Underwriting support from:
Pamela Smitter Baker
Java Jive
Philip Pletcher
Featuring outstanding performances by trumpeter Pamela Smitter-Baker, female barbershop quartet Java Jive and pianist Philip Pletcher, the 8th Annual Friends of UCOM benefit concert will take place on Sunday, March 6 at the Aquinas Performing Arts Center located at 1607 Robinson Road SE, Grand Rapids. The buffet reception, featuring a 50/50 raffle as well as a drawing for door prizes, will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the 7 p.m. concert.
According to Dr. Bruce Roller, UCOM’s Executive Director, “In addition to the fun, great music and delicious food, United Church Outreach Ministry will unveil its latest project, Dave’s House, an intermediate housing facility and support for people re-entering our community after incarceration. This is in collaboration with Grand Rapids Community College, Cascade Engineering and numerous other organizations, and has the support of the Coalition to End Homelessness.”
The concert features performers from several genres. Performing in her first UCOM concert this year is trumpeter Pamela Smitter-Baker who is widely recognized throughout the region for her motivating solo appearances in addition to being highly regarded for her musical orchestral performing leadership. She captivates her audiences with a rare blend of compelling yet expressive musical style. Java Jive loves singing in a cappella harmony. “We've been entertaining audiences throughout the Midwest since 2006. We're all members of the Grand Rapids Sweet Adelines Chorus. Jeanne sings tenor, Denise sings lead, Pam sings baritone and I sing bass. True to our name, we're always ready to brew up fresh, hot harmony!” says Leah Williams of the quartet. Philip Pletcher, who has performed as a collaborative artist at each of the previous UCOM concerts, is back by popular demand after his appearance last year as a solo pianist.
The proceeds from this Friends of UCOM benefit concert will support the United Church Outreach Ministry’s varied poverty-fighting programs. Tickets are $20 and can be ordered online at www.UCOMgr.org or reserved by calling UCOM at 616.241.4006.
In addition to United Church Outreach Ministry’s client-choice food pantry, which in 2010 served approximately 50,000 people more than half a million meals, the agency also supports Homework House™, which is in its 26th year of providing tutors and mentors for children in Grand Rapids Public Schools. In 2010 more than 100 trained volunteer tutors worked four days a week in two schools helping 200 students with reading and language skills, math and science skills, journaling, and homework as needed. In October 2010 UCOM was chosen by United Way to operate a School of Hope after-school program at Southwest Community Campus. The ministry also provides classes in basic financial skills in Spanish, neighborhood reading clubs for children, and income tax preparation for low-income working people in collaboration with the Kent County Tax Credit Coalition. UCOM is an ecumenical agency of the United Church of Christ.
Sponsorships and advertisements in the souvenir program are available. For information call UCOM at 616.241.4006.
After hours contact: Bruce Roller 616.240.9616
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