WESTPORT — The music of Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, Prince and other greats will echo through White's of Westport Sunday, May 28 for the "Stay in the Light" fundraiser to benefit the Armsted Christian Scholarship Fund.
Tickets are $50 and the event is from 3 to 7 p.m. Checks are payable to Armsted R. Christian Fund- BayCoast Bank or give online at Berklee.edu/soundbreaking/make-gift and reference Armsted R. Christian.
Christian, a musician and professor at Berklee College of Music, died in January 2016. "His family and friends thought one of the best ways to honor his legacy was to establish the Armsted R. Christian Endowment Scholarship at Berklee College of Music," organizers said in a news release.
The ARC Scholarship committee has held two events to date and has raised closed to $28,000. To establish an endowment scholarship at Berklee the committee must raise at least $50,000 and organizers said that with a sold-out event, the committee will reach that goal in the first year. Berklee allows 5 years to establish and endowment scholarship.
"Armsted was very dedicated to his profession and students. He often wrote letters on their behalf to the college trying to keep them in school by securing funds for them. This scholarship will enable him to still help to provide students with a quality of education," organizers said.
Christian brought music to SouthCoast and beyond for over 40 years. He often performed at community events to help organizations raise funds for various causes. "He was an unselfish, caring, and humanitarian. His spirituality came forth in his music and performances and touched audiences in ways that were uniquely his," the release said.
Leading the roster of performers is Guitar Virtuoso, fusion guitar player Chieli Minucci. His latest CD will be available to purchase at the event. Chieli has recorded 28 CDS.
Morris Pleasure was in Michael Jackson's This is it Tour Band, which Michael Jackson referred to as the best band he ever assembled, in the " This Is It" movie. Pleasure will be a part of the 50th Anniversary world tour in memory of Michael Jackson and his music. He orris will be on keyboards and co-musical Director for the fundraising event. He is also a trumpet and bass player.
Vocalist Kudisan Kai, a former professor at Berklee, has toured for seven years and recorded with Elton John. She sings anything from Opera- to Gospel to R& B to Jazz but her passion is alternative rock. She is about to release her first book "Memoirs of a Background Diva".
Gabrielle Goodman is also a versatile vocalist, professor of voice at Berklee College and wrote hit tunes for Chaka Khan. She and Armsted Christian were also writing partners.
Aria Christian and Kyle Christian, children of Armsted Christian who performed in the first fundraiser, will perform again in the upcoming event.
Others on the roster are professors at Berklee College.
Source: May 28 fundraiser for Armsted R. Christian Jazz Scholarship
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