Red Beans and Jazz-ö for Hurricane Katrina Benefit

-Red Beans and Jazz- for Hurricane Katrina Benefit September 26

TAHLEQUAH - Northeastern State University and others in northeast Oklahoma have been opening doors of compassion for displaced Gulf Coasters in light of the recent tragedy brought on by Hurricane Katrina. To contribute to the cause, the NSU Jazz Studies Program, in partnership with NSU Theatre, are presenting -Red Beans and Jazz,- a benefit for hurricane victims, with live music, theatre performances, and a red beans and rice feast on Thursday September 29, 2005, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Shawnee Street Theatre on the Tahlequah campus of NSU.

Tahlequah mayor Ken Purdy will officially proclaim Thursday, September 29, as -New Orleans Second Line Day,- and will participate with the Second Chance Second Line Brass Band from New Orleans, NSU jazz musicians, and others as a New Orleans jazz funeral parade takes place at 6 p.m. The parade will start marching at the old Cherokee County Courthouse Square and continue through Downing Street past the NSU Jazz Lab and around to the Shawnee Street Theatre and the beginning of the benefit. All student organizations, fraternities, sororities, and others are encouraged to participate.

-Even beyond the fact that New Orleans has long been one of the great cultural and historical centerpieces of America and needs to be rebuilt, there are people in trouble and who need help. Personally I just couldn-t sit back and pretend it didn-t happen or do nothing,- said Arthur White, NSU director of jazz studies.

Robby Burt, NSU professor of Theatre, contacted White with the very same sentiments and suggested a benefit concert, which will feature NSU students and faculty from the theatre and jazz programs.

Of the benefit-s theme, Burt said "we wanted to come up with an idea to help the victims of Katrina that would tie into the New Orleans theme, and red beans and jazz are synonymous with The Big Easy."

The NSU chapters of Alpha Psi Omega, a national theatre fraternity, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, a national music fraternity, will be donating time and manpower to help oversee the event.

All of the proceeds from the benefit will go to the Tulsa area chapter of the American Red Cross, with funds going directly to support relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina victims. There is a $10 suggested donation, and donations can be made at any time by contacting the Tulsa chapter at 918-831-1109.

-The arts can help unify communities and help heal souls. This is how I can help. Others should do what they can,- White said.

For more information on the benefit, please call 918-456-5511, extensions 4602, 4603, or 2794.

09/26/2005

Published: 2005-09-26 00:00:00