FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts: Brigid Fuller Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (831) 460-3349; [email protected]

Christina Glynn Santa Cruz County CVC 831.425.1234 ext.112

SANTA CRUZ PREPARES FOR AMERICAN IDOL “DURBIN DAY” American Idol Star James Durbin Expected to Return Home on May 14

SANTA CRUZ, CA (May 6, 2011) — As local celebrity James Durbin continues to impress American Idol judges and national audiences, Santa Cruz City officials, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and other community members are busy preparing to welcome him home with a special “Durbin Day” on Saturday, May 14th.

A regular feature of American Idol, the show’s final three contestants return to their hometowns, providing TV viewers with a glimpse into their lives before stardom. “Durbin Day” will officially recognize James Durbin’s impressive accomplishments on American Idol and provide the community with an opportunity to cheer on their hometown hero.

The only hitch? Nobody will know if Durbin has actually made it to the “Final 3” until the show airs on May 12. “We fully expect James Durbin to win American Idol, so we’re very confident he will be in the final three,” said Santa Cruz mayor Ryan Coonerty. “Millions of people watch James every week and our community has really supported his journey, we’re looking forward to welcoming him home on May 14.”

While full details of the planned visit are still being confirmed, the public could expect to see Durbin’s motorcade cruise down Pacific Avenue and Beach Street as well as make stops at several county locations to greet fans.

Durbin will end his day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk around 5pm. “Our stage is ready, and we’re making final preparations to host James here at the beach,” said Kris Reyes, community relations director for the Boardwalk. “We’re very proud to welcome James and his family to the Boardwalk. With Monterey Bay as a backdrop, our stage has one of the most stunning settings ever seen on American Idol and there is no better place for our community to support him in his amazing adventure,” he said.

The White Album Ensemble, a popular Beatles tribute band, will perform a free concert beginning at 4pm on the Boardwalk’s Beach Bandstand. Durbin is scheduled to join his former musician friends on the stage for a few songs at 5pm, followed by an autograph signing for his fans.

“Not only is Durbin Day a fun opportunity to share our pride in James Durbin’s incredible achievement on American Idol, this is also a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful county in front of a huge national TV audience,” said Maggie Ivy, CEO of the Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council. “We plan to be ready,” she added.

The City of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz County Conference & Visitors Council, and Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce, are working together to make Durbin Day a special “Santa Cruz style” homecoming for James.

More details about Durbin Day will be announced next week.

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