WRAL’s Leslie to perform in Campbell’s Homecoming Festivities

     WRAL-TV news anchor Bill Leslie will perform during this year’s Homecoming Weekend at Campbell University.
     Leslie will take the stage with the Celtic music group Lorica for the “Wee Bit of Scotland” festivities Saturday, Oct. 21.
     Leslie has composed, produced, arranged and performed on five highly acclaimed Celtic fusion albums, including “Peaceful Journey: a Celebration of North Carolina”. “Peaceful Journey” was number one on the world music charges (NAR) for December 2004. His latest release, “I am a River,” includes “Tall Ships,” the official song of the 2006 America’s Sail Maritime Festival.
     A native of Morganton, Leslie grew up singing and playing guitar. However, it was during a trip to Scotland in the 1980s, when he said he fell in love with the Celtic music style and learned to play the pennywhistle, a traditional Scottish instrument.
     “I really felt like I was able to tap into my own Celtic roots,” he said. “I heard this music and it just stirred something within my soul. There’s a kind of simple elegance to it. It’s highly melodic. It’s very soulful.”
     An award winning journalist, Leslie joined WRAL in 1984, working as managing editor, environmental reporter and anchor. While he still enjoys his “day job”, music provides a welcome creative outlet.
     “My father was an artist and he always encouraged me to express myself artistically,” said Leslie. “I can’t draw a lick, but I have an easy time creating melodies. If I force myself to be still, to wait for the melody to appear, it usually comes.”
     He is now passing the musical tradition on to his son, Will, who plays percussion for four tracks on the newest album, “I am a River,” a musical tribute to North Carolina’s waterways.
     “I just love the state. I know a lot about it,” he said. “I feel a real connection to the people.”
     Leslie will perform with Lorica for the “Wee Bit of Scotland” and later ride in the Homecoming parade. The events reflect the Scottish heritage and tradition of Campbell University and Harnett County. Other participants include Celtic singer/dancer Jennifer Licko, Highland dancers, pipe and drum performers, various Scottish clans, food and craft vendors. Festivities will last from 10 am – 4pm and are free and open to the community.
     Leslie said he’s excited to be a part of this year’s activities.
     “I’ve been to Campbell several times to speak on various occasions and have always been received real warmly,” he said. “It’ll be good to come home to Campbell.”
     Founded in 1887, Campbell University is a private, coeducational institution of the liberal arts, sciences and professions offering undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees. The university is comprised of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business, the School of Education, The School of Pharmacy and the Divinity School. The university was ranked in the top tier of “Best Universities in the South” offering masters’ degrees by U.S. News & World Report in its “America’s Best Colleges” 2006 edition and named one of the “100 Best College Buys” in the nation by Institutional Research & Evaluation, Inc.

For a full listing of Campbell University Homecoming and athletic activities: http://www.campbell.edu

Photo Copy: WRAL anchor Bill Leslie will perform at Campbell University’s Homecoming festivities.