[082] Superstar Performers Who Played MTSU's Murphy Center Focus Of Upcoming Exhibit & Talk At The Heritage Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 10, 2009
CONTACT: Jennifer Butt, The Heritage Center, 615-217-8013


SUPERSTAR PERFORMERS WHO PLAYED MTSU’s MURPHY CENTER FOCUS OF UPCOMING EXHIBIT & TALK AT THE HERITAGE CENTER
Public Encouraged to Attend Free Sept. 24 Presentation, Exhibit Grand Opening

(MURFREESBORO)—The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County will host the grand opening of “When Murphy Center Was KING” from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24.
Brian Dempsey, a Provost Writing Fellow at MTSU, will speak on the new exhibit that focuses on the many concerts and events at the university’s Murphy Center, from its opening in the early 1970s to the mid-1990s.
Over the years, a number of big-name performers have played at the center, including Elvis Presley, Tina Turner, The Who, Pearl Jam, Garth Brooks and The Judds.
“MTSU’s Murphy Center was the center of the mid-south concert scene for a generation,” observed Dempsey, whose talk will focus on the exhibit and its artifacts. “Many members of the Rock and Roll and Country Music Hall of Fame--especially Elvis--performed here during those years.”
Located just off the square at 225 West College St., The Heritage Center is open 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays, and features local history exhibits and guided walking tours of the town square on the hour. Group tours are available Monday through Saturday by advance reservations. Admission is free.
The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County is a joint venture between the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, Main Street: Murfreesboro/Rutherford County, the City of Murfreesboro and the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU. Additional support comes from the Rutherford County government and State Farm Insurance.
For more information on the Community Heritage Lecture Series, please call the center at 615-217-8013 or e-mail heritage_center@bellsouth.net.