Lynn Anderson hit Colusa Casino Resort stage next week

In a tradition that began in October with legendary music artist Sonny Turner, Colusa Casino Resort is putting area music students in the spotlight.

Thursday's Lynn Anderson concert is part of the Legends of Music Concert Series offered by the casino to allow music, audio-visual and production students in Glenn and Colusa counties an educational, entertainment and fundraising experience.

Like with the Turner concert, Colusa Casino is donating 50 percent of the proceeds from Anderson's concert tickets the students sell to their school's music programs.

"Our goal is to help schools keep music programs alive," said Katelyn Davies, marketing director for Colusa Casino.

Before the concert, members of Anderson's production crew will work with students from Willows, Colusa, Maxwell and Pierce high schools.

Davies said the participation of local students in the program is an "educational opportunity of a lifetime."

Prior to the concert, music students and teachers will be taken to the Colusa Casino showroom, through a side entrance, for a late afternoon production preview, including seating, sound, and lighting preparations, followed by a full rehearsal and a meet and greet with Anderson, whose Grammy award-winning song, "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden," was a mega-hit.

The students will have dinner in the Seasons Buffet and then attend Anderson's concert as members of the audience, compliments of the casino.

One of the top-ranked female vocalists in any genre, Anderson is often referred to as a singer's singer.

Her first foray into the music world was when, as a teenager, she entered a singing contest sponsored by the Country Corners Program in Sacramento.

Anderson, 62, recorded her first string of hits at the age of 20. She has scored eight No. 1s, 18 top 10s and over 50 top 40 hits since her debut in 1966.

Anderson's two-day concert at Colusa Casino will include a special blend of Yuletide favorites and a sprinkling of her greatest hits.

Also performing will be Anderson's long-time partner Mentor Williams, who wrote the hit "Drift Away."

Williams' compositions have earned dozens of Gold and Platinum awards for artists such as Dobie Gray, Rod Steward, George Jones, Michael Bolton, Alabama, Ringo Starr, Randy Travis and the Rolling Stones.

Mentor Williams is brother to Songwriter's Hall of Fame inductee, singer and actor Paul Williams, who will conclude the Legends of Music Concert Series at Colusa Casino in early 2010.

FOR INFORMATION
What: Country music legend Lynn Anderson in concert
When: 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday
Where: Colusa Casino Resort, 3770 Highway 45, Colusa.
Tickets: $25; $35 (preferred seating)
Purchase of tickets from Colusa, Willows, Pierce High Schools and Maxwell Middle School music students
benefits music programs in the schools.
Contact:
Mike Phenicie, Colusa High School, 458-7631
Ron Rector, Pierce High School 476-2277
Ellen Pastorino, Willows High School 934-6611.
Vicki Wilson, Maxwell Middle School 438-2801