Press Release

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL — September 24, 2021

In its heartening call to all youth to transform their lives and empower their spirits through music, Palm Beach County-based charity Nat King Cole Generation Hope (NKCGH) has debuted the uplifting single, “Can We Talk to the World?” and its accompanying music video.

This anthem of hope for children emerging from the pandemic features rising young pop vocalist Haven Star and choruses of students from South Florida, who infuse the song with warm, effortless musicality that illuminates its inspiring message. “Can We Talk to the World?” celebrates the power of music to nurture young souls and minds,” said NKCGH co-founders Timolin and Casey Cole, twin daughters of iconic entertainer Nat King Cole.

“CAN WE TALK TO THE WORLD?”

• Music Video: Watch on YouTube
• Lyric Video: Watch on YouTube
• Song: Download MP3
• TikTok: Watch on TikTok
• Instagram Reel: Watch on Instagram

Featured Artist: Haven Star, with Student Chorus from UB Kinsey /
Palmview Elementary School, Plumosa Elementary School of the Arts
And North Broward Preparatory School

Producer: NKCGH | Lyrics: Gary Augustus & Lee Summers | Music: Gary
Augustus, Carlo Penisi & Lee Summers | Original Song Producers: Gary
Augustus & Carlo Penisi | Official Music Video: Hugo Creative

Everyone from song enthusiasts to music education advocates are encouraged to DONATE to NKCGH to support its initiatives for underserved youth and their dedicated music teachers, from summer music camps, scholarships and music educators conference to the Project Encore! Instrument donation program — see “About NKCGH” below. Today, as countless kids and teens face a post-COVID journey of unprecedented mental, emotional, academic and social challenges, music has never been more essential, and music education never more urgently needed. Underfunded school districts and under-resourced communities are coping with the strain of new priorities and budget cuts, and the reduction of music programs and strained resources are causing an exodus of instructors.

“Research is indisputable: music learning fuels children’s hearts with self-esteem and their minds with vital cognitive skills,” said NKCGH co-founders Timolin and Casey Cole, twin daughters of iconic entertainer Nat King Cole. “Not just a salve and tool for keeping youth engaged, music instruction is proven to develop well-rounded, critical thinkers. With pride, we offer these summer programs and mentoring opportunities, to empower children for fall and beyond, but we always look for more funding and advocates to expand our reach.”

Research Examples: Inverse – Music Gives the Brain a Crucial Connective Advantage
Inc — Want Smarter Kids? Teach Music Not Coding, According to MIT

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.

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 501c(3) 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.

• 40,500+ children have been supported by NKCGH’s music education programs
• 35,000+ children have benefitted from donated instruments from Project Encore!
• $2.5 million in fundraising
• 150,000+ volunteer hours

Signature Summer programs presented by Nat King Cole Generation Hope

Summer Jazz for middle & high school students — Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, This one-week summer music camp for middle and high school-level band students will embark on its third year, focusing on children with the greatest need and fewest resources in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. The program is led by NKCGH, Florida Atlantic University’s Dr. Courtney Jones, public school teachers and music mentors from FAU; and is generously supported by Boca West Children’s Foundation, The Mark & Mary Freitas Foundation and Honda Classic Cares.

Summer Strings for elementary school students — Mizner Park Cultural Center, Boca Raton
Entering its 15th year, this one-week summer music camp dedicated to elementary-level string students serves children in the Palm Beach County area with the greatest need and fewest resources. The Summer Strings program is led by NKCGH, Palm Beach County School District teachers and music mentors from Lynn University, and generously supported by the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, Boca West Children’s Foundation, The Mark and Mary Freitas Foundation, Honda Classic Cares and Palm Beach County.

Music Educators Conference — Virtual

Hosted by NKCGH and attended by music educators from across the U.S. and beyond, this three-day conference is now in its second year and under the direction of Dr. Edrick Rhodes of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This year’s theme: Accessibility and Equity in Music Education. The Music Educators Conference is generously supported by The Selz Foundation.

PROJECT ENCORE! Instrument Donation Program — Year round
Give the gift of music! Nat King Cole Generation Hope welcomes tax-deductible donations of musical instruments, to be refurbished and delivered to schools and organizations serving children in need, those for whom buying a guitar or clarinet is not financially feasible. This is a rewarding, hassle-free opportunity to contribute pianos, strings, horns, wind instruments or percussion that remain unplayed in a closet, attic or living room. NKCGH connects as many children as possible with needed instruments, putting musical joy in a child’s hands and heart.

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