For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Danielle Cristal
651.282.3113

dcristal@ordway.org

Anne Schopen

651.282.3084

aschopen@ordway.org

World Renowned Singer-Songwriter Raul Midón Visits Sabathani Community Center
on Friday, September 27

Who: Singer-songwriter Raul Midón hosted by the Sabathani Community Center

What: Youth at Sabathani Community Center will get to know performing artist Raul Midón through workshops where he discusses his career as an artist and the discipline it takes to become a world renowned musician. Students will have a chance to get to know Midón up close and personal as he gives advice and demos of his music before returning to the Ordway to perform on October 25.

The young people invited to participate in the workshops are part of the Young Voices Centerstage program. Young Voices Centerstage is an arts programming partnership between the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts and Sabathani Community Center in collaboration with WE WIN Institute, Horizons Youth Program, Step Up and Connections to Independence.

Performing artist Raul Midón, a New Mexico native, started his career as a backup singer for musical artists like Shakira and Julio Iglesias before recording three major label records. He incorporates a genre-defying musical blend of soul, pop, folk, jazz and Latin elements while engaging crowds through humorous storytelling. Midóns musical collaborators include Jason Mraz, Marcus Miller and Roberta Flack. The Huffington Post says he plays with such freedom and joy that his hands smile.

After the workshops, a free dinner will be open to the Young Voices Artists, their families and community followed by an interview and performance by Raul Midón in the Sabathani auditorium, beginning at 7:00 p.m. This performance will be a brief preview of Midóns concert at the Ordway on October 25 with singer-songwriter Lizz Wright as part of Ordways Target® World Music and Dance Series.

The Ordway, together with members of the African and African American communities, is committed to continuing a partnership of creative programming, education and entertainment that inspires us all. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to the legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage fund and from a grant from the National Endowment from the Arts.

WE WIN Institute (WE WIN) is a nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to the mission of creating academic and social success for children ages 5 to 18 years old. Programs are designed to instill pride, confidence, academic, and social skills in children; by giving them knowledge and experiences that honor and celebrate their cultural roots. Horizons Youth is an after-school academic enrichment and youth development program for children 5 to 14 years old. Horizons takes a holistic approach to out-of-school time education through structured, caring relationships with program staff and peer workers. This leads to a positive attitude about school and better performance.

Sabathani Community Center was founded by concerned residents and members of South Minneapolis who wanted to provide recreation for kids in the neighborhood. Sabathani eventually obtained and renovated the school building on E. 38th Street with the concept of creating a focal point for community identity, empowerment and social change. Organizers of this grassroots effort formed a place where residents could gather in a welcoming environment, fellowship, build community, conduct business and receive programs and services that would move people forward.

When: In-person press interviews are available prior to 10:00 am on Friday, September 27 and via telephone in advance, by contacting Danielle or Anne as noted above. Workshops will be 4:00-5:40 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. Midóns performance and interview will be from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Where: Sabathani Community Center at 310 East 38th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55409

Photos of Raul Midón available at www.ordway.org/media