JULY 29, 2010 ISSUE
USO Liberty Bells Perform Hayes Center Fundraiser August 28
The USO Liberty Bells will perform a fundraiser concert to help raise money for the USO and for sustained operations for the Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock, which plans to reopen in summer 2011.
The Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock presents an energetic evening of Broadway and Big Band favorites performed by the USO Liberty Bells from New York City.
The special fundraising event takes place on Saturday, August 28, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hayes Center. All proceeds from the benefit will help sustain the Hayes Center and its limited operations as the performing arts venue prepares for its grand reopening in summer 2011.
The USO Liberty Bells—comprised of three female vocalists and one male vocalist for this performance, with select live accompaniment by pianist and director Ray Kennedy—will perform music by legends such as the Andrews Sisters, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, as well as contemporary artists like the Black-Eyed Peas and Beyoncé.
The group will have toes tapping with such jazzy numbers as “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” and “My Boyfriend’s Back” to classic Great White Way tunes like “Lullabye of Broadway” and “Ain’t Nothin’ but the Blues.” And the evening is further amplified by patriotic standards including “God Bless America,” “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” and “God Bless the USA.”
The USO Liberty Bells travel throughout the world performing for service members, their families, veterans and audiences that actively support the troops here and abroad.
The troupe is comprised of Broadway and off-Broadway professionals who are chosen each year after an extensive audition process in Manhattan. This year’s performers hail from the Broadway shows Hairspray, The Sound of Music, The Color Purple and Cirque du Soleil.
“We are proud of our new 2010 USO Liberty Bells,” said Brian Whiting, president of USO of Metropolitan New York. “They are impressively talented and will add a nostalgic, contemporary and patriotic touch to our tour.”
Chetola Resort & Spa will host a pre-performance party, and a post-show cast party will commence directly after the show.
Four different donor levels are available: SOS Sponsor at $1,000 will receive everything at the General level plus additional premier seating for two and a special commemorative gift; General at $225 will receive everything at the Commander level plus an invitation to the post-show cast party and prominent acknowledgement in the program; Commander at $125 will receive premier seating and an invitation to the pre-performance party; and Support Troop at $50 will receive general seating. Depending on the donor level, your gift will be 50 to 85 percent tax-deductible.
In addition, 40 percent of the USO Liberty Bells’ artist fee goes directly back to the USO to enable the USO Liberty Bells to perform for free for active duty military, veterans and Wounded Warriors, as well as provide phone cards and care packages for the troops.
“We are proud to present such wonderful and world-renowned artists as the USO Liberty Bells at the Hayes Center,” said Ronald Bryson, Hayes Center chair of the Board of Trustees. “This fundraiser is vital for us to sustain operations until our grand reopening in summer 2011, and it’s also a wonderful way to help support our military troops. There has been a lot going on behind the scenes to get the center onto sound financial footing. The support has been tremendous, and things are looking very positive. It is very gratifying to see this show and fundraiser scheduled and to have activity in the Hayes Center again. The center plays a big part in the economic impact of our community, town and High Country region.”
Tickets to this fundraiser are not available online. To make reservations, call 828-295-0112, extension 5 or 6. For group seating, reserve as early as possible.
The Hayes Performing Arts Center is located at 152 Jamie Fort Road off Highway 321 in Blowing Rock. For more information, call 828-295-9627.
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