The Jazz Drama Program Summer Gala at Urban Stages

Summer Gala: A celebration of the work of The Jazz Drama Program with Artistic Director Eli Yamin, special guest Mercedes Ellington and honoring Dr. William Rodriguez, Latin Jazz Pianist, Principal and founder of Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music.
Featuring a live performance of scenes and songs from Holding the Torch for Liberty, the jazz musical about women's suffrage by Eli Yamin and Clifford Carlson, with choreography by Shireen Dickson and performed by rising stars from Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music.

Refreshments and a champagne toast!
Each ticket holder will also receive a copy of the Cast CD of Holding the Torch for Liberty, signed by the authors....

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Summer Gala: A celebration of the work of The Jazz Drama Program with Artistic Director Eli Yamin, special guest Mercedes Ellington and honoring Dr. William Rodriguez, Latin Jazz Pianist, Principal and founder of Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music.
Featuring a live performance of scenes and songs from Holding the Torch for Liberty, the jazz musical about women's suffrage by Eli Yamin and Clifford Carlson, with choreography by Shireen Dickson and performed by rising stars from Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music.

Refreshments and a champagne toast!
Each ticket holder will also receive a copy of the Cast CD of Holding the Torch for Liberty, signed by the authors.

About the Cast CD of Holding the Torch for Liberty: Professional jazz musicians from New Orleans, Columbia University and Jazz at Lincoln Center combine forces with bright young talent from Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music to record a CD of Holding the Torch for Liberty, the jazz musical about women’s suffrage. With story, music and lyrics by jazz musician Eli Yamin and teacher Clifford Carlson, this musical uses ragtime, classic blues and New Orleans style music to tell the story of women fighting for and winning the right to vote in 1920.

About The Jazz Drama Program: The Jazz Drama Program is the non-profit company founded in 2003 to bring jazz to young people and get them involved. With over 64 performances in 4 states and 2 countries and licensing of the show available through Theatrical Rights Worldwide, The Jazz Drama Program is poised to make Holding the Torch for Liberty a national sensation through community based productions around the U.S. and abroad in this presidential election year.

“The hippest move in jazz education, ever.”
JazzTimes

“Thank you Eli for the wonderful experience you have allowed our students to have with the Jazz Drama Program and the recording at Avatar Studios.
I share your vision and dream to have students experience music and apply its force to guide them through life.” Dr. William Rodriguez, Principal Celia Cruz H.S.

“Pianist Eli Yamin is a communicator who believes jazz can foster a sense of community. His work is expansive and extroverted, populist in the best sense.”
George Kanzler, All About Jazz New York

“I have to congratulate you … for your creative approach.”
Dave Brubeck, pianist/composer

Note: For each $100 ticket, $75 is tax-deductible contribution to The Jazz Drama Program, a 501 c3 non profit organization.

For more information: The Jazz Drama Program
Phone 917-640-3377or email: [email protected]

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