VALLEY JAZZ COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER TO BENEFIT HUNGRY CHILDREN
“Jazz Under the Stars,” a benefit jazz concert for Kitchen on the Street, showcases a commitment among the local jazz community to helping the youngest, most vulnerable members of the Valley overcome the pain of hunger. The event, sponsored by Music Serving the Word Ministries, takes place Thursday, October 15^th, 6-9 p.m. at the Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central Ave., in Phoenix.  

Dwight Kilian, executive director for Music Serving the Word, references the number of first call jazz musicians taking part in this benefit concert in highlighting the widespread community support for this event. Valley jazz favorites Armand Boatman’s Be Bop Revolution, vocalist Vicki McDermitt, and Bob Ravenscroft’s Inner Journeys will be performing. According to Kilian, their participation is an effort to bring attention to the growing number of local school-aged children going without meals at nights and on weekends. Donations benefit Kitchen on the Street, a local non-profit agency working in partnership with schools to address the issue of after school hunger in the lives of local children.

“Jazz Under the Stars” features Armand Boatman’s Be Bop Revolution, a crowd-pleasing jazz quintet performing music that encompasses swing, blues, gospel, and Bop styles. The high-energy performance features first call musicians with a long record of appearances with major jazz figures, festivals, and tours. Also performing is acclaimed vocalist Vicki McDermitt who blends jazz standards and blues into an arresting performance that captivates jazz affectionatios and novices alike. Inner Journeys, featuring pianist Bob Ravenscroft, bassist Dwight Kilian, and drummer Rob Moore rounds out the bill with improvisational artistry that breaks the traditional label of “jazz” music.

In addition to outstanding performances, the evening features appetizers and beverages generously provided by central Phoenix restaurant and jazz bar, Central Grille. Throughout the event, the work of Kitchen on the Street will be featured, highlighting how the all-volunteer agency has more than doubled the number of children served within the past year, earning them Channel 8’s “Be More” award and Channel 12’s “12 Who Care” award.

“Jazz Under the Stars” takes place Thursday, October 15^th, 6-9 p.m. at the Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix. Parking is limited and attendees are encouraged to park at the adjacent Margaret T. Hance Park at 1^st Ave. and Culver. Valley jazz favorites Armand Boatman’s Be Bop Revolution, vocalist Vicki McDermitt, and pianist Bob Ravenscroft’s Inner Journeys will perform continuously throughout the evening. Light appetizers and beverages are generously provided by acclaimed Central Grille restaurant and admission is free with donations benefiting Kitchen on the Street. To learn more about Kitchen on the Street, visit KitchenOnTheStreet.org. To learn more about the innovative cuisine of Central Grille, visit CentralGrille.net. To learn more about Music Serving the Word Ministries and the “Jazz Under the Stars” benefit jazz concert, visit MusicServingTheWord.org or contact Dwight Kilian at 480-575-1303.

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