July 31, 2023
MEDIA ADVISORY
2023 “GIFT OF MUSIC EDUCATION CELEBRATION” MUSIC & DANCE PARTY BY NAT KING COLE GENERATION HOPE, THURS, AUG 3 AT CHICAGO WINERY
TO BENEFIT INAUGURAL “NKCGH SUMMER JAZZ CAMP AT VANDERCOOK COLLEGE OF MUSIC” FOR CITY’S UNDER-SERVED STUDENTS
Nat King Cole’s twin daughters Timolin Cole-Augustus & Casey Cole Ray host August 3rd event; their nonprofit builds on their father’s legacy to deliver access to transformative music learning
CHICAGO, IL — July 31, 2023
WHAT
- “Gift of Music Education” Celebration, an inspiring fun-filled party to benefit the first annual NKCGH Summer Jazz at VanderCook College of Music, an innovative one-week, tuition-free music camp (July 31-August 4*) serving Chicago-area middle & high school jazz band students, sponsored by Nat King Cole Generation Hope.
- VIP Reception: Entertainment by VanderCook College music teachers, students & mentors
- Dance Party: Old school R&B Chicago house music by award-winning DJ Gemini Jones
- Purchase Tickets: General Admission $200, VIP $350
WHEN
- Thursday Night, August 3rd, 2023
- 6 – 7PM VIP Reception hosted by Casey Cole-Ray & Timolin Cole-Augustus
- 8 – 9PM Dance Party Featuring DJ Gemini Jones
WHERE
Chicago Winery, 739 North Clark Street, Chicago Illinois
WHO
Casey Cole-Ray and Timolin Cole-Augustus, twin daughters of legendary music artist Nat King Cole and co-founders of Nat King Cole Generation Hope
Dr. Judith Cothran, Event Chair
Host Committee: Janet Chess, Gwen Cohen, Lula Ford, Dayna Hardin, Fr. Darryl James, Kevin lega Jeff and Laurel Appell Lipkin
WHY
Today, as countless kids & teens face unprecedented challenges, equitable access to music education has never been more urgently needed to uplift their spirits, nurture their minds and fuel self-discovery. Nat King Cole Generation Hope provides/funds programs and resources such as summer music camps, school mentors, scholarships and Project Encore! Instrument donations to under-served children, under-resourced schools and dedicated music teachers. The nonprofit empowers beginners & budding performers to achieve meaning and greatness through music. For more details: www.natkingcolegenhope.org, info@natkingcolegenhope.org or 561.213.8209.
Editor’s Notes:
This week’s NKCGH Summer Jazz Camp at VanderCook College will conclude with a free community concert on Friday, August 4 — Reception 1:30PM, Concert 2:00PM
Interviews available upon request
Timolin Cole-Augustus and Casey Cole-Ray, Co-Founders – Nat King Cole Generation Hope
Shanna St. John, Executive Director – Nat King Cole Generation Hope
Dr. Roosevelt Griffin III, Walter Dyett Chair for Jazz Studies, Diversity & Inclusion – VanderCook College of Music, Facilitator of NKCGH Summer Jazz
Dr. Judith Cothran, Event Chair – “Gift of Music Education” Celebration
Shanna St. John, Executive Director – Nat King Cole Generation Hope
Dr. Roosevelt Griffin III, Walter Dyett Chair for Jazz Studies, Diversity & Inclusion – VanderCook College of Music, Facilitator of NKCGH Summer Jazz
Dr. Judith Cothran, Event Chair – “Gift of Music Education” Celebration
About Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc. (NKCGH)
Co-founded in 2008 by Timolin Cole and Casey Cole, twin daughters of legendary music artist Nat King Cole, Nat King Cole Generation Hope builds on the storied Cole family legacy: to create opportunities and expand access to music education for children with the greatest need. The charity fulfills that calling by funding music instruction programs, mentoring, resources and scholarships for youth, while bolstering music educators. The ultimate goal: expand enrichment and inspire as many children as possible, while galvanizing community and fundraising support.
Nat King Cole Generation Hope upholds the vision that music education is not a privilege, but an entitlement. All youth deserve the chance to experience musical expression and creation, and to pursue excellence and achievement in that realm. Budding performers, empowered by mentors and resources from NKCGH, can transform their passion and skill into paths of opportunity; and in turn, their instruments and voices uplift the world and heal humanity.
For more information, contact info@natkingcolegenhope.org or call 561-213.8209.
Follow Nat King Cole Generation Hope on Social: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
- 71,500+ children have been supported by NKCGH’s music education programs
- 51,500+ children have benefitted from donated instruments form Project Encore!
- $2.9 million in fundraising
- 250,000+ volunteer hours
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Upcoming Events + Programs
Media Contact
Shanna St. John
Executive Director
561.213.8209
sstjohn@natkingcolegenhope.org
