A MUSICAL SMORGASBORD

Genre-busting event helps Porter fund keep grooving

Art Porter Music Education Inc. hosted its winter fundraiser -- For the Love of Art -- on Feb. 8 at Cajun's Wharf. The event is held in memory of the late jazz pianist Art Porter Sr., one of the organization's two namesakes, on what would have been his 83rd birthday.

The concert began with remarks by master of ceremonies Pamela Smith and a performance by members of the organization's Minors in Music, featuring its leader, Danny Fletcher, 2016 scholarship winner Kendric Kelley and Mentors in Music. Their selections included Miles Davis' "All Blues" (complete with instrumental solos), Grover Washington Jr.'s "Winelight" and Dave Brubeck's "Take Five." Next up was Tonya Leeks & Co., with Leeks providing the vocals on Anita Baker's "Angel," The Temptations' "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" and Curtis Mayfield's "Pusherman." Wrapping up the concert was the band Sounds So Good, whose selections included Tamisha Cheatham's vocals on "'Guy' From Ipanema."

Donations were gathered throughout the evening. For the Love of Art drew $2,000 for the organization, according to Benita Porter-Browning, executive director. Art Porter Music Education provides music scholarships and promotes community service and volunteerism.

High Profile on 02/19/2017

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