Photo courtesy of @just_a_spectator
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Street Art For Mankind dedicates murals today in New Rochelle, N.Y.
New Rochelle, N.Y. – The City of New
Rochelle, along with the New Rochelle Council on the Arts revealed spectacular
– and huge – murals curated by Street Art for Mankind (SAM) today in a ceremony
taking place at Southside Plaza (134 North Avenue, New Rochelle).
The 60-foot tall artistic murals reflect the unique creativity, diversity, and
forward-thinking of the New Rochelle community. Two of the murals already done
and available for viewing are of New Rochelle born hitmaker Don McLean
and New York state Icon Alicia
Keys, both are the only music artists honored with murals and
were created by Miami-based street artist Loic Ercolessi.
“I am thrilled and honored that New Rochelle has selected me to represent them
for artistic creativity,” says Songwriter Hall of Fame member Don McLean. “I
love the community, in which, I was raised and return every chance I get.”
During the month of October, prominent street artists from all around the world
came to downtown New Rochelle to create the first in a series of eight murals.
With their unique artistic talent and sensitivity, they will color NRNY walls
to pay a tribute to the history and values that shape this community, creating
a flavorful modern-day melting pot.
“The NRNY murals are big, bold, creative and fun. Diverse in style yet
complementary, all together they testify of the unique personality of New
Rochelle,” commented Audrey and Thibault Decker, cofounders of SAM.
In addition, other themes illustrated will be:
• Artistic Creativity – already announced as McLean and Keys
• Gender Equality (tribute to local suffragettes and the centennial in 2020 of
US women’s right to vote
• Harmony between urban life and nature
• New Rochelle’s NYC vibe
• Cultural Diversity that unites New Rochelleans
• Sustainability efforts made by the city
• People Connecting in a world where social media and technology are
omnipresent
• Forward Looking NRNY, full of dreams to meet the future.
Themes were put together by SAM in collaboration with the New Rochelle Council
of the Arts.
Mayor Noam Bramson said, “New Rochelle is thrilled to work with Street Art for
Mankind to further enliven our downtown streetscape. These murals bring beauty
and creative energy to previously blank spaces, as part of our comprehensive
commitment to a culturally vibrant city center.”
Don
McLean On Tour:
NOV 07 – Beach Point Club / Mamaroneck, N.Y.
NOV 16 – Arlington Music Hall / Arlington, Texas.
NOV 21 – City Winery / Chicago, Ill.
NOV 22 – The Newton Theater / Newton, N.J.
DEC 13 – Capitol Theatre / Clearwater, Fla.
DEC 14 – The Clubhouse at Valencia Shores / Lake Worth, Fla.
2020
JAN 19 – 30A Songwriters Festival / Miramar Beach, Fla.
FEB 29 – Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center / Sugar Loaf, N.Y.
MAR 28 – Union Colony Civic Center / Greeley, Colo.
APR 17 – Kirkland Performance Center / Kirkland, Wash.
MAY 01 – Walt Disney World Resort / Orlando, Fla.
MAY 02 – Walt Disney World Resort / Orlando, Fla.
MAY 06 – Living Arts Center / Mississauga, Canada
MAY 09 – Keswick Theater / Glenside, Pa.
MAY 15 – The Suffolk Theatre / Riverhead, N.Y.
MAY 16 – City Winery / Boston, Ma.
AUG 15 – The Birchmere / Alexandria, Va.
AUG 21 – Martin Luther King Jr. Arena with Alabama / Savannah, Ga.
AUG 22 – Hertz Arena with Alabama / Estero, Fla.
**Click here for
Don’s most updated tour calendar
About Don
McLean:
A New York native, Don McLean is one of the most revered and respected
songwriters in American history. After paying his dues in the New York club
scene in the late ‘60s, he went on to score mega-hits like “American Pie,”
“Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” “Castles in the Air” and many more. In 2004,
McLean was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame by country superstar
Garth Brooks. In 2000, “American Pie” was named one of the Top 5 Songs of the
20th Century by the RIAA and in 2002 was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame.
In 2015, one of McLean’s four handwritten manuscripts of the lyrics to
“American Pie” was auctioned by Christies, selling for just over $1.2 Million.
2017 brought a huge honor when his iconic song was inducted into the Library of
Congress’ National Recording Registry, joining less than 500 works including
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” With over 40 gold and platinum records worldwide,
McLean’s prowess for writing timeless songs was again captured on his 2018
album, Botanical
Gardens, as he artfully weaves country, Americana, folk, and boot
stomping rock for an eclectic, yet American sound that he is known for.
# # #
Suggested Tweet:.@DonMcLeanonline & @AliciaKeys honored with 60 foot artistic #NRNYMurals by street artist #LoicErcolessi in hometown of @newrochelleny by @SamExhibition
Don McLean Media Contacts:
Jeremy Westby, jpw@2911.us,
833-537-2911 x800
Jason Ashcraft, jason@2911.us,
833-537-2911 x801
Don
McLean Booking:
Keith Naisbitt, knaisbitt@apa-agency.com,
615-297-0100
Jeff Hill, jhill@apa-agency.com,
615-297-0100
Casey Brosten, cbrosten@apa-agency.com,
615-297-0100