Grammy-Nominated Musician Glen David Andrews to Perform Benefit Concert at Needham High School

Grammy-nominated artist Glen David Andrews will perform a very special benefit concert at the Needham High School on Friday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m.    

Hosted by Needham’s Plugged In Teen Band Program, vocalist and trombonist Glen David Andrews will perform his widely hailed combination of traditional jazz, gospel, rock, blues, and funk along with his ensemble of stellar musicians considered among New Orleans’ finest.   

The New York Times calls Andrews’ performance “showy, unpredicatable, head-turning and ecstatic.” (Jon Pareles, 5/2/09)    Quint Davis, Producer of the 2009 New Orleans Jazz Festival, calls Andrews “One of the giant talents of New Orleans.”

Ben Jaffe, who runs New Orleans’ Preservation Hall where Andrews performs regularly, says, “Aside from being a great musician, Glen David has absorbed a fading tradition.  He’s a link for his generation to something important, but he also has a rare enthusiasm and energy that makes it all special and exciting for even the casual listeners.” 

This exceptional concert will benefit the Plugged In Teen Band Program.  Since its inception in 2003 by Needham residents Tom Pugh and Sandra Rizkallah, Plugged In has taught hundreds of teens how to be in a rock band and use the power to music to create positive change.   Through their live performances, the students of Plugged In have raised thousands of dollars for organizations including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The CJ Foundation for SIDS, The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The Asperger’s Foundation, the Needham Community Center, and ABC Wellesley.  Pugh and Rizkallah were recently awarded the Needham High School’s Distinguished Career Award for their ongoing significant contributions to the community. 

 

Prior to the show, Andrews will conduct a special two-hour student music workshop in the Needham High School auditorium from 5 – 7 p.m.   Students should bring their instruments for the incredibly unique opportunity to learn more about New Orleans-style jazz and rhythm and blues from a true master of the genre. 

 The Pollard Middle School and Needham High School Jazz Bands will kick off the performance, and Andrews will join the school ensembles for a rousing collaboration of opening and feature performers.  More exciting additions to come!  This will be an extraordinary evening of music not to be missed.   

Tickets available online at www.pluggedinband.org.  Tickets also sold at the door on the evening of the show.  Box office opens Friday, April 1 at 6 p.m., auditorium doors open at 7 p.m.  Show begins at 7:30 p.m.  Benefit Concert admission $25 adults, $15 students.   Student Workshop before the show, 5 – 7 p.m., bring your instrument and $15 fee.