Jazz Concert to Benefit Friends of the Children

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Local jazz chanteuse Marti Mendenhall raises her powerful and sultry voice in song performing classic jazz all while raising awareness and funds for at-risk youth.  Her one-night-only concert, which benefits Friends of the Children, Portland Chapter, is at 7:30 PM on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at the First Unitarian Church in downtown Portland.  The concert also features musicians pianist George Mitchell, Scott Steed on bass and Todd Strait on percussion.

"Friends of the Children demonstrates a deep understanding and commitment to create long-term, enriching relationships with children in challenging circumstances," commented Miss Mendenhall.  A former school teacher herself, she adds, "Friends of the Children mentoring program is essential to at-risk youth, it fosters confidence, creates opportunity from uncertainty, nurtures growth and inspires connection through community."

Marti's silky vocals seamlessly weave together in jazz, standards, be-bop, vocal improvisation and swing styles.  She is joined on stage by renowned jazz musicians George Mitchell, who tours with Diana Ross, Scott Steed who plays for Diane Schuur and Todd Strait who has performed with Karrin Allyson and the New York Voices. The audience will feel the rhythmic spontaneity of Ella Fitzgerald, the deep warmth of Nat King Cole and the twilight swing of Mel Torme through Marti's rich vocals.

The First Unitarian Church of Portland is located at 1211 SW Main Street, will be converted into an intimate theatrical space with a state-of-the-art concert sound system tuned specifically to highlight jazz music.

Tickets, priced at $18, $14, and $12 are available online www.brownpapertickets.com/event/189330 or call by calling (800) 838-3006.  Tickets will be sold at the door beginning approximately one hour before the concert.  Press passes are available upon request.

We thank our sponsor, Chuck's Produce and Street Market for their generous support and contribution.

Follow Marti on Facebook at:  www.facebook.com/marti.mendenhall

Learn more about FOTC:  www.friendschildren.org/portland/

Learn more about Chuck's at: www.chucksproduce.com

SOURCE Friends of the Children