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Concert Scheduled for April 29 on New Rochelle Campus

New Rochelle, New York, April 7, 2000 - Marking the 30th anniversary of his phenomenally successful "American Pie," one of the most popular songs in pop music history, singer-songwriter Don McLean will perform at Iona College on Saturday, April 29 at 8 pm in the Mulcahy Campus Events Center. It's estimated that McLean, a 1968 graduate of Iona with a BBA in Finance, will entertain close to 3,000 people at Iona, part of his "Coming Home" concert tour.

First aired on radio on June 26, 1971, marking the close of the Fillmore East in New York City, "American Pie" became a sensation, and McLean was nominated for four Grammy Awards (Best Album, Best Song, Best Record, and Best Pop Performance). For the past 30 years, McLean has performed the song at each of his concerts. "I'm very proud of 'American Pie.' I have always sung it for my audiences and would never think of disappointing them since it is they who have given me a wonderful life and untold affection for 30 years."

So resonant does "American Pie," remain with audiences across the world, it isn't surprising that Madonna has featured McLean's original version in her feature film, "The Next Best Thing." Madonna's recording has become the most-added track at Top 40 radio stations and was the "hot-shot" debut title on Billboard's Hot 100. MTV began showing the video in February and many are predicting that the Madonna remake will become a major smash hit, introducing new generations to the legendary song.

Last month, Don McLean's "Starry, Starry Night," a PBS television concert special, featuring special guests Garth Brooks and Nanci Griffith, was aired nationally, and McLean has made himself available for interviews with Entertainment Tonight, the Associated Press, U.S. News and World Report and Tribune Media for national features.

McLean also performed live at the Lincoln Memorial in "America's Millennium: A Celebration for the Nation," at the invitation of President and Mrs. Clinton. Hosted by Will Smith and produced by Quincy Jones, the show was broadcast, world-wide, by the CBS television network on New Year's Eve 2000.

Nat Hentoff, for many years an esteemed critic for the Village Voice newspaper, once said of Don McLean, "He has done what few writer-performers are ever able to do. He has become an authentic original. Mr. McLean is a national resource, and is the most singular and durable of our popular vocalists and writers."

Don McLean, a New Rochelle native, will be honored by his hometown when Mayor Timothy C. Idoni '77, '97H, a fellow Iona alumnus, will present him with a proclamation declaring April 29, 2000 "Don McLean Day." In response to this recognition, McLean had these words to say, "New Rochelle is the home of "American Pie." I was living there the day the music died. I thank New Rochelle for this honor. It would make my parents proud."

When asked what he remembered most about Iona, Don McLean replied, "Iona College opened my eyes to a wide-range of learning, and I discovered many interests I didn't know I had. Furthermore, the business training I received at the Hagan School allowed me to be a winner in the jungle known as show business."

For tickets and information, please call the Don McLean "Hot-line" at (914) 637-7770.

Ticket Prices for Don McLean Concert at Iona College
Saturday, April 29, 2000

• $30 Reserved "Floor" Seats for general public
• $25 Reserved "Floor Seats" for Iona Students and Employees (with ID)
• $25 General Admission "bleacher" seats
• $20 General Admission "bleacher" seats for Iona Students and Employees (with ID)

For questions or more information please contact:
Meghan Finn
Public Relations Office
Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
tel: 914 633-2005 fax: 914 637-2711

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