Howard Life - June 2008-September 2008 - (Page 24)

HISTORY Walk… THESE DATES BACK IN TIME: Janis Joplin, the Who, Jimi Hendrix – early ‘70s The Blues Brothers – July 3, 1980 Frank Sinatra – July 22, 1991, and August 29, 1994 Jimmy Buffett – 42 shows at Merriweather since 1981 WERE YOU HERE? Performances by the Grateful Dead took place at Merriweather on June 20 and 21, 1983, and June 26 and 27, 1984; their last performances here took place on June 30 and July 1, 1985. In its early years, from 1967 through the early ‘70s, Merriweather’s stage graduated many of the local high schools’ seniors. An agreement with the Howard County Board of Education established in 1989 has once again enabled many of the local high schools to graduate at Merriweather. DID YOU KNOW? I The entire Merriweather stagehouse burned to the ground early in the morning on April 1, 1983. The exact cause has never been determined. The case is still open, with many believing that an arsonist was involved. Fortunately, the community banded together, and Merriweather was able to open for the 1983 summer season on time. I Kenneth Losurdo, Jr. BACK IN TIME AT MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILION (1967 to present) enjoy seeing here today, along with some that have faded away from the music scene – Rick Springfield, the Tubes, Sha Na Na, the Rossington Collins Band, Toto, Asia, and Devo. MERRIWEATHER HALL OF FAMERS (Those performers playing at least 10 shows over the years) The Allman Brothers Band (13) Barry Manilow (15) The Beach Boys (12) Chicago (18) Elton John (10) Jackson Browne (12) James Taylor (14) Jimmy Buffett (42) Moody Blues (13) Santana (14) Willie Nelson (11) THEN & NOW Jimmy Buffett performed at Merriweather for the first time on July 16, 1977, and then again in 1979, 1980, 1982, and all the way through the 2000 concert season. Joan Baez played on August 23, 1968; July 1, 1982; and as part of Newport Folk on August 16, 1998. MERRIWEATHER MEMORIES September 13, 1980 – Former President Jimmy Carter arrived onsite via helicopter to see Willie Nelson perform. July 11, 1986 – Robert Smith (of the Cure) debuted his shaved head to thousands of gasping fans. June 1, 1985 – Madonna’s first U.S. tour, with a stop at Merriweather. August 19, 1992 – Rock ‘n Soul Revue (Steely Dan reunion). And August 14, 1994 – Metallica sets the record for fastest-selling show. The loge sections of the pavilion (the tented areas) were added in the early ‘70s to guarantee the booking of superstar Tom Jones. The lawn area of the pavilion was originally unpitched. During the spring of 1982, the area was regraded to its current slope, allowing for greatly improved sight lines. The trees on Merriweather’s property are all tagged and numbered in order to preserve the natural beauty of the 150-year-old site. I I DO YOU REMEMBER? The Merriweather 1981 schedule showcased two nights of performances by James Taylor, Donna Summer, John Denver, Liza Minnelli, Joel Grey, and Merriweather’s favorite, Jimmy Buffett. Sellouts were also posted by REO Speedwagon, Christopher Cross, Journey, Bob Dylan, and Charlie Daniels. When Merriweather first opened in 1967, it was originally intended as the home for the National Symphony Orchestra. Due to economic pressures, that plan faltered, and the venue shielded its way through the tumultuous times of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. By the mid to late ‘70s, Merriweather was home to many of the artists you still 24 howardLIFE

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Howard Life - June 2008-September 2008

Howard Life - June 2008-September 2008 Contents Important Numbers Welcome to Howard County, Maryland Join Howard County Tourism The Good Life Events Clark’s Elioak Farm: Home of the Enchanted Forest Farms Merriweather Post Pavilion Ghost Tours Howard County’s Famous Firsts History Resources Volunteerism Getaways: Trips for the Guys and the Girls Golf Resources Spas and Wellness Resources Recreation Resources Howard County Map Ellicott City Walking Tour Savage Mill Artists Art and Music Resources Dining Profiles: Aida Bistro, Jordan’s Steakhouse, and Tersiguel’s Dining Resources Shopping Shopping Resources For the Event Planner Where to Stay Relocation Resources Business and Service Listings

Howard Life - June 2008-September 2008

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