In The Spotlight: Acclaimed Musicians Join Forces in Celebration of Clark County Children May 17th

On May 17th at 6pm, seven music legends will team up for one magical evening to both celebrate and benefit Clark County children experiencing circumstantial hardship. Notable vocalist Shelly Rudolph will present world-class Jazz, Soul, Blues and more at the Kiggins Theatre. Shelly will be joined by renowned Jazz innovator Tom Grant, along with the Swank Soul Band -- guitarist Dan Gildea, saxophonist Renato Caranto (of the Mel Brown Septet), bassist Bill Athens, drummer Edwin Coleman III, and Paul Mazzio on trumpet. Proceeds will support the "Uplift!" children's project, a summer day of giving and arts experiences.

“Uplift!” is a summer day of giving that will bridge the gap for many children between school years at a time when it’s most needed. Children ages 8 - 12 from Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington and Friends of the Children will each receive a gift card to purchase clothes, school supplies, and more at a local Walmart, while experiencing the power of the arts through hands-on art and music activities. In July, the children will shop with a shopping "buddy," meet the cast from Star Wars Oregon’s Cloud City Garrison, create collaborative artwork and receive art supplies through Artstra’s Creative Relief Clark County, and know the joy of music through a tangible introduction of musical instruments at Beacock Music's "Instrument Petting Zoo". The Clark County Food Bank will distribute food-filled backpacks to the children and present a snack “demonstration station” with healthy snack ideas. Find out more about "Uplift!" and the community sponsors supporting it HERE.

Dubbed "a robust and captivating vocalist" (Jazz Times) with "a honey-glazed throat to send chills up and down your spine," (LA Weekly), Shelly Rudolph has long been a favored voice on the Portland scene. Infusing jazz, blues and her own “powerfully romantic” material, the singer-songwriter has performed in New York, Los Angeles, the West Indies, Japan, Korea and beyond. As a songwriter and vocalist she has collaborated and recorded with Grammy-winning cellist David Darling, David Piltch (kd lang), Ken Stange (Joe Cocker), David Mathews (Etta James), Pink Martini's Phil Baker and many more.