Tuesday, February 01, 2000

WILMINGTON, NC- Be a part of the community celebration of African-American music at Gala 2000 at 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11, in UNCW's Kenan Auditorium. Gala 2000 will be a vocal and symphonic concert that includes spirituals, R&B jazz, classical, and gospel music. The concert will include featured artists Melva Houston, Marva Mapson-Robinson, George W. Miles, Jr., and Patricia Duren Waddell. Steven Errante, music professor at UNCW, will be conducting the concert.

Each performer represents greatness in their various genres of music. Melva Houston began her career as a performer for the WDIA's Teen Town Singers Show in Memphis, Tennessee. Her style of mixing blues with jazz demonstrate skill with performing Gershin, Ellington, and Cole Porter. George W. Miles, Jr., musician and educator, is considered one of the brightest performers of gospel music. Mr. Miles attended University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Highlights of his career include appearances with Pastor Shirley Caesar, Al Green, and The Winans.

Another accomplished artist, Marva Mapson Robinson, performs as a supporting cast member in Sam Irving's production A Night with Dr. Martin Luther King. She also was a voice coach for The Wiz and she received rave reviews for her lead role performance in Thalian Hall's production of Dream Girls.

Patricia Duren Waddell proclaims that her ability to sing is a natural gift from God that is used as a "glorious ministry" in service to Him. Ms. Waddell earned a bachelor's degree from Elizabeth City State University. Highlights of her career included performing at the White House and the Alpha Kappa Alpha International Conference.

The gifted Dr. Steven Errante, UNCW associate professor of music, will do the honors of conducting the concert. Dr. Errante's music was being performed by leading orchestras and musicians by the time he graduated from high school. He earned a bachelor's and master's degree at the University of Michigan School of Music and a D.M.A. at the Juilliard School.

Reserved seating for all tickets at Kenan Auditorium Box Office. Tickets are $25 (includes post-concert reception) & $15 (concert only). The concert is sponsored by the Links, Inc., Wilmington Symphony, and the UNCW Office of Minority Affairs. All proceeds will go to the Zimmer Cancer Center at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, which was re-named in June 1999 in honor of William and Roberta Zimmer.

For more information contact the UNCW Office of Minority Affairs at 910-962-3832. For ticket reservations contact Kenan Auditorium Box Office at 910-962-3500 or Toll Free at 800-732-3643.