PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

Sally Ellertson Public Information Officer 141 West Renfro Burleson, Texas 76028-4261 February 10, 2015 817-426-9622 F: 817-426-9390 [email protected] www.burlesontx.com

It’s going to be a hot Hot Sounds of Summer concert series in 2015, starting with sophomore sensation Reagan James, best known for making it to the Top 10 on NBC’s “The Voice” headlining on May 29, and ending with crowd favorite Le Freak, bringing disco back to Burleson, on June 26.

J.D. Monson, country/classic rock, is the headliner June 5. Journey fans don’t want to miss ESCAPE on June 12, and a 2014 favorite, Buddy Whittington, is bringing back the blues on June 19.

The Hot Sounds of Summer showcases free 90-minute concerts that start at 7:30 p.m., every Friday between May 29 and June 26, at the intersection of Ellison and Wilson streets (124 W. Ellison St.). Between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., Ellison Street is closed at Main Street and at Warren Street and Wilson is closed at the side entrance to city hall and at Wood Shopping Center. Come down early and eat at one of the more than half a dozen Old Town restaurants, then set up your lawn chairs and blankets in the street for the concert. Food and drink are allowed at the concerts, but patrons are strongly discouraged from bringing glass bottles, due to safety reasons.

The 16-year-old James, a sophomore at Burleson’s Centennial High School, is an R&B/pop artist. She was on Team Blake (Shelton, country music powerhouse) on “The Voice,” where she gained praise from Shelton who said “you're one of the most important artists I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with” and Pharrell Williams who said, “the swagger you have is amazing - it’s addicting to watch.” “The Voice” wasn’t Reagan James’ first shot at fame. At the age of 14, she won the Kidd Kraddick in the Morning Show Nationwide Talent Scout competition for her singing and songwriting. James is currently working on her sophomore studio release with producer Geoff Rockwell, a follow-up to her debut studio release, “Remedy.”

Be prepared for some toe tapping and foot stomping when J.D. Monson takes to the stage on June 5 with his country and classic rock. The Dallas/Fort Worth- based Monson has moonlighted as a musician for more than 20 years. He is a singer, professional songwriter and guitarist. He has opened up for George Strait and Deryl Dodd. Monson’s style is described as a “strong, soulful, southern voice” and he is known for his authentic Johnny Cash impersonation.

Ahh, Journey fans, don’t miss the June 12 concert in Old Town Burleson. ESCAPE is a Dallas-based band that performs a musical tribute to the arena rock super group, Journey. ESCAPE has played all over Texas. Warm up your vocal chords because you will be singing along with the band to some of Journey’s biggest hits, including "Don't Stop Believin,” "Who's Crying Now," "Still They Ride," "Open Arms," and "Stone in Love."

Buddy Whittington and his electric guitar are back in Old Town June 19. He and the Buddy Whittington band will be playing a rousing 90-minute concert that includes blues and original songs. Whittington’s first self-titled CD came out in 2007, but his big break was in 1993 when he joined The Bluesbreakers. He was with John Mayall and The Bluesbreakers for 15 years, on countless shows and recordings worldwide. Whittington’s biggest influences have been Clapton, Elvis, Buddy Holly, the Beatles, and Gary Bond, to name a few. If you like blues and the electric guitar, this is a must-see night.

Le Freak, “the greatest disco band in the land,” is such a hit with Burleson’s Hot Sounds fans that they are back for their third year. Le Freak has been described as an intensely UNIQUE, high energy, high quality, danceable entertainment.” June 26 is definitely a night with the ladies in mind with Minnesota “Soda” Mick James on lead vocals, Curly “The Package,” Brown on bass and vocals, Bo Bandit on drums and vocals, and Marvin “Cupcake” Jackson-Ormond on guitar and vocals. If you love disco, or if you just like to dance, make sure you have June 26 marked on your calendar!