Press Releases

August 12, 1997
James Taylor Draws A Sellout Crowd to Annual All For The Sea Concert

Photographs (by Gary Mamay and Tapp Francke)

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

Southampton, NY -- Singer-songwriter James Taylor delighted a sellout crowd of 8,200 at Long Island University's Southampton College July 28. The annual All For The Sea concert set several records including largest overall attendance, largest VIP and alumni attendance, and largest net proceeds -- in excess of $400,000 for student scholarships.

The outdoor concert, the seventh All For The Sea concert in the past six years, supports Marine and Environmental Science scholarships.

Taylor's show, part of his 35-city Summer '97 Hourglass Tour, marked the second consecutive year that All For The Sea drew a sellout crowd. In 1996, Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band brought a crowd of 8,000.

Buffett attended this yearıs concert, and thrilled the audience when he joined Taylor on-stage to perform "Mexico," one of several encores.

More than 1,000 people attended the concert as VIP guests for a pre-concert party in a giant tent on the concert grounds featuring complimentary food and beverages donated by the East Endıs finest caterers and restaurants. In addition to Jimmy Buffett and his wife Jane, who co-chaired the benefit with Ellin Delsener and Laura and Robert F.X. Sillerman, other celebrities who joined the party included actress Kelly Lynch and actor Michael Nouri.

"We are grateful that an artist like James Taylor, who has a great reputation as an environmentalist, chose to perform at Southampton College," said Provost Tim Bishop. "With two soldout concerts in a row, it's clear that the All For The Sea benefit has come of age. We would like to thank the many people in the College and community who worked to make the event such a success. "

On-stage in his trademark wire-rimmed glasses, Taylor told the crowd: "Thank you for supporting the Marine Studies Program at Southampton College. It's the best in the land... and on the sea." One of Taylor's encore songs, "Gaia," which he described as "an environmental hymn," was performed a cappella with his band members.

A self-described "folksinger in the electronic age," Taylor treated fans to his 25-year catalogue of classics, including "Carolina in My Mind," "Youıve Got A Friend," and "Fire and Rain." He concluded the evening alone on-stage singing "Sweet Baby James."

An East End summer tradition since 1992, the All For The Sea concerts have raised more than 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 27 Fulbright Scholars in the last 22 years.

Like Jimmy Buffett, last summerıs sold-out concert artist, James Taylor has taken a special interest in environmental issues. 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.

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