TO PERFORM THIS YEAR’S “WOMEN IN JAZZ”

AMASSI Center to Host Second Annual “Women In Jazz” Benefit Event

Eclectic Group of Female Players Featured,

Classical Jazz, Blues and R&B Offered

This year’s second annual “Women In Jazz” benefit proudly boasts the participation of drummer/percussionist extraordinaire, Sheila E., the lively musical director of “The Magic Show”, and award-winning singer/songwriter Brenda Russell, author of such classics “Piano In The Dark,” “Only For One Night” and “Get Here If You Can.” Presented by the AMASSI Center, “Women In Jazz” will take place Sunday, July 26, 1998 at 5:00 p.m. at the Vision Complex Theater in Leimert Park. The occasion will benefit HIV/AIDS risk-reduction services for youth and women-at-risk in Los Angeles. The Vision Theater is located at 3341 43^rd Place. For ticket information call Inglewood Tickets at (310) 671-6400 or the AMASSI Center at (310) 419-1969. You can also hit the web site at www.amassi.com\wij.htm . Tickets range from $20.00 to $75.00.

The anticipation is electric this year, as last year’s production drew some 1000 attendees. Thumpin’ jazz, rollicking classical and rockin’ R&B will explode the rafters as Sheila E. and Brenda Russell are joined by a spirited cadre of female performers. Brenda Lee Eager, Lynn Mabry, and Maxayne, along with Sandra Booker, Sweet Baby Jai, and Barbara Morrison are only a sampling of the divas slated to grace the stage!

“`Women In Jazz’ is one of our biggest events,” cites AMASSI’s director, Cleo Manago. “To witness the emotion and feel the energy emanating from so much talent, all on one stage, is a spectacular occasion. The fact that the evening benefits a worth while cause makes the entire affair that much more exciting.”

The AMASSI Center is an award-winning organization providing innovative risk-reduction, health, wellness, empowerment and cultural affirmation programs to diverse communities, with emphasis on African American, serving Inglewood, surrounding areas, South Central Los Angeles and Los Angeles County.

Agency-head Cleo Manago is an outspoken activist, community leader and social architect. Through the AMASSI Center, Manago has been positively affecting issues concerning health and wellness for over four years.

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