It's going to be a showcase of talent when young Bahamian musicians and dance troupes join forces with award-winning Touch of Class dancers from Philadelphia to raise funds for the Ranfurly Home and the Children's Emergency Hostel.
More than 13 groups will participate in the showcase which brings together local performers including Funky D, T'rez Hepburn, Damien Davis, Chelsea's Kids, the Meridian School Choir, Yodephy, Dance Bahamas School, Virtue Dance, Live to Dance, Eurhythmics Dance Studio, Kaleidoscope Dance Company and Juice Unit Hip Hop Group. A group from The Meridian School Choir will perform a pop number inspired by the hit television show "Glee".
The "Love That Child" benefit concert sponsored by Bank of The Bahamas (BOB) will be held on Sunday, January 15, at the Rainforest Theatre, Wyndham Nassau Resort at 3 p.m.
"Last year's performance was nothing short of amazing. The children experienced interacting and performing with people they had seen on the big screen, they were all inspired and gained so much self-confidence," said Lisa McCartney, owner of The Meridian School at Unicorn Village. "I welcome the opportunity to assist the wonderful residents of The Ranfurly Home and to afford our students an opportunity to perform."
Sharing the stage with the Meridian School Choir will be three members of Chelsea's Kids, a group of advanced musicians sponsored by Chelsea's Choice.
"I think that music is a very important part of a civil society. Kids who have a talent need to be in a position where they can really hone in on those skills," said Tina Knowles, owner of Chelsea's Choice. "We all live in the same community and we all need to encourage and foster the growth of children which includes music."
Adding to the musical talents of local vocalists will be up-and-coming dancers from troupes including Live to Dance. The Live to Dance students will perform three numbers inspired by Broadway and hip-hop with a special song and dance rendition of "Marry You" by pop phenomenon Bruno Mars.
"The Love That Child concert is very inspirational. Learning to give back and working hard to do something great for such a wonderful cause is important for kids to learn at a young age," said Nonny Cartwright, owner and operator of Live to Dance Studio.
The benefit concert hosted by Funky D is named after local musician and former Ranfurly Home resident Damien Davis' original single "Love That Child", which was released by BOB and Davis in November 2010. All proceeds from the CD sales aid the Ranfurly Home and the hostel where Davis grew up. He will perform the song live at the concert.
The "Love That Child" benefit concert is being held in conjunction with the "Philly Connection" professional dance workshop on Saturday, January 14, also hosted by Apalucci and Rawlings. Registration for the one-day workshop is open to interested dancers ages five and older regardless of skill level. Every dancer who participates in the workshop will be invited to perform a group number in the "Love That Child" concert the following day.
"Love That Child" is the follow-up to the highly successful concert "Standing Ovation International Live Tour" held last summer, performed by the cast of the tween hit movie "Standing Ovation". Initial efforts raised more than $10,000 for the Ranfurly Homes for Children and Children's Emergency Hostel.
Tickets are available for a donation of $5 for students and $15 for adults. Tickets may be purchased at all BOB branches in Nassau, Splashdance in the Harbour Bay Shopping Centre, The Meridian School at Unicorn Village and Diane Phillips & Associates on East Bay Street. For corporate tables and group ticket inquiries, contact Diane Phillips & Associates at telephone 394-0677.
LOVE THAT CHILD BENEFIT CONCERT
When: Sunday, January 15
Where: Rainforest Theatre, Wyndham Nassau Resort
Cost: $5 for students, $15 adults
Time: Sunday at 3 p.m.
Ticket outlets: BOB branches in Nassau, Splashdance in the Harbour Bay Shopping Centre, The Meridian School at Unicorn Village and Diane Phillips & Associates on East Bay Street.
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