Huntsville, Ala. ---- Bulldog fans are anticipating excitement as another year brings on a series of activities that culminate with the 2nd annual Louis Crews Classic on Saturday, September 17, on the Alabama A&M University campus.
The Bulldogs will take on the Golden Tigers of Tuskegee University at Louis Crews Stadium at 6 p.m. Week-long activities are designed to pay tribute to Coach Crews, the Bessemer, Ala., native who attended Alabama A&M University, where he was an outstanding back and quarterback for the Bulldogs. Ultimately, Crews’ extensive athletic biography culminated with his becoming an AAMU coaching legend.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
2nd Annual Coach Anthony Jones Breakfast
The Coach Anthony Jones Breakfast will be held Thursday, September 15, in the Knight Center at 8 a.m. Individual tickets are $25. Attractive sponsorship packages are available for $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000. For details, contact the Office of Madison County Commissioner Bob Harrison, Dr. Larry McDaniel at (256) 372-4812, or the AAMU Ticket Office at (256) 372-4059.
Naming of Tailgate Plaza
The naming of the George Jones Tailgate Plaza will be held in the Tailgate Area of AAMU's massive tailgate area at 5:30 p.m. For additional information on the dedication program, contact Betty K. Austin, AAMU athletics director, at (256) 372-5364.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Rickey Smiley Morning Show
The Louis Crews Classic will be featured on the popular Rickey Smiley Morning Show (featuring the entire CREW) to be broadcast LIVE from the AAMU campus in the T.M. Elmore Gymnasium at 5:30 a.m. The activity, with entertainment and giveaways, is graciously sponsored by WEUP 103.1 and Landers McLarty Dodge Crysler Jeep.
The Hill Project
The Hill Project will continue to strengthen the ties between Butler High School freshmen and Alabama A&M University. The program will be held Friday, September 16, at 8:30 a.m. Alabama A&M adopts the Butler 9th Grade Academy students to help increase the graduation rate and inspire the next generations to pursue a college education. The Program includes breakfast and lunch on the AAMU campus, along with a legacy project, tour of the campus, and two information sessions geared to inspiring the students about their futures.
Pass and Kick Competition
The Classic organizers anticipate ample support for the newly implemented Pass and Kick Competition sponsored by Pepsi at 10 a.m. at the Louis Crews Stadium.
The Concert
On the eve of the gridiron competition, Friday, September 16, the Louis Crews Classic Concert will feature a number of top-notch performers. Headlining the concert lineup is the soul/R&B recording group The O’Jays (bottom right). The famous O'Jays were formed in Canton, Ohio, in 1958 by a group of young men attending McKinley High School and performing under different group names.
In 1963, the group took the name "The O'Jays" and released "Lonely Drifter," which charted nationally. In spite of the record's success, the group was considering quitting the music industry until Gamble & Huff, a team of producers and songwriters, took an interest in the group. With Gamble & Huff, the O'Jays (now a trio after the departure of Isles and Massey) emerged at the forefront of Philadelphia soul. Throughout the 1960s, they continued to chart with a number of songs. In 1972, however, they scored with their first million-seller, "Back Stabbers." The following year, the group's "Love Train" topped the Billboard Hot 100. Long-time O'Jays lead singer Eddie Levert is a native of Bessemer, Ala.
Songstress Marsha Ambrosius (left) of “Far Away” and duo Floetry fame will round out the diverse musical talent with able assistance from Monroe, La.-turned-Chicago-soulster Terisa Griffin (“Soulzophrenic”, right). General admission tickets are $40 ($45 on concert day); reserved tickets $45 ($50); and VIP tickets $65.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
Game Day
Game Day, September 17, will begin with the CREWS PLAYERS RECEPTION in the Knight Center at 2 p.m., followed by the BULLDOG WALK from the Knight Center to the Stadium at 3 p.m. The much-anticipated Louis Crews CLASSIC will be held at 6 p.m. in Louis Crews Stadium, pitting the mighty Bulldogs against the Golden Tigers of Tuskegee University.
Event Tickets
Look for additional information about a series of other activities slated for Crews Classic Week on the AAMU website, WJAB-FM 90.9 and other local media outlets. All tickets are available via Ticketmaster, the AAMU Ticket Office at Louis Crews Stadium (256-372-4059), and James Records and Tapes (256-270-9199) in Huntsville, Ala.
