CITY OF ROSES MUSIC FESTIVAL READY TO GO

Get ready for more than 50 hours of music in downtown Cape Girardeau starting tonight and continuing Saturday night. It's time for the 2000 City of Roses Music Festival. This year's theme, "You can't have too much music," will be abundantly evident at four outdoor stages and eight clubs and restaurants.

One part of the two-day program you ought not to miss is at 7 o'clock tonight on the outdoor stage at Spanish and Themis streets. Three individuals will deep musical roots in this community will be honored during the official opening ceremonies for the festival.

The festival's organizers are establishing scholarships at Southeast Missouri State University in honor of Homer Gilbert, William L. Shivelbine and Eddie Keys. Vi Keys and members of her family -- daughter, son and two grandsons -- will perform. Vi, a popular performer in this area for 40 years, is the widow of Eddie Keys, who died in 1974,

Gilbert, who joined the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band in 1927 at age 14, also is scheduled to be on hand for the festival ceremony. Bill Shivelbine, who died in 1991, was trained as a chemical engineer. He joined his brother, Leland, at Shivelbine Music Store in 1950.

What a great way to kick off a festival that is growing in stature. Just remember: You can't have too much music.