Tribute concert honors legend’s life and work, raises funds for lung cancer research
(L to R) Paula Markowicz, Michael Hammond, Hildy Grossman,
Brian De Lorenzo and Candy O’Terry, image by David Fox
McGRATHPR.com – Kicking off its 11th year utilizing the performing arts to raise awareness in the fight against lung cancer, Upstage Lung Cancer (ULC) presents a one-night-only cabaret concert, A Musical Tribute To Walt Disney: When you Wish Upon A Star, on Tuesday, October 29, 7:30 pm at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown. The event is open to the public, a pre-concert silent auction begins at 6 pm. Presented in partnership with the LUNGevity Foundation, all proceeds from the performance support the cause of early lung cancer detection research.
A high-spirited evening of music making and storytelling, A Musical Tribute to Walt Disney honors the imaginative genius who brought all of the joys and fantasies of childhood to life. In 1966, at the age of 65, Walt Disney died of lung cancer. In that year and the many that have followed, millions have watched a Disney movie or the Walt Disney television show, visited Disneyland or Disneyworld and have brought this icon’s life work into their homes. Few creative individuals have made such a long-lasting and indelible mark on American life and culture.
courtesy image
In a performance honoring Disney’s life and works, Emmy® Award-winning arts and entertainment critic Joyce Kulhawik returns for her 11th year as emcee, along with a celebrated lineup of renowned, award-winning New England performing artists, including Brian De Lorenzo, James Fernandes, Hildy Grossman, Michael Hammond and Paula Markowicz. Special guest Candy O’Terry, radio and television celebrity, and founder and former co-host of WMJX Magic 106.7 Boston’s Exceptional Women radio show, adds her vocal talents and personal anecdotes. Steve Heck takes the baton as music director alongside Michael Hammond, director. This inspiring concert offers a treasure trove of unforgettable stories and songs, including, “Circle of Life” (The Lion King), “When You Wish Upon A Star” (Pinocchio), “Under The Sea” (The Little Mermaid), “A Whole New World” (Aladdin), “He’s A Tramp” (Lady and The Tramp), “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” (Toy Story) and more.
Grossman, founder of Upstage Lung Cancer and one of the evening’s performers, is one of only five percent of survivors enjoying life 11 years beyond diagnosis. Her cancer was first discovered, by accident, in 2007. “Over the past decade I’ve witnessed many advances,” shares Grossman. “New treatments emerge each year. And yet, we still must find a reliable method to discover lung cancer at the earliest possible moment to extend and improve lives. With advances, there are good reasons for hope.”
During the evening’s festivities, ULC presents its 11th annual Fan Award to a recipient demonstrating exceptional leadership in the fight for a cure. Jerry Remy, beloved Red Sox announcer, was the first award recipient. This year’s recipient is Andrea Borondy Kitts, a tireless advocate who has dedicated her life to promoting prevention and lung cancer screening. Francine Jacobson, MD, MPH, Dana-Farber Cancer Center radiologist, tells of the newest research using computerized tomography (CT) scans for early detection.
Upstage Lung Cancer is a vibrant and unique non-profit organization that has excelled for over a decade in its mission to create awareness and fund early detection research for lung cancer, the number one cancer killer. Founded in Boston in 2008, ULC is the only cancer advocate organization to exclusively utilize music and the performing arts to increase awareness, de-stigmatize the lung cancer disease and raise funds for cutting-edge early detection research. ULC’s founder, lung cancer survivor and jazz recording artist Hildy Grossman (lead singer, The Follen Angels) has combined her passion for music with a desire to foster knowledge about lung cancer in hope of spotlighting new directions in research and early detection of the disease.
(L to R) Michael Hammond, Paula Markowicz, Hildy Grossman,
Brian De Lorenzo and Candy O’Terry, image by David Fox
Since its inception, Upstage Lung Cancer has funded nearly $3 million in early detection research grants, investing in the finest research opportunities available. This year, grants were awarded to leading doctors at the Koch Institute at MIT, Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute and Roswell Park Center (ULC’s funded research list is available at upstagelungcancer.org). Upstage Lung Cancer maintains ongoing partnerships with LUNGevity Foundation, Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute for their concerts.
Tickets to Tribute to Walt Disney are $45 and $100 for reserved seating, with VIP tickets available from $250 to $500, group tickets and discounts are available. The evening includes a post-concert reception.
Upstage Lung Cancer is proud to offer complimentary tickets to lung cancer survivors. For tickets and more information about the Mosesian Center for the Arts, visit mosesianarts.org, call 617-923-8487, or visit the box office. Free parking is available on site. For more information about Upstage Lung Cancer, visit upstagelungcancer.org.
