David Cook, Sara Evans, Ginuwine, Nikko Smith added to All-Star festivities
The celebrity names are pouring in for 2009 All-Star Week, Major League Baseball announced today.
We already know about Sheryl Crow and Elvis Costello, performing at the MLB All-Star Charity Concert at the Gateway Arch at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Now part of All-Star Week are Missouri-centric artists David Cook, Ginuwine, Nikko Smith, and Sara Evans, all booked for other All-Star events (though not as part of the All-Star Concert).
– Headliner Crow now has additional duties. The Kennett, Mo. native will perform the U.S. National Anthem as part of the special pre-game ceremony to the 2009 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday at Busch Stadium.
The broadcast begins at 7 p.m. on Fox with video addresses from President Barack Obama along with former U.S. Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter, as part of the special pre-game ceremony honoring the 30 “All-Stars Among Us.”
Following the video, President Obama will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
– Country singer Sara Evans, a Boonville, Mo., native, will perform “God Bless America” during the 7th inning stretch.
– “American Idol” winner David Cook, who hails from Blue Springs, will sing two songs at the start of the State Farm Home Run Derby at Busch Stadium on Monday. Prior to his performance, “American Idol” finalist Nikko Smith, son of St. Louis Cardinals’ Ozzie Smith, will perform the National Anthem. The State Farm Home Run Derby will be broadcast live on ESPN at 7 p.m. Monday.
– R&B singer Ginuwine will perform the U.S. National Anthem on Sunday prior to the 11th annual XM All-Star Futures Game. The game will begin at 1 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPN2, ESPN2 HD and MLB.TV. XM will provide satellite radio play-by-play coverage of the XM All-Star Futures Game on XM 175. Ginuwine recorded his new CD “A Man’s Thoughts” at Notifi Records studio in St. Louis; Notifi is run by Ira DeWitt, wife of Cardinals’ president Bill DeWitt III.
Get more information at www.allstargame.com.
Kevin C. Johnson has covered the St. Louis' music and nightlife scene for the past decade. 
It’s nice to see MLB focusing on Missouri-centric artists, but I’m sure people are going to be up in arms that Nelly isn’t included. Me - I’m thrilled to see Sheryl Crow and David Cook…I just hope that ESPN shows ALL of the Home Run Derby, so I can see it.
I would have thought Nelly would be a given too, as well as Chuck Berry. But I too love the Missouri focus.
I’m confused…will all these addtional performers be at the charity concert in addition to the other events? The way the second paragraph is written would lead one to believe that. Is that the case?
I agree! The Missouri focus is appreciated! I hope, however, that the artists who ‘lead’ the crowd in singing the National Anthem actually do LEAD the crowd, and not turn it into their own ‘performance’, as it was described. Leading the singing of the National Anthem is an honor bestowed upon them, not a chance to further their career and show off their style. Or am I just misguided?
The additional names are NOT a part of the All-Star concert Saturday. They are only involved in the other listed events. Sorry for any confusion.
Do they really want Nelly to repesent St.Louis in the All Star Game.A low life thugs who grab his b@@ls and blatherd tunes about gang banging,hustling ho’s,drinking pimp juice representing the LOU!!!NO!!!
It’s about time David Cook got to St. Louis. Too bad its not a show that most can get out and see. Suprising that a MO native wouldn’t schedule a show here on his tour. Kevin, any plans for a David Cook show in STL anytime soon??
Been waiting on a David Cook in STL concert date, and not sure why his tour dates never include a local date. Maybe his coming here for All-Star Week will light a fire…
Very excited about the MO talent as well as seeing President Obama throw out the first pitch.
You have to check-out fortyfourink.com for the limited edition t-shirt commemorating the first pitch. Be on the lookout for them online and around the stadium!
As the 44th president, Obama shares the number with other All-Stars and Hall of Famers Hank Aaron, Willie McCovey and Mr. October–Reggie Jackson! All-Star History!
I would also think Neil Boyd would have been invited to participate in this event. Perhaps he has another commitment……..