The Chicago West Community Music Center will hold its first annual W.I.S.H. Recital benefit and fundraiser on Saturday, May 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson. Admission is $20.
The 60 students in (W.I.S.H.), the Westside Instruction Strings and Harp program, use the traditional and Suzuki method and promise a morning of sweet soul and classical music as they play the harp, violin, cello and guitar.
These amazing kids are avoiding violence in the streets and are picking up music instruments and singing. The W.I.S.H. program has sent these kids to Paris and China on a music excursion. It was the first time many of them had ever been on a plane.
Howard Sandifer, founder of Chicago West Community Music Center, says: “Our mission is to harness the creative potential of individuals through education to inspire artistic and cultural expression in such a way that we help foster positive relationships across neighborhood lines.”
The public is also invited to the kick off celebration of “Night Out in the Parks” concert series on May 26 at 7 p.m. at the Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson. The Urban Jazz Giants pays tribute to George Benson and Grover Washington Jr., and features Michael Ross and Tyrone Hines. Admission is also free for this event.
