Arts & Entertainment

James Durbin Schedule Announced for Saturday

All-day campaign for the local hero starts at the AT&T Store at the Capitola Mall and ends at the Beach Boardwalk.

Here is the official Durbin Day Release:

The City of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County Conference & Visitors Council, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and other Santa Cruz organizations are preparing for a hometown visit from American Idol star, James Durbin. The local hero will return May 14th for “Durbin Day,” provided he makes it to the “final three” after results of voting are released on Thursday evening. 

“Durbin Day” will officially recognize James Durbin’s accomplishments on American Idol and provide the Santa Cruz community with an opportunity to cheer on their hometown hero. 

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The schedule of events for “Durbin Day” on Saturday, May 14th includes a motorcade through downtown Santa Cruz, community visits, and a free concert at the legendary Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

The schedule of events for James Durbin Day is as follows. Please note that Fox and American Idol control the timetable of all appearances, which could fluctuate as much as 2 – 2 ½ hours late, depending on James’ schedule:
 
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – AT& T Store at Capitola Mall
James will be visiting the AT&T Store inside the Capitola Mall, where staff members and fans will have the chance to welcome him to town!
 
2:00 p.m. -- Downtown Santa Cruz Motorcade
The motorcade will start at Cathcart and Pacific and travel north on Pacific to Water Street at the Clock Tower.  The motorcade will continue down Center Street to the Louden Nelson Community Center at 301 Center Street. The Santa Cruz Downtown Association is rallying merchants to celebrate James’ visit to his iconic downtown with lots of welcome and energy.

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The motorcade with police escort will include James and his family followed by the American Idol TV production crew.

The public is encouraged to come downtown to cheer on James!

2:30 p.m. Louden Nelson Visit - Blast from James’ Past
James will visit with media, local civic and community programs where he developed his legendary vocal and performance skills.  The Santa Cruz Teen Center, Kids on Broadway and All About Theatre will host James for short visits (and maybe a short performance) plus autograph signings with the current members of the groups.

The Louden Nelson events are for participants of the programs James is visiting. The public is asked to rally outside, in preparation for a procession to the Beach.

4:30 p.m. -- Travel to Beach
The Marching Procession to the Beach will be a grand celebration. Led by the Santa Cruz High School Marching Band and a police escort, James will travel down Center Street to Santa Cruz’ Main Beach. James will be followed by participants from the Teen Center, All About Broadway and the Kids on Broadway. 

At the Beach, James will transfer to a Santa Cruz Lifeguard truck and with police escort on ATVs, will parade to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Bandstand on Main Beach to take the stage.

5:00 p.m. – James on the Beach Bandstand
James will receive a warm welcome from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and thousands of enthusiastic fans. He’ll be honored by Santa Cruz City Mayor Ryan Coonerty and then will give a short performance of 2-3 songs with The White Album Ensemble, as his back-up band! The White Album Ensemble will begin playing without James at 4 p.m.


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