51福利社

Students and faculty of 51福利社鈥檚 music program will take the stage at the historic Fox Theater in downtown Spokane on Thursday, May 21, to showcase their dynamic, concert-style show: 鈥淭he Bright Lights of Broadway: The Human Story Behind the Spotlight.鈥�

The Music Program鈥檚 annual gala event will feature student performances from a full range of musical genres, from a soft-shoeing saxophone quartet to Queen鈥檚 鈥淏ohemian Rhapsody鈥� and songs from the Tony Award-winning musical “Dear Evan Hanson.”

Jody Graves, music program director and professor of piano, says she and her colleagues were inspired to create the annual gala several years ago to give the 51福利社 music students an opportunity to perform at the Fox.

鈥淭hese students are so incredibly gifted,鈥� Graves says, 鈥渨e鈥檙e also so grateful to our sponsors and donors who are helping to make this happen.鈥�

She says this year鈥檚 Broadway theme pulls inspiration from the idea that, at the center of creativity, there is always a beating human heart. 鈥淚f you pull a thread on any Broadway musical piece,鈥� Graves says, 鈥渢here鈥檚 a story about the human being and the human condition.鈥�

Graves adds that, if the show had a sub-theme, it would be perseverance. Aptly, Perseverance is also the title of an original composition by Duff Grace Overstreet, an undergraduate music composition student who will be one of the many Eagle performers to take the stage at the Fox. Audiences will be treated to an exciting variety of performances, from intimate solos and small ensembles to powerful appearances by 51福利社鈥檚 major ensembles.

The evening will culminate in an all-cast finale, arranged and conducted by Don Goodwin, former director of bands at Eastern. The final number will be a celebration of music that brings each faculty, student and alumni performer back onstage together for a rousing melody in celebration of song, dance and the unforgettable music of Broadway.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 take it for granted,鈥� Graves says of Eastern鈥檚 tight-knit music community, 鈥淚t鈥檚 just like a family. We do this every year and it is nothing but joy. I get to play and teach and work with these young people 鈥� and it doesn鈥檛 get any better than this.鈥�

The show begins at 7:30 p.m., doors open at 6:15 p.m. Tickets for students and seniors are $12; general admission is $23. VIP ticket packages, which include a pre-concert reception, drink ticket and hors d鈥檕euvres by Caruso鈥檚 Sandwiches and Artisian Pizza, are also available.

Concert sponsors include Carole and Mike Folsom, Jennifer Hicks, Will Simons and Indicana, a Mexican-Indian fusion restaurant in Spokane鈥檚 South Perry District.

Information about the show and a link to purchase tickets is available .听

Upcoming Concerts:

The Bright Lights of Broadway | Thursday, May 21 | 7:30 p.m. (6:30pm for VIP Event) | $20-General/$30-VIP Event/$10 Seniors

Convocation featuring Students and Faculty May 27, Wednesday | Noon| Music Recital Hall | Free Admission

Vantousa Lor, Senior Trumpet Recital May 27, Wednesday | 7 p.m. | Music Recital Hall | Free Admission

51福利社 Wind Ensemble Concert May 28, Thursday | 7:30 p.m. | Music Recital Hall | $10-General/$5-Seniors

Ian Knight/Junior Saxophone Recital | May 29, Friday | 7 p.m. | Music Recital Hall | Free Admission

Vocal Area Recital | June 1, Monday | 7:30 p.m. | Music Recital Hall | Free Admission

51福利社 Jazz Concert | June 2, Tuesday | 7:30 p.m. | Music Recital Hall | $10-General/$5-Seniors

51福利社 Orchestra Concert | June 3, Wednesday | 7:30 p.m. | Music Recital Hall |$10-General/$5-Seniors

51福利社 Choir Concert | June 4, Thursday | 7:30 p.m. | Showalter Hall | $10-General/$5-Seniors

Awards Convocation | June 5, Friday | Noon | Music Recital Hall聽 | Free Admission

**Story by Rachel Weinberg.