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Johnny Mercer -- perhaps most famous as the man who wrote the words of the southern lullaby, Moon River – is getting a posthumous 100th birthday celebration in his hometown of Savannah, culminating with the unveiling of Johnny’s life-size bronze statue. The statue unveiling ceremony takes place in Ellis Square on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 (12:00 – 1:00 pm.). The public is invited.
“In Savannah and around the world, admirers are enjoying the yearlong celebration of the Johnny Mercer Centennial,” states Dianne S. Thurman, chairperson of the Centennial Committee. “The enthusiasm comes from young and old alike. At an art exhibit earlier in the year, when I was introduced to a teenager as Chair for the Johnny Mercer Centennial, the teen’s spontaneous and enthusiastic reply remains heartwarming, “Oh, I just love Johnny Mercer!” We saw young people in abundance among an estimated 10,000 in attendance at the City of Savannah’s Picnic in the Park with Mercer on October 4th.”
“Through cultural and educational events, we have discovered that Johnny Mercer’s life, legacy and lyrics resonate today, as much as ever,” Mrs. Thurman shares. “His influence continues, and Savannah is very proud to call him one of our own!”
The Savannah-based Johnny Mercer Centennial Committee releases the highlight events for Centennial Week -- November 14-18, 2009.
Wednesday, Nov 18 --
Unveiling of the Johnny Mercer Statue (Noon – 1 pm), presented by the Johnny Mercer Centennial Committee. Statue Unveiling. Ellis Square near City Market, downtown Savannah, Georgia. As a capstone to the Johnny Mercer Centennial year, join citizens of Savannah and the Mercer family in making history when the life-size bronze statue of Johnny Mercer is unveiled in Ellis Square. The statue, commissioned by Friends of Johnny Mercer, Inc., in special commemoration of Johnny’s 100th birthday, is the work of Savannah sculptor Susie Chisholm. Pre-event activities include the following --
9:30 am. The Lobby Gallery, reception and artwork by Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools;
11 am. - Noon, pre-event music by Johnson High School Chorus and Marching Band.
3 pm. - Artist's reception in The Gallery (Bryan and Jefferson Street).
Tuesday, Nov 17 --
Mercer in the Schools, presented by Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools (SCCPSS). Winners of the Tutti Frutti Tuesday multi-media contest, sponsored by Leopold’s Ice Cream will be announced. The multi-media (Microsoft® PowerPoint) presentations from middle school students will focus on the connection and influence of Savannah on the music of Johnny Mercer. The winning presentation will become part of the Trav'lin’ Light exhibit that will tour SCCPSS schools later this year. A display of student artwork honoring the influences of Mercer will appear in Savannah City Market at the Lobby Gallery at 204 West St. Julian Street. Free admission.
In several high schools, Ted Eldridge and local entertainers will present to over 500 students a slide show and a live performance entitled "Happy Birthday, Johnny!" For more information, contact Laura Victore, 912-313-0945, laura.victore[.]sccpss.com – sccpss.com/.
Monday, Nov 16 --
From West Broad to Moon River, The West Broad Street Johnny Mercer Task Force and The Johnny Mercer Centennial Committee present a day of celebration recognizing the African American influences on the music of Johnny Mercer. "A Morning on West Broad” (today's Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard) will include neighborhood visits at the St. Philip A.M.E. Church (the first African Methodist Episcopal Church in the state of Georgia); and 10:45 am. at First Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church on Alice Street. “An Evening on West Broad: Jazz in 1930‘s style!” takes place 5–8 pm. Join us for an "Unforgettable" evening of jazz and Johnny Mercer music. Vintage autos will line the street recreating an era when West Broad Street was "King"! Ladies and Gents, please dress in “Cotton Club” style. Blowin’ Smoke, 514 MLK Jr. Blvd, Savannah. Free admission. Dutch Treat menu and Cash Bar. For more information, contact Tanya Milton -- Tanya[.]savannahtribune.com or (912) 233-6128; or Kenny Hill -- kenny[.]riverstreetsavannah.com or (912) 596-6184.
Sunday, Nov 15 --
Annual Birthday Tribute to Johnny Mercer Concert, presented by The Friends of Johnny Mercer, Inc. and the City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs, 2 pm. Johnny Mercer Theatre, Savannah Civic Center. This year's concert celebrates the centennial of Mercer's birth and features famed cabaret artist Marlene Van Planck, along with an array of local performers, singing the great lyricist's best works. Free admission. For more information, contact Lee Maltenfort, mercersfriend[.]comcast.net, P: 912-927-6417. -- friendsofjohnnymercer.com/.
Saturday, Nov 14 --
Johnny Mercer Up Close and Personal, Presented by The Friends of Johnny Mercer, Inc. 11 am., Room 108, Solms Hall, Armstrong Atlantic State University. Free. Lecture and Q&A presentation by Friends of Johnny Mercer Historian David Oppenheim, features rare archival videos of Mercer's TV appearances, unique recordings and other commentaries. Free admission, free parking.
About The Johnny Mercer Centennial
In cooperation with the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs, The Johnny Mercer Centennial Committee (johnnymercercentennial.com) is the umbrella organization promoting the life, lyrics and legacy of Johnny Mercer. Affectionately called “Savannah’s Huckleberry Friend,” John "Johnny" Herndon Mercer is one of this southern city’s most respected and famous native sons. Well-known as a lyricist, singer, co-founder of Capitol Records, and founding president of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, his Oscar® winning songs include “Moon River,” “Days of Wine and Roses,” “In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening,” and “On the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe.” During the 2009 Savannah Music Festival’s Benefit Concert, Wynton Marsalis & the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performed a commissioned arrangement by Ted Nash of the Mercer/Arlen classic Blues in the Night in celebration of the Johnny Mercer Centennial. For more information contact Dianne S. Thurman (dsthurman[.]bellsouth.net; 912-925-2214 / 912-658-3959).
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