NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
11 March 2004

AWARD WINNING 6TH ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH YOUTH PERFORMING ARTIST SHOWCASE SET FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17 AT THE FORUM

Harrisburg, PA—Mayor Stephen R. Reed today announced that the City of Harrisburg’s 6th Annual Black History Month Youth Performing Artist Showcase is set for Wednesday, March 17, at the Forum Building at Fifth and Walnut Streets in downtown. Two performances will be held, with the 7:30 p.m. evening presentation free and open to the public. A 9:00 a.m. performance, also free, is open only to city school students and senior citizens.

Since started by the Mayor six years ago, the Showcase has become a very popular regional event that features the artistic talents of many of the midstate’s most promising young performers. The Showcase Audition committee viewed more than 700 students in 165 different acts before making their final selections. This year’s theme is “Profiles of African American Excellence”.

Reed said the Showcase is a professionally-staged, Broadway-type production that features international musical star Cedric Lawson and his All-Star Orchestra. In addition to the performances, the participating young artists were also given the opportunity to attend developmental workshops conducted by professional artists, including actor and choreographer Kelly Summerford, professional vocalist Henrietta Hadley, and writer Brenda House-Barrett.

The Mayor said the free Showcase has become a signature production of the City’s extensive schedule of Black History Month activities, and was honored by the Pennsylvania Parks and Recreation Society as the best Cultural Enrichment Program held in the state.

Reed said the free tickets for the Showcase are now available for distribution, and interested show attendees can secure them on a first come, first serve basis. A limit of four tickets per requestor is in effect because of the limited seating available.

Tickets may be obtained at the Reservoir Park Mansion, Mr. Mike’s Records, Music Man, Giant Foods Store in Kline Village, and in the Department of Parks and Recreation’s offices in the Rev. Dr, M.L. King Jr. City Government Center in downtown. Questions should be directed to the Recreation Bureau office’s at (717) 233.7403. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for the Showcase, and any seats unfilled by 7:15 p.m. will be given away to others. The Mayor has also authorized the distribution of standing room only tickets, as the Forum Building historically has quickly filled for the unique special event.

The Mayor extended his appreciation to the event’s Production Committee, which this year in addition to city Parks and Recreation staff included Brenda House-Barrett, Charon Battles, Joyce Bolden, Jairee Counterman, Calobe Jackson, Cedric Lawson, John Scott and Kelly Summerford.

Joining the city in co-sponsoring the Showcase and Harrisburg’s many other Black History Month events are the Harrisburg Parks Partnership, PHEAA, Hershey Foods, Giant Food Stores LLC, UPS, J.P. Lilley & Son Inc., 1400 The Touch, Rejoice Inc., M&T Bank, Harrisburg School District, the Downtown Improvement District, Pennsylvania Blue Shield—A Highmark Company, Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, The National Civil War Musuem, Amtrak, The Levitt Pavilion Commerce Bank, The Forum Building and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Strictly Formals, Writer’s Wordshop and Eddie’s Furniture and Men’s Shop.

“These sponsors, along with the members of the Production Committee, have this city’s appreciation for their dedicated efforts and generous contributions,” said the Mayor.

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