SING! (www.canyousing.org) debuts its talent-packed fundraiser/show at the Orpheum Saturday night!

I was in the audience of the first ever SING! concert, featuring amazing vocal talent from all over L.A., with proceeds benefitting pediatric cancer Camp Ronald McDonald For Good Times and Children’s Hospital L.A.  Truly a wonderful night. Kudos to Director Bert Royal and Music Director Tom Griep … Producers Ruth Stalford and Jody Price… Music Supervisors Dawn Soler and Kim Oliver… songwriter-producers Eve Nelson, Jeff Bova, Arden Kaywin and the many others who made this night so exciting.

I just spent a weekend teaching songwriting at the extraordinary CAMP RONALD McDONALD, a cost-free sleep- away camp for children with cancer and their siblings. The campers and staff are truly inspiring. Paul Reisler of KID PAN ALLEY co-taught the workshop, which helped campers create a song for the upcoming
March 20th performance of SING!,  a benefit for the Camp and for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’ cancer research.

SING!  (www.canyousing.org) is the new brainchild of the folks who created the multi-million dollar breast cancer fundraiser What A Pair!  It will feature musical duets written and sung by 30 high school teens from all over Los Angeles, who have competed for the chance to co-write with professional songwriters and perform in front of high profile entertainment industry professionals, including celebrity judges.

It’s an amazing opportunity for teens to celebrate their musical talent and give back to a great cause at the same time. And each duet will have their song fully produced and posted for download at www.canyousing.org.

Come see the show! And if you are not a singer, but are interested in music, theater, or production, then become a SING! Volunteer Ambassador.  Register to volunteer at www.canyousing.org.

Or….attend a rehearsal and create an original short film about the process! Films will be reviewed by industry professionals and posted on the SING! You Tube channel.

Cancer can strike anyone, at any time. Institutions like Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, and Camp Ronald McDonald, offer both help and hope. I know from my own experience how important these can be. Eighteen months ago, one of my best friends’ sons, Lucas Goldbaum, was diagnosed with brain cancer, and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles has been instrumental in preserving Lucas’ health. I am in awe Lucas’ – and his mom, Kathleen O’Connell’s – ceaseless grace and determination in battling this cruel disease.  In their honor I ask you to come to SING!, to be entertained, amazed, and inspired.

- Amy