Banding Together 1,2,3,4 at The Morton Arboretum, For Trees

Four August Twilight Concert Acts: Plain White T's, Lovehammers, Nanci Griffith, Shawn Colvin

LISLE, IL (July 24, 2009) - Their megahit single, "1,2,3,4," has just gone platinum, and now, Plain White T's are bringing their retro-inspired style of rock to the concert stage at The Morton Arboretum on Friday, August 21 at 7 p.m., with special guest: Lovehammers appearing earlier that evening. Folk stars Nanci Griffith and Shawn Colvin perform the following night. The "In Tune With Trees" outdoor, summer concert series supports the Arboretum mission of planting and protecting trees for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. (full show schedule and pricing below)

"1,2,3,4" features a chorus described as "lush with sun-kissed harmonies from the Crosby, Stills and Nash school" and cleverly brings "a sweet bit of wordplay," according to the Boston Globe. The group's heartfelt, live shows inspire audiences to reminisce on love won and lost.

Plain White T's haven't missed a beat since their 2006 smash tune, "Hey There Delilah," which topped the charts, scored two Grammy nominations, and became one of a very few songs ever to log more than three million downloads, according to the group's website.

"Big Bad World," the T's' latest album, "emphasizes their ‘Beatles-esque' ‘50s- and ‘60s-style pop sensibilities" that were "previously overshadowed by their pop-punk stylings," says the New York Post. Indeed, the Chicago-based group got its name from lead singer Tom Higgenson's fascination with old movies-his inspiration coming from stars such as James Dean and Marlin Brando who often wore plain white T's in their ‘50s and ‘60s movies.

By contrast, Lovehammers features a modern vibe in their latest album, "Heavy Crown." The new music brings their signature range of hard core rock to smooth ballads. Led by Marty Casey, who rocketed to superstardom on the hit reality TV show: Rock Star: INXS, the group scored big with rock fans and environmentalists alike after releasing their pop hit: "Trees." Lovehammers is also known for "Summertime in the City," and "The Riddle" as their unique mix of pop, grunge, and punk gets fans on their feet, dancing to the exuberant, crowd-energizing performances.

But there's more than pop and rock at the Arboretum in August.

Two of the loveliest folk voices in show business-Nanci Griffith and Shawn Colvin- grace the stage on Saturday, August 22 at 7 p.m. Fans won't want to miss a rare opportunity to see Griffith, whose latest album, "The Loving Kind," is earning critical acclaim for her incredible vocals, and the depth and intelligence of her original compositions.

More than two decades after her first record, Griffith "is still making beautiful, honest and relevant music," says the website: Uncommon Music. "Using a blend of folk, country and a tiny bit of pop, she tells vivid stories about the lives, loves and losses of the characters she creates."

The Grammy Award winner was named the "Queen of Contemporary Folk Music" by Rolling Stone, and has put out more than 20 albums of heartfelt songs that explore the tragedies and triumphs of freedom, as well as tunes that express our deeper emotions.

Griffith might be best known for hits such as "From a Distance," or "Love at the Five and Dime" and other folk melodies. Fans include contemporaries such as Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, and Emmy Lou Harris, all of whom have either recorded her songs or insisted she record theirs.

Taking the stage prior to Griffith is Shawn Colvin, whose folk-rock tunes earned three Grammy Awards including one for the single "Sunny Came Home." Colvin also won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album, and Record of the Year. Her latest album, "These Four Walls," beautifully illustrates the human experience through story and song.

The album is "extraordinary," says Guardian magazine, with "mesmerizing guitar playing and...her lyrics are crafted and clever, full of subtlety and polished phrases."

SCHEDULE - TICKET PRICES - ORDERING INFORMATION

Friday, August 21, 7 p.m.: Plain White T's and Lovehammers. Tickets: $28 in advance; $30 Day-of. Discounts for Arboretum members.

Saturday, August 22, 7 p.m.: Shawn Colvin and Nanci Griffith. Tickets: $45 in advance; $47 Day-of. Discounts available for Arboretum members

Sunday, August 23, 3 p.m.: Disney's High School Musical: Summer Celebration! Tickets: $25 individual tickets in advance; $27 Day-of. Also available: $90 for Family Four-Pack (advance orders only). Discounts available for Arboretum members

Tickets are on sale via www.mortonarb.org, 630-725-2066, and in person at the Arboretum Visitor Center. A $5 processing fee applies to phone and online orders.

The Morton Arboretum gratefully acknowledges concert series Contributing Sponsor Harris Bank; and Bonterra Vineyards, Featured Wine Sponsor of the Arboretum. Official Hotel Sponsor is Wyndham Lisle-Chicago Hotel and Executive Meeting Center, and In-Kind Sponsor is Waste Management.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of 4,117 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission - the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time or sunset, whichever is earlier. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March through October, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., November through February. Visit Press Room at www.mortonarb.org, call to learn more.

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