(Utica, NY- Feb. 2016) The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley, with branches in Rome, Oneid and New Hartford was the 2015 recipient of the Partners in Prosperity Award from the Oneida County Planning Department for its ongoing Music Appreciation Program and Concert Series.
Over the past several years, the Y has presented musical experiences to the students at General Herkimer Elementary School in Utica and Bellamy Elementary School in Rome. The workshops and concerts have featured guest artists including Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes from New Orleans, classical pianist prodigy Tina Chong, Broadway actress and singer Carly Paige Baron, Native American Grammy winner Joanne Shenandoah and the world renowned Boys & Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni Ensemble.
The Y has also brought local acts into the fold, by hosting the Mohawk Valley Barbershop Quartet, and has two additional workshops scheduled with Stroke lead singer Isreal Hagan and the Matthew Rockwell Trio later in February.
The next workshop for the Y series is New Orleans legend Doreen Ketchens.
Doreen’s Jazz family is a group whose primary interest lies in spreading the culture and traditional music of New Orleans all over the world, through performances and education. Ketchens, the leader of the group, has been called “Queen Clarinet,” “The female Louis Armstrong” and “Lady Louie” by critics who have heard her perform. She has performed with Ellis Marsalis, Jon Faddis, Trombone Shorty, Al Hirt, Dorothy Donagan, The Black Crows and Jennifer Warnes to name a few. She has opened for such names as Macy Grey and Dr. John.
Hank Leo, CEO of the YMCA, secured Ketchens, a lifelong friend. “If you ever go to the French Quarter in New Orleans, there is an unmistakable sound coming from Royal Street,” Leo said. “You can hear that clarinet for miles.”
Leo and the Y’s Director of Development Jen Cossette are working to bring something special to the Utica community Feb. 10.
“We wanted to give back to the community with this grant, not only in the form of education, but in good will,” said Cossette.
The Y reached out to the Mohawk Valley Refugee Center and offered a free concert for the students at the Center.
“They could not have been more pleased,” added Leo.
The concert will be held in the auditorium, at 11:30 a.m.
“Doreen’s music is truly American, but with roots in influences from around the world. We are sure the folks at the Center will find the concert to be a wonderful gift from the Y to the Center,” said Cossette.
For more information about the YMCA, please visit the Y’s website at www.ymcatrivalley.org.