Rochester, NY (Top40 Charts/ Eric Mower + Associates) Five-time Grammy Award winner Jessye Norman will perform a benefit concert for Action for a Better Community, Inc. (ABC) on Sunday, April 14th at 5:00pm in Kodak Hall at the Eastman Theatre. The concert, entitled "The African American Cultural Legacy," features special guests, The Garth Fagan Dance Company and pianist, Mark Markham. All proceeds from the concert benefit ABC, a community action agency that provides programs and services to help low-income families and individuals achieve greater self-sufficiency.
"The timing and theme of the concert were selected to coincide with the presence of the Rochester Museum and Science Center's exhibit, RACE: Are We So Different, and launching of the related Facing Race, Embracing Equity Initiative (FR=EE). The event will be a one-of-a-kind musical experience which complements FR=EE's aim of promoting cross-cultural exploration, appreciation, and dialogue," said
James Norman, President and CEO of ABC.
Tickets for the ABC benefit concert will be available on Feb. 26 through www.rpo.org and at the Eastman Theatre Box Office on East Avenue. Tickets also can be purchased by phone at (585) 454-2100. Prices range from $25.00 - $125.00. VIP level tickets are priced at $125.00 and include box or orchestra seating, plus admission to a post-concert reception with Miss Norman. Block seating discounts also are available.
Renowned in classical music as an operatic soprano, Miss Norman has expanded into jazz and created an eclectic repertoire, collaborating with some of today's most innovative artists. She is highly-praised not only for her award-winning sound, but for the rich history and African American culture interpreted in her songs.
Miss Norman was honored this past January as a recipient of the African-American Church Inaugural Ball "Keepers of the Flame" award, which applauded her impact on social justice with her music. In addition to her accomplishments in music, Miss Norman is also widely recognized for her vast philanthropic efforts.
Miss Norman's last performance in Rochester was a benefit concert for ABC in 2006.
Action for a Better Community is a federally and state designated Community Action Agency. Servicing Monroe County and Ontario County, ABC is one of nearly 1,000 Community Action Agencies across the United States. Incorporated in 1964, ABC has more than 400 employees that provide services to assist people to become more self-sufficient. Core funding for the agency is provided by the Community Service Block Grant (CSBG). ABC responds to a number of different issues in the community that affect the lives of residents including early childhood education, healthcare, substance abuse, employment and economic literacy, and community building. For additional information, call (585) 325-5116 or visit www.abcinfo.org.
