Bridgehampton - Songs of Solomon, the award-winning inspirational choral youth ensemble based in Harlem, will return to the Maidstone Club in East Hampton on Saturday, June 5 to benefit the Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center.
The world-renowned group, created and led by
Chantel Renee Wright, herself an award-winning choral conductor from Chicago, has performed all over the United States and in South Africa. It was at the Gospel Music Workshop of America four years ago that
Bonnie Cannon, Executive Director of the Bridgehampton Child Care Center, first heard them. "They blew me away," she says. "I knew right then I'd have to get them out here." Last year's concert was sold out.
The high energy group, whose repertoire ranges from gospel and spirituals to jazz and classical music (they sang the Bach Magnificat in D at
Carnegie Hall) has performed with such artists as
Elton John,
Gladys Knight,
Earth Wind and Fire and
Aretha Franklin.
Co-Chairing this year's benefit are
Dan Rattiner, founder and editor of
Dan's Papers, and
Kayce Freed Jennings, who was married to the late
Peter Jennings, ABC's news anchor. "Peter was an enthusiastic and generous supporter of the Bridgehampton Child Care Center," says Jennings, who serves on the Center's Advisory Board. "We hosted Jazz @Jennings at our home every summer to benefit the Center. Peter would care deeply that this vital community institution continues to be supported."
The Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center was born out of tragedy in 1949 when a house fire killed the untended children of migrant farm workers. The shocked community rallied to found the first, community-based migrant child care center in the country. The Center continues to serve the less fortunate on the East End and offers After-School programs, a low cost summer camp, Youth programs and Adult Development services such as ESL and GED. It also hosts Head Start for preschoolers from as far away as Montauk and Westhampton.
For reservations to hear Songs of Solomon, call 631-537-0616. There will also be cocktails, hors-d'oeuvres and a silent auction. Seating is limited. The event will be held on Saturday, June 5, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The price is $150 per person. The Maidstone Club is located at 50 Old Beach Lane in East Hampton.
Guest (Linda Francke) from sagaponack says:
Sounds like a blast - and for a great cause. I was just told that last-minute tickets will be available at the door so everyone who loves great choral music should get on down to the Maidstone Club this Saturday, June 5th, at 4:30 pm. It doesn't get better than this...