Charity Concert Expected to Draw 1200

More than 150 Harvard performers, ranging from dancers to a rock band, will strut their stuff for charity tonight in the fourth annual Jazz for Life concert.

Organizers of the show said they expect more than 1200 people to attend the 8 p.m. performance in Sanders Theatre.

Acting President Henry Rosovsky will host the gala event which will feature many Harvard a capella groups, and a variety of other graduate and undergraduate performers, including Don Braden '85-'88 who plays in Wynton Marsalis' band and Paul D. Brusiloff '86 and his band High Spirit.

Proceeds from the two-and-one-half hour concert will be donated to Oxfam America and the Phillips Brooks House Homeless Committee.

"We look at this as a really strong community effort and part of a movement towards greater awareness of the problem of hunger in America as well as around the world," said Esther Morgo '88.

This is the first year that the homeless committee will receive money from the performance. "In the past, money was given only to Oxfam. However, there has been a rising number of homeless in Boston so we decided to give to the area also." Morgo said.

Oxfam America is a nonprofit international agency which funds development programs in Africa, Asia, Latin America. Maureen Koopman, an Oxfam official, said that the donated money will go into the organization's general fund.

The homeless committee plans to use the money in its shelters at the University Lutheran Church and the recently opened Cambridge Armory, Morgo said.

Advance ticket sales have raised $3000, and the concert is expected to sell out, organizers said. Tickets are still available at the Holyoke Center ticket office.

Several participants said that this show provided them with a unique chance to perform.

"I really like it. I think they should perform more jazz though. Last year they didn't do enough jazz. I really, really love doing it though," said Fiona V. Anderson '88, who will sing three songs.

"I think it's a great idea. I'm happy to get involved in anything with charity," said singer Brian A. Williams '88.

The show's founder, Rex Dean '84, will also return to participate in this year's show. "It is a really exciting and special night," he said.

Some of the other performers include the Din and Tonics, the Opportunes, the Veritones, the Radcliffe Pitches, singer Bryan Simmons, saxophone player Pat Romano, the Citystep dance troupe, Robespierre, and the Harvard Jazz Band.

About 25 area businesses have also contributed to the cause by buying advertisements in the program or by selling the organizers materials at half-price, Lori B. Rutter '89, one of the organizers said. She added that Jonathan H. Mermin '87 will sell hand-painted logo posters after the concert to raise more money.