CLEVELAND, Tenn. (May 21, 2009)—Capping off the 15th season of Evening Shade concerts in downtown Cleveland is the iconic Leon Redbone. The gifted artist, often appearing in a Panama hat, tailored suit and dark glasses, will bring his legendary music and style to the stage on Friday, May 29, at 6:30 p.m.

Redbone burst onto the musical scene in the early 1970s. While he has remained an enigma throughout his career, he is also a noted American guitarist and singer known for his stylized performances of early jazz and blues songs.

“I’m excited to help bring Leon Redbone to Cleveland,” Kyle Elrod, owner of Subway and co-sponsor of the concert, said. “His bluesy baritone and skill as a guitarist have fascinated audiences for more than 30 years, and his music will be familiar to listeners of all ages.”

Redbone’s music encompasses pre-war jazz, ragtime and blues styles with modern arrangements that “retain a vintage feel.” His repertoire includes such selections as Dylan’s “Living the Blues,” Jelly Roll Morton’s “I Hate a Man Like You,” Eddy Arnold’s “Bouquet of Roses” and the childhood folk favorite “Polly Wolly Doodle.” He has popularized countless television jingles hawking everything from beer to laundry detergent.

His desire to honor songs from the past established him as the “preeminent curator of the museum of 20th century music.” However, over the course of his 10-album career, he has flirted with numerous styles ranging from classical to blues to tangos to Hungarian folk music.

This “superstar-of-stage-and-screen-and-Madison-Avenue” appeared on Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show and has toured extensively in the eastern United States and England, often appearing at small venues and folk, jazz or blues festivals. Redbone also acted in the feature film Candy Mountain, provided television theme songs to Mr. Belvedere and Harry and the Hendersons, and had a guest role as the idealistic, guitar-wielding guardian to Corky on ABC’s critically acclaimed Life Goes On.

“Leon’s dedication to his type of music and his style of performing are incredible and not something you hear often,” Elrod said. “I think we’re fortunate to conclude our 15th season of Evening Shade concerts with such a talented musician.”

Evening Shade is a program of the Allied Arts Council of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce. This annual concert series is funded in part by local sponsors and under an agreement with the Tennessee Arts Commission. Local sponsors for Leon Redbone are First Tennessee Bank and Subway.

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will move to Arnold Elementary School.

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