usic Three Dog Night to Play at the Palmetto 2012 July 4th Celebration

PALMETTO – The 4th of July celebration is a Palmetto tradition that has taken place for decades, but last year, officials decided to kick things up a notch. Over 8,000 spectators attended the free Eddie Money concert and firework show, which took place in Sutton Park. This year, the Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency booked Three Dog Night for the headliner. Mama won’t "tell you not to come" to this family-oriented celebration which will feature at least three bands.

Through a booking agent, the Palmetto CRA priced several acts that would appeal to a large population. Four bands were considered for selection, Grand Funk Railroad, 38 Special, Kansas and Three Dog Night.

Through a CRA pole via Facebook, 46.9 percent of voters selected Three Dog Night as the preferred headliner.

From 1968-1975, Three Dog Night earned 13 gold albums and recorded 21 Billboard Top 40 hits, seven of which went gold. Their first gold record was "One" which was written and recorded by singer/songwriter Harry Nilsson. The group had three number one singles in the U.S., including: Mama Told Me Not to Come, Joy to the World and Black and White. Coincidentally each song featured a different lead singer. Dunhill Records claimed the band sold 40 million record albums during this time period.

The band features original members Cory Wells and Danny Hutton, both on lead vocals, as well as original keyboardist Jimmy Greenspoon and guitarist Michael Allsup. Vocalist Paul Kingery plays bass and Pat Bautz is the drummer.

The concert is an effort to promote Palmetto’s downtown business district and parks. Palmetto businesses will be offered free spaces at the concert to sell food and market their services and products.

The celebration starts at 5 p.m. at Sutton and Lamb Park, with Three Dog Night taking the stage at around 7:30 p.m. and playing until about the time the fireworks go over the water near the Palmetto Fishing Pier at around 9:30 p.m.