The Columbus Jazz Arts Group and the Community Shelter Board are coming together for a concert to help the homeless. Full details from the Jazz Arts Group:
“The Jazz Arts Group (JAG) presents the Columbus Jazz Orchestra led by Byron Stripling in “A Concert to End Homelessness,” January 17 and 18 at the Capitol Theatre – Riffe Center. Partnering with the Community Shelter Board (CSB), this unforgettable, inspiring evening of song and dance will raise awareness and funds to help people find secure housing and rebuild their lives.
“Our community has experienced a sharp rise in homelessness, with ravaging effects on our neighbors,” stated Michelle Heritage, Executive Director of the Community Shelter Board. “It’s time to bring an end to the fear and hopelessness that comes from a life on the streets.”
“I decided to create this concert because every fiber in my being said, ‘enough is enough,’” shared CJO Artistic Director Byron Stripling. “Every person I passed that appeared homeless seemed to be speaking directly to me and my heart cried out saying, ‘it’s time to act.’ Inspired by the great Quincy Jones and the artist that created ‘We Are the World,’ the Columbus Jazz Orchestra will perform a concert that will joyously uplift the city of Columbus. With music, dance and actors, this concert will demonstrate and highlight the amazing work of the Community Shelter Board.”
Audience members are asked to bring towels, deodorant, bars of soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, and toothpaste – items most needed for a new shelter that will open in the spring of 2014.
Trends underscoring the significant need:
- People are turning to shelters in record numbers. Over the last three years, the Community Shelter Board’s shelters have served 65% more families and 14% more single men and women.
- More than 2,400 children were homeless last year.
- On too many nights, adults have nowhere to go – turned away from shelters that are filled to capacity.
- Poverty continues to be a problem in Columbus with rates as high as 20% – that’s one out of every five people. Our housing is becoming increasingly expensive – topping Cincinnati, Nashville, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Minneapolis and other cities that we benchmark ourselves against.
With choreography and direction by Alexis Wilson, the full cast includes 18 musicians, two singers, three dancers and two actors. The concert will include inspiring music by the Columbus Jazz Orchestra from all genres including, pop, jazz, gospel and soul featuring the vocal talents of Jonathan Elliott (The Floorwalkers) and Talisha Holmes (Liquid Crystal Project, Talisha Holmes Ensemble).
Single tickets are on sale for $35 (lower main floor), $30 (upper main floor) and $25 (mezzanine) and available through the CAPA Ticket Office at 614-469-0939 and through all Ticketmaster outlets. Student tickets are available for $15 with valid ID at the door. $5 of each ticket sold will be donated towards the efforts of the Community Shelter Board. For more information call 614-294-5200 or visit www.jazzartsgroup.org.”
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