Press Releases

May 8, 1997
James Taylor In Concert July 28 at Southampton Graduate Campus

Contact: Jane Finalborgo, Joe Dionisio
(516) 287 8313
Fax: (516) 283 4081

James Taylor, the quintessential singer/songwriter whose poetic lyrics and soulful tunes have entertained followers for more than two decades, will perform in this summer's annual All For The Sea benefit concert at Southampton Graduate Campus of Long Island University on Monday, July 28 at 7 p.m. The outdoor concert is part of James Taylor's 35-city Summer 97 Hourglass Tour.

General admission tickets at $35 on a cash-only basis go on sale Thursday, May 15 at 10 a.m. at:

• Long Island Sound in Southampton (283-6683) and East Hampton (324-2660);
• The Westhampton Beach Music Experience (288-4385);
• the College Bursar's office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. (287-8333); and
• through Ticketmaster, 516-888-9000 or 212-307-7171.

For information call the Concert Hotline at 516-287-8100.

A limited number of VIP tickets at benefit prices will provide reserved seating and parking. For VIP tickets or to advertise in the souvenir journal, call 287-8348. VIPs are admitted to a private pre-concert party in a tent adjacent to the stage where guests may enjoy food, wines and beer from the finest restaurants and caterers on the East End. A special alumni ticket package is also available.

James Taylorıs career has spanned 25 years beginning with classic songs like "Carolina in My Mind," "Sweet Baby James," and "Fire and Rain," and continuing today with his new album Hourglass set for release May 20. A gifted musical craftsman, he has been called an "exceptional creator of fine melodies and quiet insights." His first solo album, produced in 1968 by Peter Asher, was the first outside act signed to The Beatles' Apple Records label. In 1972 he won the Grammy award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for his recording of Carole King's "You've Got A Friend," and his 1976 "Greatest Hits" album went platinum 11 times.

A self-styled "folksinger in the electronic age," Taylor writes music for the joy of it and appeals to a following that transcends generations. The personal hardships he has overcome are often reflected in his music, a blend of blues, folk, jazz and classic rock.

An East End summer tradition since 1992, the All For The Sea concerts have raised nearly three quarters of a million dollars for Marine Science scholarships at the College. The Marine and Environmental Sciences programs at the college are nationally known for their excellence and have produced 26 Fulbright Scholars in the last 22 years.

Like Jimmy Buffett, last summer's sold-out concert artist, James Taylor has taken a special interest in environmental issues. "Gaia," from his new album, is a paean to environmental awareness, and Taylor has supported and appeared in the annual concert to benefit the Rainforest Foundation since its inception. He also sits on the board of the National Resources Defense Council, for whom he has performed.

"James Taylor continues the All For The Sea tradition of superstar talent to benefit the environment and entertain our neighbors," said Robert F.X. Sillerman, Chancellor of Southampton Graduate Campus and co-chairman of the benefit committee with his wife Laura Baudo Sillerman, Jane Buffett and Ellin Delsener.

All tickets are advance purchase only, and none will be sold at the gate. Alcoholic beverages and coolers, cans, bottles and recording devices are prohibited. Food and beverages will be sold, and concert-goers should bring a blanket or beach chair. The gate opens at 5 p.m., for a 7 p.m. concert start.