HSDB Benefit Concert!

In recognition of “Deaf Awareness Month,” Hawai‘i’s Country Girl and Na Hōkū Hanohano award-winning entertainer, Melveen Leed, will headline a concert to benefit The Hawai‘i School for the Deaf and the Blind on Saturday, September 11, 2010, with a 7:30 pm curtain, at The Hawai‘i Theatre.

Entitled “The Many Moods of Melveen Leed, presented by Dr. Lawrence Tseu”, the concert will showcase six of Melveen’s favorite musical genres: Hawaiian, Jazz, Country, Motown, Broadway and International Flair. The versatile songstress will perform each segment with Hawai‘i’s most noted musicians from each genre.

The concert is being directed by Marian Morrison, Disney Entertainment Creative Show Development and Casting Consultant. A well known Choreographer and Show Director, Morrison served as the Artistic Director of the highly successful “Breathe” concert for the Hawai‘i Lung Association in January at the Hawai‘i Theatre.

Said Morrison, “Melveen, her talented friends and surprise guests will add spectacular color and depth to an unforgettable evening of pure entertainment. We invite all who love the artistry of Melveen and great music, including supporters of The Hawai‘i School for the Deaf and the Blind, to join us for this worthwhile, wonderful event.” Featured in the cast will also be the newly crowned Miss Hawai’i Outstanding Teen, Lena Merrill of Maui, a student at the school.

According to Morrison, guests will leave exhilarated, inspired and enlightened “with smiles in their hearts.” From start to finish the audience will be treated to a medley of great entertainment with Melveen as the centerpiece.” Just a few of the dazzling highlights will be a Jazz Swing Ensemble, live African drumming, a heart-warming collaboration with Melveen and a cast of the school’s students, and a special 9/11 tribute to the Red, White and Blue “ said Morrison.

The mother of a hearing impaired son, Morrison wants to help eradicate the stigma that so often is attached to the deaf. “Sometimes it’s difficult for the hearing world to understand the challenges of those living with the ‘invisible disability of hearing impairment,” Morrison said.

“I want the public to see, that despite physical challenges, the deaf have the potential to achieve amazing goals that so often seem impossible. Lena Merrill is a great example,” continued Morrison.

Morrison also wants to help raise funds for the Hawai‘i School for the Deaf and the Blind which has faced cutbacks in federal and private funding. “The cutbacks have adversely impacted the school’s programs and the concert will help make up for some of the shortfall,” she said.

Tickets go on sale beginning August 11, 2010 at the Hawai‘i Theatre Box Office. Prices are $25 for General admission; $35 for Premium seating, and $55 for VIP seating (all prices include a $3 Hawai‘i Theatre Restoration Fee). For more information about ticket sales, please call the Hawai‘i Theatre Box Office at (808) 528-0506.

The fundraiser will also feature a VIP pre-concert dinner with cocktails, wine and complimentary valet parking at Duc’s Bistro near the theatre at 1188 Maunakea Street.
A VIP concert package, which includes dinner, Melveen Leed CD, and VIP concert seating, is available at $150 per person.

Sponsorship packages, which include a Sponsor pre-show dinner, Melveen Leed CD, VIP seating, Honorable Sponsor mention in the concert program, and other amenities are available at $3,500, $2,000 and $1,000. For more information about the dinner packages and sponsorships, please call Anna Meng at (808) 523-7738 or email anna_meng@hotmail.com.

Concert sponsors include Dr. Lawrence Tseu, Title Sponsor, Nan Inc., GL Scientific Inc., Asian Pacific Collections, Dr. and Mrs. Gerard Luppino, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bean, Donna Walden, Progressive Communications, and Tanioka’s Seafood and Catering.