If you go
› What: Music Under the Stars› Where: Museum Center at Five Points, 200 E. Inman St., Cleveland, Tenn.› When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1.› Admission: $30 museum members, $45 nonmembers› For more information: 423-339-5745› Future concerts: April 5, May 3, June 7, Oct. 4
A new concert series, Music Under the Stars, kicks off Thursday night, Feb. 1, in Cleveland, Tenn., sponsored by the Museum Center at Five Points. The five-concert series will feature up-and-coming local and national talent with ties to Cleveland.
And who better fits that description than hometown son Jermaine Purifory? The Lee University alumnus made it to the final Hollywood round on Season 9 of "American Idol," sang back-up vocals for the TV hit "Glee" and won two Miss Annie Awards at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre for his roles there.
Most notably, Purifory recently toured with the Impressions in the United States and United Kingdom as lead singer on their Farewell Tour.
"Just to stand in the shoes of Curtis Mayfield was such an honor," says Purifory.
Music Under the Stars is designed to bring friends together to enjoy music and wine in an informal atmosphere at the museum. There will be four wines to sample as well as hors d'oeuvres beginning at 6 p.m.
Music begins at 6:15 p.m. for a half-hour set, followed by a 15-minute intermission, then the concluding half-hour of music. Thursday night's performance will be held indoors at the museum, the remainder will move outside to the courtyard, weather permitting.
Purifory says he'll be backed by a three-piece band for a set that is primarily covers. However, he is finishing up a four-song EP of dance music that will be released this spring, so it's not out of the question that the audience might convince him to share a little preview.
Of his planned set, Purifory says the audience can expect "some Motown, some big band, jazz and some classic songs."
Each admission ticket includes four tickets to taste wines; an additional five tasting tickets are available for $25, which can also be used at future concerts in the series.
Seats are limited; reservations are encouraged. Call: 423-339-5745.