Teachers take the spotlight in Newport

The Spotlight on the Teachers Benefit Concert: “Broadway, Movies and Fun!” will fill the Newport Performing Arts Center this Sunday, Feb. 4, presented by the Lincoln County District of the Oregon Music Association.

The concerts benefit the Suzanne Brown Student Aid fund, used to provide tuition for lessons, books or festival fees for those students whose families cannot afford the full costs of music education. The family contributes what they can, teachers discount their fees, and the fund makes up the difference.

“We are delighted that we will have our alumnus, Milo Graamans with us at this concert,” OMTA district co-president Jessica Treon said. “It’s been a while since he has joined us on stage. You’ll have to come to hear which rag he will perform and get news of his new projects.”

Other performers in this program include OMTA members Cathy Champion-Predmore, piano; Ramona Goddard, piano; Christine McKenney, piano and voice; Mary Morganti, piano; and Jessica Treon, piano. Guest performers include Charmaine Leclair, cello; Gidget Manucci, voice; Alesha Orton, voice; and Asia Richardson, voice.

“This concert has some of the most varied music we have ever programmed,” OMTA treasurer Cathy Champion-Predmore said. “There will be standbys like Carmichael’s “Stardust,” a Disney composition and a selection from “Fiddler on the Roof,” next to works by Chick Corea, Pete Townshend, Liz Story and Guns N’ Roses. It will be great fun! We also have two new singers on our stage. Asia Richardson will be performing with one of our frequent guests, Gidget Manucci and Alesha Orton will duet with Christine McKenney.”

The concert begins at 2 pm at the Newport Performing Arts Center, located at 777 W Olive Street. For more information, go to omta-lincoln county.org.