“MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” Welcomes Keith Urban
PICKERINGTON, OHIO – “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles,” the new exhibit opening at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum on June 28, 2008, continues to add motorcycle enthusiasts from music, screen and industry. Keith Urban is the latest rider to contribute an exclusive machine and personal memorabilia. The multi-platinum selling artist is loaning his custom Vengeance Drifter, a signature Fender Telecaster guitar named “Clarence” and a special collection of personal photos to “MotoStars,” allowing exhibit visitors an in-depth look at his passion for motorcycling.
Urban is one of the country’s leading performers, consistently selling out arenas worldwide. His first solo album in the U.S., 1999’s self-titled effort, went platinum. Urban’s most recent albums, 2004’s “Be Here” and 2007’s “Love, Pain & the whole crazy thing,” both debuted at number one on Billboard’s Country Chart. When not touring or in the studio, Urban often can be found out on a ride, clearing his head on one of his motorcycles. A longtime enthusiast, Urban bought the Vengeance “7” Drifter to be displayed in the “MotoStars” exhibit on impulse at the legendary Sturgis Rally in 2006.
Urban will join a group of more than 100 prominent personalities contributing motorcycles and memorabilia to the “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” exhibit. Notable actors, artists, athletes, musicians, CEOs, and bike builders have provided priceless machines and exclusive ephemera for the milestone exhibit. Motorcycle manufacturers, notably Victory Motorcycles, have also given the exhibit significant support.
“The goal of ‘MotoStars’ is not only to delve into the stories of the well-known enthusiasts, but to highlight the passion for motorcycling that unites all riders into a strong community,” said Mark Mederski, executive director of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. “We are grateful for the support for all those who have contributed to ‘MotoStars.’ This is exhibit is sure to be one of the Museum’s most popular.”
Featured MotoStars, Motorcycle Hall of Famers, industry leaders and enthusiasts will gather on the grounds of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio, Friday, June 27, and Saturday, June 28, 2008, to celebrate the grand opening of the “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” exhibit. A VIP gala and charity auction will kick-start the weekend on Friday, June 27. The auction will feature items donated by many “MotoStars,” including a signed guitar from Urban. Proceeds from the auction of Urban’s guitar will benefit the non-profit Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. Saturday events will include a panel discussion with celebrity motorcyclists and the official exhibit ribbon-cutting ceremony. All weekend events are open to the public. More information can be found at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
Play a Starring Role: How to Contribute
Following the exhibit's installation at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, a national tour of "MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles" is planned. Manufacturers, builders, collectors or individuals interested in lending appropriate bikes or ephemera in support of "MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles" are invited to contact exhibit curator David Morris at damorris@motorcyclemuseum.org or (386) 852-9898.
About the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum
The goal of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling. Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum honors those who have contributed notably to the sport, and three major exhibition halls showcase the machines and memorabilia that have shaped motorcycling. The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is closed on New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Adult admission is $10 per person; students 12–17, $3. AMA members $5. Seniors receive a $2 discount and members of motorcycle clubs and organizations are eligible for a $1 discount per ticket. A $25 family rate and group rates are also available. For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Museum’s website at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
