Arts Jam 2005... A Great Success!
The fourth annual Arts Jam was another artistic and financial success! More than $14,000 was raised for the art and music programs of Grand Rapids Public Schools. More than 400 people attended the Feb. 20 event at St. Cecilia Music Society.

They heard an entertaining concert of diverse performers that included Susan Heartwell, Ralston Bowles, Junior Valentine and the All Stars, Grupo Tarasco, Debra Perry and Majestic Praise, and the Boogie Woogie Babies. They also spent more than $5,200 in a silent auction of framed paintings on wood by some of the area's top professional artists as well as students and teachers. The whole affair was graciously hosted by WZZM TV-13 news anchor Juliet Dragos.

The event received major financial and in-kind support from Kendall College of Art and Design, The Grand Rapids Press, "The River" 100.5-FM and Structure Interactive. Once again, St. Cecilia, the Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Musicians' League played key roles as partners with Arts Advocates, as did the Student Advancement Foundation, with whom we are affiliated.

Dozens of other individuals, organizations and companies generously donated gifts of money and support for both the concert and festive reception that followed. Arts Advocates soon will decide how to disburse the funds raised by the event. Heartfelt thanks to all who donated and supported this wonderful event. Due to your generosity, the students and teachers of Grand Rapids Public Schools will get more help in the quality arts education they deserve!

Performers for Arts Jam 2005:
Junior Valentine and the All-Stars
- Rhythm and Blues
Grupo Tarasco
-
A Mexican ballet folklorico dance group
Ralston Bowles -
Singer and Songwriter
Susan Heartwell -
Vocalist
The Boogie Woogie Babies -
Trio performing classic pop and jazz standards
Debra Perry and Majestic Praise -
Gospel choir

Funds raised at Arts Jam are made available to art and music teachers in the Grand Rapids Public Schools, who spend them on supplies, sheet music and other things they can't afford with their meager budgets. Follow this link to read some teacher/staff testimonials.
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Next Arts Advocates Meeting :
Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2005 @ 6:45pm
Franklin Campus - 1331 Franklin SE - Grand Rapids
Please come in the side door off the east parking lot.