The Broadway Boys play benefit concert for the Jamie A. Hulley Arts Foundation's Gala Benefit

The unparalleled vocal styling and explosive on-stage energy of The Broadway Boys comes to Fairfield University’s Quick Center for the Arts on Saturday evening, September 8, 2012, when the Jamie A. Hulley Arts Foundation celebrates its 10th annual “Evening for the Arts” Gala Benefit. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m., and is preceded by a 6 p.m. reception with refreshments and Silent Auction. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door and available through the Quick Center Box Office.

The Broadway Boys is comprised of some of the most talented young male voices working on the New York stage today. Performing in groups of six, the Boys are able to explore harmonies rarely presented by Broadway singers. The Broadway Boys originated in June of 2005, planning only to play a single night at a club in New York City. But the overwhelming response and a packed house forced the club to bring the boys back again for another sold-out evening. The Boys, realizing that this combination had serious growth potential, decided to focus and develop into the “symphony of sound” that they have become known for. Through their dynamic vocal prowess and redefining arrangements, the Boys add elements of pop, funk, Gospel, jazz, and folk to show tunes and classic pop songs. The musicians accompanying The Broadway Boys features Music Director Justin Paul, on piano, Drew McKeon on drums, and Dan Asher on bass, who are all from Westport, CT, and Jeremy Goldsmith on guitar. The evening also features special performance by artistic young people who have participated in the Jamie A. Hulley Arts Foundation’s scholarship and grant programs. Master of Ceremonies is David Raffauf, the Foundation’s co-founder & Vice President, who has served as emcee since the first benefit, in 2003.
            “During this 10th anniversary season, the Jamie A. Hulley Foundation has surpassed the $250,000 mark in money raised for its programs,” said Judy Primavera, Foundation co-founder and president. “In honor of this occasion, we will showcase many of the talented young people who have benefitted from our scholarships, arts grants to schools programs, and community grant programs.” The first act includes performances by students from Racebrook School in Orange, CT, Amity High School’s Creative Theatre Department, and performers from Square Foot Theatre in North Haven, CT. This year also features a commemorative ART IS LIFE tee shirt designed by 2012 Wesleyan University art thesis stipend winner Kamar Thomas.
            The “Evening for the Arts” reception at 6 p.m. includes complimentary wine, light hors d'oeuvres, and a Silent Auction with over 150 items, including a limited edition “Imagine Peace” jacket donated by Yoko Ono, a vacation getaway, theatre and sports tickets, including box seats to a Yankee-Red Sox game, Hollywood and sport memorabilia, vintage, handcrafted & designer items, and baskets of treats. Dessert will be provided by Carlos Bakery, as seen on TLC’s “Cake Boss,” and Jamie ARTinis on the bar menu. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.
            The Jamie A. Hulley Arts Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization created in the memory of Orange, CT, resident Jamie Alaine Hulley and dedicated to the educational enrichment and professional development of young artists and early career professionals. All proceeds from the gala go to support annual scholarships, grants, and educational programs in the arts which impact the lives of hundreds of children, teens and early career adults throughout the greater New Haven and Fairfield counties. The foundation awards grants to teachers in local public and parochial schools to bring professional artists, musicians, dancers, actors, and authors into the classroom to enhance the traditional curriculum through the arts.

Thus far, Connecticut schools in Ansonia, Bethany, Bridgeport, Derby, East Haven, Fairfield, Orange, Manchester, New Haven, North Haven, Stratford, West Haven, Willimantic, and Woodbridge have received grants. The foundation also awards Community Grants to local non-profits such as the Milford Boys & Girls Club for an after-school art program, the Amity Teen Center for a mural project, the New England Ballet Company for a 20-week school-readiness-through-dance program for Bridgeport preschoolers, and the Square Foot Theatre in North Haven to develop successful youth and adult theater companies. The foundation provides college scholarships in Theatre and in Studio Art, as well as scholarships to children for music lessons and summer theater camp.

Single tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 203-254-4010, or toll-free at 1-877-ARTS-396. (1-877-278-7386). The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is located on the campus of Fairfield University at 1073 North Benson Road in Fairfield, Connecticut. Visit www.quickcenter.com. For information on the Jamie A. Hulley Arts Foundation, call 203-891-8869, or email: jamieart@snet.net.