Charity-minded Kris Allen, who has traveled to Haiti for "Idol Gives Back" and to Rwanda with Tom's Shoes in the past year, has once again proven that he is true Idol material. This week, the "American Idol" champion is championing music education, by announcing, as part of his ongoing partnership with Music Empowers, that he will play four concert dates with the Berklee City Music All-Star Band.
"To be associated with a leader in music education such as the Berklee City Music program is truly an honor," Kris said in a statement this week. "Music education is vital to any child's development and is a cause that I hold close to my heart. The opportunities that the Berklee program provides to kids are remarkable and inspiring."
Kris will serve as an official ambassador for the Berklee City Music Network (BCMN), a nonprofit program that provides music education to kids in cash-strapped schools and raises awareness of the need for music education (especially in underprivileged urban communities). Ambassador Allen will attend the Berklee City Music Completion Ceremony in Boston on May 1 and perform songs with the Berklee City Music All-Stars; play three more Berklee-affiliated shows after that; and help fund five scholarships for high school students to attend Berklee City Music's summer program.
"It is very gratifying to partner with Kris in support of an innovative program like Berklee City Music," stated Andy Davis, founder of the Music Empowers Foundation (MEF). "Kris is an amazing advocate for music education, and by doing these concerts we hope to raise awareness and attract funding for additional programs."
If you're in the NYC, Philly, or D.C. area next month and want to see some good music for a good cause, here are the Kris Allen/Berklee City Music All-Stars tour dates at various campuses:
May 1 - Berklee College of Music, Boston
May 2 - Urban Assembly School of Media, New York
May 3 - Nueva Esperanza Academy Charter, Philadelphia
May 4 - Ferebee-Hope Elementary School, Washington D.C.
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