staff and alumni will have the opportunity to buy advance tickets at half price. See more information about the offer under the "News Briefs" section in today's e-Inside.

For complete concert information, visit www.kent.edu/advancement/centennialcampaignconcert.

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Photo Caption:
Platinum-selling group O.A.R. has been added to the Sept. 8 Centennial Campaign Concert at ����ɫ��ҹ University. O.A.R. will join Grammy Award-winning artists Sheryl Crow and Los Lonely Boys at ����ɫ��ҹ’s Dix Stadium. (Photo courtesy of Danny Clinch)

Media Contacts:
Valoree Vargo, ����ɫ��ҹ University, vvargo1@kent.edu, 330-672-8577
Michelle Hartman, Acorn Alley, mhartman43@aol.com, 330-815-4315
Heather Malarcik, Main Street Kent, Heather@mainstreetkent.org, 330-677-8000

����ɫ��ҹ the ����ɫ��ҹ University Foundation
Incorporated in 1965, the ����ɫ��ҹ University Foundation is a not-for-profit entity that receives gifts on behalf of the university, manages and invests those funds, and administers them in accordance with donor wishes.

While serving only ����ɫ��ҹ, the foundation is legally separate from it. Financial assets of the foundation will aid the university in ways we cannot even imagine today. The impact of these resources continues to grow over time. Private gifts enable ����ɫ��ҹ and its students to achieve levels of excellence not possible through state assistance alone. The foundation is governed by a Board of Directors who safeguards and manages its assets. Many are leaders in the business and professional community. All serve without compensation, contributing their time and expertise to ensure a bright future for ����ɫ��ҹ University.

For more information about the ����ɫ��ҹ University Foundation, visit www.kent.edu/advancement/ksufoundation.

����ɫ��ҹ Acorn Alley
Discover Acorn Alley in historic downtown Kent and you'll discover a renewed retail and dining experience where there is something for everyone, including locally owned shops and boutiques and a variety of cafes and fine dining, which all make for a fun and unique experience.

Visit Acorn Alley on Facebook at .

����ɫ��ҹ Main Street Kent
Main Street Kent is a non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization of downtown Kent. Supporting local business is the key to a healthy local economy, and Main Street Kent does all it can to bring people downtown to do just that.

For more information about Main Street Kent, visit .