CRT to Welcome Buddy Holly Tribute Band, 5/2-3

Buddy is back! For two nights only, Cortland Repertory Theatre will presents a concert by "The Rave-Ons", America's Traveling Buddy Holly Tribute Band led by Todd Meredith, who starred in CRT's hit 2013 musical "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story". The concert will be held on Friday May 2 and Saturday May 3 at 7:30 PM at 19 Church Street in Cortland, the former United Community Church. Seating is General Admission, and tickets are $30 per person. The concert is sponsored by The Overhead Door Company of Cortland and hosted by the CRT Board of Directors.

Also appearing will be guest stars from CRT's production of "Buddy": Mike Brennan who played "The Big Bopper" will perform "Chantilly Lace" and Danny Caraballo will reprise his role as Ritchie Valens and perform "La Bamba". CRT's Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson says "We are so excited to bring Todd and the Rave-Ons to town! Last summer we had a two page waiting list for people wanting to see our sold out run of "Buddy". While this concert isn't the show itself, it will definitely have the same excitement that rocked the theatre last summer!" Thompson points out that one of Meredith's first professional jobs was as a CRT Performing Intern, and he's always had a special place for Cortland in his heart. "Since this is a fund raiser for CRT, Todd will be selling his 'Rave-On' CD's at the concert, and donating 10% of every sale back to CRT." Thompson says. "Not only is he an incredibly talented musician, but he's also a great guy and a good friend."

The Rave-Ons formed in 2009 while performing together in a production of "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story" in Reno, Nevada. Since then, the band has played all over the USA, rocking audiences with tribute concerts from Florida to Missouri, Massachusetts to Colorado, including the iconic B.B. King's Blues Club on 42nd Street in New York City. In addition to Meredith, the band includes Jeremy Renner on guitar, Bill Morey on upright and electric bass, and Joe Cosmo Cogen on drums. The Cortland concert will be unlike any other concert they have given, however, with the addition of Brennan as "Big Bopper" and Caraballo as Ritchie Valens who are only joining the band this one unique time. "When we decided to bring in this concert, we thought it would be great to add Mike and Danny from last summer's production and they jumped at the chance." Thompson says. "They love working with Todd, and also loved performing in front of CRT's audiences."

Tickets for this fund raiser are on sale now at CRT Downtown, 24 Port Watson Street in Cortland or by calling 800-427-6160. Refreshments, including beer, wine and Linanni's cookies, will be on sale at intermission. CRT reminds attendees that seating is General Admission and will be on a first-come-first-served basis. So, if you'd like to see "Buddy" again, or if you missed last summer's show, purchase your tickets early!

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