FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 28, 1998
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Glenn A. Walsh (412) 561-7876 or
andrcarn@alphaclp.clpgh.org
Carnegie, Pa., November 28 - An American-made Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar, autographed by Paul Rodgers of Bad Company, Free, and The Firm, will be raffled-off to benefit the Music Hall of the Andrew Carnegie Free Library, 300 Beechwood Avenue in Carnegie borough. Tickets are only $2 and can be purchased at the Library.
The drawing will be held on Friday, December 18; hence, this guitar would make a wonderful Christmas gift. The winner will be contacted by telephone.
Paul Rodgers is the legendary voice and songwriter who brought America the songs "All Right Now," "Can't Get Enough," "Feel Like Makin' Love," as well as other hits from the rock-and-roll group, Bad Company. Rodgers has also worked with Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin.
Rodgers autographed the guitar on his recent solo tour of the States, especially for the Andrew Carnegie Free Library, to help raise money for rehabilitation of the Library's historic Music Hall. The acoustically perfect Music Hall, which seats 780 people, was patterned after Carnegie Hall in New York City. The Carnegie Men's Glee Club first performed in the Music Hall on May 10, 1901; construction on the facility had begun in the autumn of 1899.
On a lark, after seeing Rodgers at the Starlake Amphitheater, former Library Trustee, David Brosky, e-mailed Rodgers asking if he would "help save a great music hall built in 1899." Brosky was surprised to later receive a telephone call from Rodgers' assistant, Melody Matthews in England, who said Paul would be thrilled to help.
A few months later, Rodgers played at Pittsburgh's Metropol, where he signed the guitar and offered his best wishes for the Library and Music Hall. At that time, Brosky and Library Director Mary Malysko presented Rodgers with a plaque of appreciation for his goodwill.
Rodgers' autograph has been professionally lacquered into the finish of this fine instrument, as a permanent tribute to this rock-and-roll legend. A photograph and certificate of authenticity will be presented to the winner of the raffle drawing, as well as a soft case for the instrument.
For more information, contact the Library at (412) 276-3456 or by e-mail at andrcarn@alphaclp.clpgh.org
The Andrew Carnegie Free Library opened as the fourth free public library constructed and endowed by the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, on May 1, 1901. In addition to a Library and Music Hall, the cultural complex includes a 140-seat Lecture Hall, Civil War Museum, small in-town park, and discount bookstore.