Bill Cosby to Perform a Benefit Concert for New England Public Radio in March 2013

Bill Cosby will perform a benefit concert in support of New England Public Radio's  50th Anniversary Capital Campaign at Springfield's Symphony Hall on Saturday, March 2 at 8 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the programs and services of WFCR and all-news WNNZ.

"New England Public Radio provides a great public service to the area," says Bill Cosby. "I am proud to support NEPR."

Tickets ($37.50, $47.50, $57.50 and $75) are on sale now at the Symphony Hall Box Office 413-788-7033 or at Ticketmaster.com using this link: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/01004952FBF3CB28

"We're thrilled that Mr. Cosby has offered this event for the station, and are happy to be presenting such a beloved star in the city of Springfield," said Martin Miller, New England Public Radio's CEO and General Manager.

The benefit concert is part of the station's 50th Anniversary Capital Campaign. The campaign, launched in 2011, will fund the station's expansion into downtown Springfield, where it is purchasing the first floor of the Fuller Block Building at 1537 Main Street. Additional campaign funds will be used to expand local programming and for endowment purposes. 

Visit nepr.net/cosby for more information on this special benefit engagement.

About Bill Cosby:

One of America's most beloved comedians, Bill Cosby has captivated generations of fans with his comedy routines, iconic albums, the groundbreaking series, The Cosby Show, and best-selling books including Fatherhood. 

Mr. Cosby broke television's racial barrier with I Spy, becoming the first African American to costar on a television series while winning three consecutive Emmys.  He created and produced the Emmy-winning cartoon Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, which began airing in the 1970s and was made into a film in 2004.

Perhaps his greatest contribution to American entertainment and culture is The Cosby Show, about a close-knit, upper class black family.  Mr. Cosby said his intent was to portray an American family. The Cosby Show dominated the number one spot for years, earning nearly unanimous critical praise.

Mr. Cosby has received the Kennedy Center Honors, the Presidential Medal of Freedom (America's highest civilian honor), the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and the Marian Anderson Award.     

For more on Bill Cosby, please visit billcosby.com 

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