MCCOMB: Bo Diddley Originator Awards!

MUSIC, AWARDS, AND CHARITY WILL MARK

WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN BO DIDDLEY’S 82nd BIRTHDAY

The legendary Bo Diddley was born in McComb, MS, grew up on the streets of Chicago, IL, and lived in Archer, FL for many years prior to his death in June 2008.  Those three places will mark the date with celebrations in tribute to his memory and his charitable works.

In McComb, MS, the City of McComb will host The First BO DIDDLEY “ORIGINATOR” AWARDS EVENT, Honoring Local Innovators and Originators, on Thursday, December 30, 2010, Bo Diddley’s Birthday, at The McComb State Theatre, 222 State Street, Downtown McComb. Admission is free, dress is business casual.

Doors open 4:45p to enjoy guitarist Maria Price, coffee and muffins provided by PJs Coffee, shop local artists products, view displays, register for the prize drawings and participate in the silent auction. The Awards Event begins 5:30p and the theme is Bo’s saying, “Create, Don’t Imitate”.

Honors will be given to Gospel greats The Williams Brothers (Stellar Award winners; Dove & Grammy nominees) and to local community, education, and arts innovators Ed Abel, Dr. Terrance Alexander and “Miss Mattie” Rials.

The event will showcase tributes and performances by local artists – chart toppers Castro Coleman & Highly Favored, duet Steve Cox & Captain Rick Boone, Jubilee Performing Arts Center, percussionist & SMCC student Neno Holmes II, guitarist Maria Price, and soloist Will Gatlin.

The silent auction will feature a Les Paul Signed Les Paul Guitar, valued at $1200 and proceeds from the silent auction and prize drawing entries will benefit The Bo Diddley Foundation and a local community organization which will receive the spotlight at the awards event.  Early bids for the silent auction are being taken in the inbox on www.facebook.com/discovermccomb.  There is a $500 reserve. The sponsored prizes for the $5 drawing are a $50 The Caboose Gift Card; 2 Tickets to Hard Rock’s Williams Brothers event in February 2011 $40 Value; $50 Wal-Mart Gift Card; PJs Coffee Gift Basket $50 Value; Smoothie King Gift Basket; PCCC P.C. Afghan $50 Value; and a Free Night Stay at Hampton Inn, McComb $119 Value.

In the community, Bo Diddley was an artist, humanitarian, and community activist.  He supported “Stay in School” and “Say No to Drugs, and was a big advocate for children.  Bo Diddley is nicknamed “The Originator” because of his innovative style and rhythm that changed the course of music in the 1950s. Bo was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and received numerous awards, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

CONTACT: McComb Community Relations & Tourism Bureau, 601.684.8664 x106 or visit www.DiscoverMcComb.com or www.facebook.com/discovermccomb.

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