YOUNG@HEART AND HOPE CENTER FOR THE ARTS PRESENT“HOPE AND GLORY”!

On Saturday February 28 at 4PM Young@Heart and Hope Center for the Arts are proud to present “Hope and Glory,” a show that will combine the Hope for the future as represented by the Hope Center’s students, faculty and staff at the newly renovated center in Springfield. The Glory represents the life and times of the recently deceased Evelyn Harris, who was a member of Young@Heart for the last 2.5 years of her life and who had such a magnificent impact in our region, nation and the world.

Special guests for the show will include:

Members of Sweet Honey in the Rock, an all-female, African American a cappella ensemble that started in 1973. They are a three-time Grammy Award-nominated troupe who express their history as black women through song, dance, and sign language. Evelyn Harris was a member of the group from 1974-1992.

Yasmeen Betty Williams is an American gospel singer and former member of the Sweet Honey in the Rock from 1976 to 1986. Williams grew up during the gospel explosion in Washington, D.C. As a youth, she received her training in gospel music from her cousin, Dr. Shirley Ables-Starks of the Joy Gospel Singers and her aunt, Vara Simpson, the founder of two gospel groups – The Service Gospel Singers and The Spiritualettes, who were often featured on the Metro D.C. WOOK Radio Station for early Sunday Morning worship. After meeting in Sweet Honey in the 70’s, Yasmeen remained Evelyn’s most cherished friend for the remainder of her life.

Kayla Staley is the director of vocal ensemble at the Hope Center’s after school. Kayla is a bright fireball of energy based in Springfield Massachusetts. A thriving freelance soul vocal artist, actress, dancer, social activist, and educator. Kayla is the director of vocal ensemble at the Hope Center after school program.

Buy tickets at the Hope Center website www.hopecenterforthearts.org/events/youngatheart/ 

This program is funded in part by grants from the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation and the Springfield Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.