The State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave., will look to impress the Arts Fest crowd with its biggest concert to date when it hosts singer-songwriter Don McLean this Friday.
"We had a number of different choices," said the Theatre's Executive Director Mike Negra, "but Don McLean's [name] just kept coming up, and certainly I believe he is the most recognizable name we've had in the Theatre in our short existence."
Programming Director Joe Apfelfaum said that a well-known entertainer was desired during the festival, and said "practically everyone in the known universe is at least familiar" with McLean's signature song, "American Pie," though Negra made sure to point out the extent of McLean's career.
"He's in the Songwriters' Hall of Fame," Negra said. "He's more than just 'American Pie.' The guy's a great songwriter. From that standpoint, it's not like he's a one-hit wonder. He's known for a number of different songs. He's had songs written about him. 'Killing Me Softly with His Song' was written about him."
"American Pie" is usually interpreted as a response to "The Day the Music Died," when rock musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper died in a plane crash. McLean has stated that he would rather not explain the lyrics and leave it to stand to interpretations, though he has confirmed the first verse, at least, does refer to Holly.
McLean continues to tour and record, most recently releasing Rearview Mirror: An American Musical Journey, a retrospective collection from 2005.
Negra said one purpose of a high-profile show in Arts Fest is to get people to see the still-young Theatre and experience the venue.
"To me, it was a great chance to show off the Theatre to people that have seen the construction of over the past four years," Negra said. "That's what they've seen, a fence in front of the theatre and beams hanging out."
Apfelbaum said "We are all very proud of our theatre and hope that festival-goers will stop by and see what a beautiful, intimate venue it is."
The show has a "solid base," with advance ticket sales doing well, Negra said.
"I'm pretty happy where Don McLean is right now leading up to Arts Fest. A lot of people coming into town will be making the purchase here," Negra said.
McLean is one of several State Theatre events during Arts Fest.
The Theatre will also host visual comedian Geist Thursday afternoon and evening, a performance by the Pennsylvania Dance Theatre Saturday afternoon, and New Jersey rock band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes on Saturday evening.
