A Fun Night Of Jazz

Mary Gwen Wheeler will receive the Spirit of Excellence Award.

Lincoln Foundation will host its 16th annual Evening of Jazz at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, at The Kentucky Center.

This year’s concert will feature jazz vocalist Vanessa Rubin. Some critics compare Rubin’s vocal range and talent to jazz legends like Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald.

Also, during the event The Spirit of Excellence Award will be presented to Mary Gwen Wheeler.

She is the interim executive director of 55,000 Degrees, a newly-formed multi-sector public-private partnership dedicated to increasing education attainment in the Louisville region.

Previously, she served as Mayor Jerry Abramson’s senior adviser for education and youth, leading policy development and implementation of education and youth initiatives. She is also on the Kentucky Board of Education.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Lincoln Foundation’s Whitney M. Young Scholars Program, which helps talented and deserving students obtain scholarship awards and provides financial assistance throughout their college years.

Vanessa Rubin will perform at the Evening of Jazz.

“Lincoln Foundation’s job is that of saving young people by providing educational enrichment programs.  At the end of the day, Lincoln Foundation is committed to the holistic development of students,” said Larry McDonald, Lincoln Foundation president. “The Whitney M. Young Scholars are prepared over a six-year period from seventh grade through high school graduation to be successful in completing their college education.”

The River City Drum Corps will be featured at a 5:30 reception that precedes the concert.

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the Kentucky Center box office at 502.584.7777 or www.kentuckycenter.org.

For more information, visit www.lincolnfdn.org

Tags: Jazz, Lincoln Foundation, Mary Gwen Wheeler, The Kentucky Center

Category: The Social Side