Clark Atlanta University News May 11, 2018 Gerald Albright Headlines 25th Anniversary Jazz Under the Stars Concert at CAU The Clark Atlanta University (CAU) Guild hosted its 25th Anniversary Jazz Under the Stars Scholarship Benefit Concert Saturday, May 5, 2018. The annual fund-raiser to benefit students in the performing arts drew nearly 1,300 jazz enthusiasts and University supporters to the school's Harkness Hall Quadrangle. The event raised $200,000, which far exceeded the goal of $125,000. It is the highest amount raised in the event's 25-year history. This year, 32 awardees will receive scholarships, three of whom will receive the Brenda Hill Cole Endowed Scholarship, named in honor of the Guild's founder. "This event is significant because, in the past, it was difficult for our performing arts students to find scholarship assistance," said CAU President Ronald A. Johnson. "Artists use their abundance of creativity to help us expand our understanding of the human condition. They will be the ones who will spark ideas that will lead to new possibilities that will uplift us all." Grammy-nominated, jazz saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Gerald Albright took to the open-air stage with his four-piece band. They performed hits from his Grammy-nominated solo albums, Pushing The Envelope and Slam Dunk. Twanda Black, host of "Good News Gospel" on Kiss 104.1 FM, was the emcee. The second half of the concert opened with a performance by Albright's daughter, singer-songwriter Selina Albright. It was also the perfect platform to showcase the talent of the University's own aspiring musicians. The Clark Atlanta University Jazz Vocal Ensemble, directed by Dr. Curtis Everett Powell, and and the CAU Jazz Orchestra, directed by Mr. James H. Patterson, also performed. "What a fantastic way to celebrate our 25th anniversary," said Brenda Tolliver, chair of the CAU Guild. "The temporary liquid sunshine could not dampen our spirits. Thanks to everyone who attended because our students in the arts are the beneficiaries of this great event." Since its founding in 1992 by former CAU first lady and retired Judge Brenda Hill Cole, the Guild has raised more than $2 million to support aspiring young artists. This year's supporters include presenting legacy sponsor UPS Foundation and platinum sponsors Billye Suber Aaron, Alston & Bird Firm, LLP, Delta Air Lines and Jazz 91.9FM WCLK. SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/