9/13/2001

EAST LANSING, Mich. -The Women's Resource Center and the Department of Residence Life at Michigan State University are co-sponsoring "An Evening With Women in Jazz: A Tribute to Breast Cancer Survivors and Their Supporters" from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, at the Crossroads Café in the International Center.

The evening fund-raiser features performances by members of "Sisters in Jazz," "Straight Ahead" and "Zrazy."

"Getting the message to women that it is vital they be active participants in their health care and to draw attention to the importance of early cancer detection are the key goals of the event," said Patricia Lowrie, director of the Women's Resource Center. "This jazzy celebration is a wonderful way to kick off activities planned for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October."

There is no charge to attend the event; donations will be accepted at the door.

"Sisters in Jazz," a mentoring program for aspiring young female jazz artists, was started in Michigan in 1995 by Sunny Wilkinson, Marion Hayden and Diana Spradling through the International Association of Jazz Educators. Wilkinson, who teaches jazz voice at MSU, will perform with Marion Hayden of Cuyahoga Community College and Ellen Rowe, associate professor of jazz studies at the University of Michigan.

The group "Straight Ahead," out of Detroit, is a Grammy-nominated Atlantic Jazz recording group and is widely recognized for its eclectic and soulful approach to creating music. Members of the group include Hayden, Eileen Orr, Gayelynn McKinney, Althea Rene and Kymberli Wright.

"Zrazy," featuring Maria Walsh and Carole Nelson, is at the forefront of contemporary Irish music, integrating pure pop with Celtic lyricism, poetic sensibility and traditional instruments with funky loops and techno grooves.

"The jazz groups are very excited about being part of a festival atmosphere event celebrating such an important cause for women," said Kate Murphy, assistant director, Department of Residence Life.

For more information, contact the Women's Resource Center at (517) 353-1635 or the Department of Residence Life at (517) 353-3780.