Entitled Spreadin' Rhythm Around — A Celebration of The Life and Music of Luther Henderson, the Oct. 6 concert will be presented at The Juilliard School's Peter Jay Sharp Theater beginning at 6:30 PM. Among those scheduled to perform during the evening, which will highlight Henderson's music, are Nancy Wilson, Savion Glover, Leslie Uggams and the Canadian Brass Quintet.
The Honorary Chairs of the Gala are the Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of New York State and Michelle Paige Paterson.
The benefit gala, according to press notes, will provide "a boost to the arts enabling music students of color opportunity to continue their education at one of the nation's leading performing arts conservatories. . . . The scholarship is open to students of color who are studying orchestration, arranging, conducting and composition."
In a statement Joseph W. Polisi, president of The Juilliard School, said "The entire Juilliard community has been deeply moved by the generosity and vision of the Luther Henderson Scholarship Fund initiative. This new fund will have a particularly positive impact on our students who have a focus in composition and arranging. In addition, to have the new scholarship named after one of Juilliard's most distinguished alumni will allow Luther Henderson's considerable artistic legacy to have a constant presence at the School."
Legendary actress Ruby Dee added, "Whenever I think of Luther Henderson, I feel like snapping my fingers and tapping my toes! He left us a legacy of rich rhythms and an appreciation for the full spectrum of music that he brought to Broadway and beyond. . . .The Luther Henderson Scholarship allows the glow from Luther's shining example to light the way for others." Luther Henderson received Tony nominations for Best Score of a Musical (for Jelly's Last Jam) and Best Orchestrations (for Play On!).
The Juilliard School's Peter Jay Sharp Theater is located in Manhattan at 155 W. 65th Street. For tickets contact (212) 247– 8705, visit www.thelutherhendersonscholarshipfund.com or e-mail [email protected].
