Art and Running In-Step at 33rd Annual Marine Corps Marathon AND BoDeans to Headline Crystal Run/Marine Corps Marathon P
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 25, 2008
AND
BoDeans to Headline Crystal Run/Marine Corps Marathon
Post-Race Concert
Crystal City (Arlington, VA) – The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) and the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) announced a unique partnership blending art and running at the 33rd annual Marine Corps Marathon scheduled Sunday, October 26, 2008, which attracts an average of 33,000 runners each year.
Inspired by the Crystal Flight Airplanes in Crystal City, MCM organizers sought break-through ideas for mile markers that would be visible to runners from a distance, as well as artful and fun. Angela Fox, President/CEO of the Crystal City BID suggested local graffiti artist Kevin Irvin design the ten official Arlington-based mile markers for the MCM – further highlighting Crystal City’s creativity and artistic spirit.
Marc Goldman added, “Over the years, the Marine Corps Marathon has garnered the nickname, ‘The People’s Marathon,’ because runners participate from all walks of life. Kevin Irvin’s highly original work complements the marathon, as it showcases the appeal of graffiti art, ‘The People’s Art,’ to people from a wide variety of places and backgrounds.”
“This was an exciting opportunity to further Crystal City’s creative partnership with the Marine Corps Marathon while celebrating Arlington’s unique position as their official home,” said Angela Fox. “Kevin is a very talented artist, and I am glad the MCM has decided to showcase his exciting work at this year’s run.”
Growing up in an impoverished southwest Baltimore neighborhood, Kevin went to the streets in search of his identity. While others turned to drugs and crime, Irvin opened the renowned book, “Subway Art” by Martha Cooper, which changed his life. He taught himself graffiti and has made a name for himself by taking what he learned from the streets and applying it to the world of fine art. Irvin has produced high profile work for Red Bull, Adidas, and charity event pieces for The Washington Children’s Hospital. Irvin is a permanent artist at the Art Whino collective gallery in Alexandria, VA and an active participant in Artomatic, where he got his first big break.
Irvin will begin designing the official mile markers in a temporary studio space at the Concord Luxury Apartments in Crystal City, generously donated by Gould Property Company. All are invited to watch him work beginning in September. Mile Marker 26 will be unveiled on October 9 at a press conference, to be held in the Concord courtyard.
In addition to visual art, Crystal City will highlight performance art at the Crystal Run family celebration on Sunday, October 26, 2008. Throughout the day, local bands, StepAfrika, and other musical talent will perform on the Crystal City stage. After the last marathoner has passed mile-marker 23, the premier American roots-rock group, the BoDeans, will headline the Crystal Run/MCM Post-Race Celebration, in the heart of Crystal City at approximately 3:00 p.m.
The BoDeans have forged a signature sound that is based on heartfelt lyrics, passionate harmonies, and ringing guitars. This unique sound first emerged on their T-Bone Burnett produced 1986 debut album, “Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams.” The album propelled the group into the national spotlight and was quickly followed up with the release of “Outside Looking In,” which broke the Billboard’s Top 100 Albums, a tour with U-2, and being named “Best New Band” by Rolling Stone. The group’s “Closer to Free” became the theme song to television sitcom, “Party of Five” and found a spot among the Billboard’s Top 10 in 1996. The group continues to tour the country, and they just released their latest album, titled "Still," on March 4, 2008.
“I first heard the BoDeans at the Cotton Club in Atlanta, when I was a student at Georgia Tech,” said Angela Fox. “I was instantly taken with the unique sound and the depth of their lyrics. It is no surprise they have continued to grow their popularity across generations, and it will be great fun to closeout the MCM festivities in Crystal City with their soulful, yet energetic style.”
This musical event will top off, the 5th Annual Crystal Run, a free, all-day family-friendly festival in Crystal City celebrating the MCM and sponsored by the Crystal City BID. Local musical talent, food tastes, street activity, and family fun will dazzle spectators and encourage marathon participants at mile markers 22 and 23 throughout the day. The BoDeans are scheduled to take the stage at 3:00 p.m. in front of 2200 Crystal Drive between 20th and 23rd Streets. Additional information can be found at www.crystalcity.org, and clicking on Events.
To further demonstrate their deep commitment to the environment via the Crystal Green Program, the Crystal City BID has launched a new “low to no-waste” event policy. Crystal Run will offer on-site recycling and will use recycled, recyclable, and/or biodegradable products. The BID asks patrons to do their part by getting to the event on foot or by Metro.
About the Crystal City Business Improvement District
Established in April of 2006, the Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is creating the soul of Crystal City. A public-private partnership, the BID is providing a higher level of service to visitors, workers and residents in Crystal City - driving to become world-class destination in both Arlington and the greater DC region. For more information, visit www.crystalcity.org.
About Marine Corps Marathon
Voted “Best Marathon for Families”, the Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. Runners from all walks of life have participated in the world’s largest marathon to not offer prize money, deservingly earning the nickname “The People’s Marathon.” www.marinemarathon.com
