Ernie Isley says he and his brother, Ron, the last performing members of Cincinnati's first family of rhythm and blues, hope to avoid the politics of the city's entertainment boycott and headline the “Soulfest 2002” concert July 27 at U.S. Bank Arena.

        “We are coming to perform, barring any last-minute glitches,” he said Thursday.

        Last year, the The Isley Brothers was among the first to lend support to the boycott. They canceled an appearance at the 2001 Taste of Cincinnati the month after the death of Timothy Thomas, the unarmed teen who fled police and was shot to death by a Cincinnati police officer, sparking riots and unrest.

        But Mr. Isley is looking forward to returning, despite a call this week by boycott leaders to derail Soulfest 2002, which is sponsored by WDBZ-AM (1230). Mr. Isley said he believes the concert can be part of the city's healing process.

        “Hopefully, it'll help to bandage up some wounds,” he said.

        Mr. Isley, 50, left open the possibility of a repeat non-performance, however.

        “I would imagine if there was a strong enough (pressure from boycotters to not appear) and it came to us, perhaps we wouldn't. But as far as I know, the Cincinnati show is still on.”

Twitty awaits apology from city
All things considered, many skip long trips
City schools have many top jobs to fill
Advocates: UC study validates drug court
Lawyer: Erpenbeck may plead guilty
Aviation heritage area proposed by lawmakers
'Big Bearcat Gig' to raise money for UC scholarships
Boy's hat helps identify suspect
Federal funds in works for city
Fight at cinema prompts security
Florist settles on beige
Former society editor, 87, dies
Graeter's ice cream featured in story
Isley Brothers plan to perform
Obituary: Harvey B. Fuller, 84, supported arts
Tristate A.M. Report
West Nile Health department monitors wildlife
HOWARD: Some Good News
British Festival puts accent on fun
Butler sales-tax increase losing steam
Commissioners take on Cinergy for Edgewood schools
Concern over Shayler Creek draws a crowd
House panel votes to expel Traficant
Uranium waste may pay off for Tristate
Kentucky News Briefs
No-camping in parks brings protests
Patton: Growth panel should seek funding
Senate candidate opens Kentucky headquarters
Sludge spill victims stay put, but mostly out of necessity
Talks on Ky. budget proposed
Utility costs less than sanitation