Sat 5/2 @ 6PM
The Music Settlement (TMS) is hosting its first sit-down dinner gala, Fascinating Rhythms, to raise money to support the ongoing mission of the Music Settlement — to create a community where artistic expression belongs to everyone by serving those who seek personal growth through the arts. It also benefits the Berklee Scholarship Fund, which helps TMS student musicians who have been accepted to the Berklee City Music Network five-week summer performance intensive in Boston. We had the chance to catch up with Lynn B. Johnson, director of marketing & communications at TMS, about Fascinating Rhythms.
Who should buy a ticket and come out to Fascinating Rhythms?
People who love music and believe in the importance of music education should definitely buy tickets now. It’s a great opportunity to hear saxophonist Bill Pierce live — he’s at the top of his profession and an educator too! He played with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and plays saxophone in the Kevin Eubanks Quartet. Plus we’re having an auction with some unique, experiential lots up for bid. Our honorary gala chair is Paul Clark, regional president of PNC, whose Grow Up Great program has been so supportive toward education-based initiatives and organizations like the Music Settlement.
Who and what genre of music will be played?
Our students will be playing music from all genres. Our VIP reception will feature music from some our students who receive scholarships to The Music Settlement. Advanced Chamber Orchestra, which is our top orchestra, will kick things off, followed by our non-traditional Centennial Strings. A little later we’ll hear a performance by Dameron Ensemble, our top Jazz combo from J@MS (Jazz @The Music Settlement). Dameron Ensemble will then play with our headliner Bill Pierce. So yeah, the Dameron players are a little excited about that.
What is the relationship between the Music Settlement and Berklee?
Our J@MS program is proud to be a partner of the Berklee City Music Network. The widely acclaimed Berklee City Music Network has generously granted more than $110,000 in scholarship funds for students at TMS to attend their five-week summer program in Boston. Our partnership with Berklee City Music Network and the Berklee College of Music has yielded approximately $1,378,800 in scholarship funds for students of TMS to attend the summer program and the college.
What type of items will be auctioned off?
We are particularly excited about the Musician’s Experience: A live recording with digital and vinyl release from the BOP STOP donated by Cauliflower Mastering; 24 printed T-shirts, 100 full-color stickers and 100 11×17″ full-color posters donated by Jakprints; 300 12″ vinyl records, labels, and jackets donated by Gotta Groove Records; and free rental for recording time and launch party at Fox8 Buzz List’s “Best Nightspot 2015”.
What does the rest of the evening look like?
We’ll tent our entire back parking area and there will be a stage and a bar, and Bruce Sternberg of Around Downtown Catering is preparing the food. Our gala committee made sure to taste a lot of food to pick the absolute best for the event. After the auction, Bill Pierce will headline and that will be a don’t-miss set. Then stay for the dancing and DJ music with the Music Settlement’s instructors Alfredo Guerrieri, Chris Hatton and Ethan Sheils in our Glick Recital Hall. Seriously, if you have never visited Burke Mansion, it’s the most beautiful example of 1910s millionaire architecture that Cleveland has to offer. We are really the most beautiful place to learn music in Cleveland.
The Inflection Reception (VIP tickets; $250) begins at 6pm. General admission ($125) ticket holders are welcome at 7pm. Valet parking is included with the ticket.
Buy your tickets on or before Wednesday, April 29th because it’s pre-registered tickets only, no walk-ins allowed. This being the first gala, TMS wants to ensure that everyone has a seat and a plate and an auction number! To purchase your hot ticket to the Fascinating Rhythms Gala Benefit, click HERE.