Community invited to free family concert at Way Library
Way Library closes its 2013 Summer Reading Program with a free, live family concert on Friday, August 16 at 7:00 p.m. Local favorite Eddie Boggs headlines an evening of fun and wholesome family entertainment which marks the end of the library’s summer events. The concert will take place inside the library on the main level, and no reservations are needed. Light refreshments will be served.
Eddie Boggs was born in the hill country of Eastern Kentucky. When he was a teenager, his family moved to Mansfield, Ohio. Eddie began performing in the Toledo, Ohio area in 1972. He performed each summer for over twenty years at Put-In-Bay, one of Ohio’s most popular vacation spots. In addition to his public and private performances, Eddie has recorded five albums, written a children’s book and a full length musical. He has hosted young people’s programs and specials for years, and has made numerous appearances on local radio and television.
Eddie Boggs, of Sylvania, is a current member of the 1960‘s folk group, “The New Christy Minstrels.” The group was the first to have a hit recording of “This Land Is Your Land,” in 1962. Their other hits include “Green, Green” and “Today.” This year, the group is again touring throughout the United States, from Vermont to California, including the famous BB King Club in New York City, in September.
Eddie was born in and spent much of his youth in the hills of Eastern Kentucky. As a son of a preacher, he began his singing career in church, as a member of the family quartet. He has performed professionally since 1965 in schools, churches, community theaters and major concert halls in 47 states. He plays numerous musical instruments, including guitar, banjo, fiddle, harmonica, mandolin and piano.
Eddie has shared the stage with, or served as an opening act for such legendary entertainers as Lee Greenwood, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Kingston Trio, Bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley, Tom T. Hall, Livingston Taylor and Peter Yarrow. He co-hosted the Northwest Ohio’s Easter Seal Telethon for eleven years, hosted a Children’s Show, “Right Side Up!” for WGTE (Public Television) in Toledo, Ohio. He has written over 100 songs, including TV & radio commercials; the theme song for the National Mountain Mentor Program, and a three act musical, “Such Good Friends,” which has been staged several times in the Toledo area.
Eddie’s annual “Old-Fashioned Holiday Variety Show” of 20 years, raised over $250,000 for homeless families in the Toledo area. He created the Lake Erie West Hall of Fame for the performing arts, located in the SeaGate Centre in downtown Toledo, honoring individuals from the area for their contributions to the performing arts. Inductees include actors Jamie Farr and Danny Thomas, and screenwriters/producers William Blinn and Bonnie Turner.
In 1997, Eddie was honored by the city of Toledo for his promotional song, “Keep Jeep In Toledo”. In 2005, he was selected Sylvania Schools’ Educator of The Year. In 2006, Eddie was the recipient of Sylvania’s Ray of Hope Award for his outstanding contribution to the community, and in 2007 he received the National Jefferson Award for his outstanding service to the Toledo metropolitan area.
Eddie graduated with a BS degree in Education from the Ohio State University, and two Masters Degrees from the University of Toledo. He taught at Ottawa Hills High School, and at McCord and Timberstone Junior High Schools in Sylvania, both as a teacher and counselor. He ended his educational career of 40 years, teaching at the University of Toledo.
Eddie is a licensed Washington D.C. tour guide, and owner of American City Tours, LLC which offers educational and recreational tours to student and adult groups. He currently lives in Sylvania, Ohio, with his wife, Chris. They have three daughters, and five grandchildren.
Way Library invites everyone to come and enjoy this free, upbeat performance, sponsored by Directions Credit Union.
Press Release Contact Name: Rose Mills
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Press Release Contact Phone: 419-874-3135
Organization Name: Way Public Library
Website or Link: waylibrary.info
Organization Address: 101 E Indiana Ave, Perrysburg, OH, 43551