From the Editor’s Desk:
Another cool entertainment event has landed in Pine Hills and I think it’s a sign of great things to come! It’s Greater Orlando CARES’ Jazz in the Hills Educational Day and Jazzy Chic Reception. Kudos to the organizers of the event, who kept it moving on Sept. 27, in spite of rainy weather and all. (The Educational Day was postponed. As soon as I know the new date, I will let you all know.)
Anyway, seems to me Nouchelle Hastings, one of the founders and leaders of the organization (a.k.a. GO CARES), put her heart into this fundraising event. (Nouchelle: you are one of the hardest working women I know, especially working in the area of youth education, support and mentoring. You rock! In fact, you did just that on the night of the event – rocked! Loved it!)
Guess I shouldn’t leave out her teammate (executive director) at Greater Orlando Cares, Darrell Butler, as well as their spouses and their entire team of volunteers, sponsors and supporters.
No Najee but I still had a good time, running into some old friends and meeting new ones (thank you Ms. B for your warm spirit), as well as enjoying the wonderful live entertainment – Ms. B as Della Reese, the Just Jazz presentation by Jami Thomas – a tribute to Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald (Alicia Mott and Sissy Peoples respectively), some masterful jazz renditions (Rohan Reid and Dayve Stewart) and everything between! Organizers also presented awards to some folk in the community who have over the years contributed to music education and mentoring programs for young people: Martel and Diana (Lady D) Taylor, Luminary Award; Yvonne Loggins Coleman, Thelonius Monk Award; Apostle VW Jones, Wayman Tisdale Jazz Award. Dick Batchelor, Vince L. Carter and Mark Nejame presented the awards. People from various cultures and backgrounds attended the event.
You can see some of the work Greater Orlando CARES Mentoring Movement does on Nouchelle’s Facebook page, go to the website: http://www.caresmentoring.org or email them at orlando@caresmentoring.org.
Enjoy these pictures and see you around ‘The Hills’ soon!
© Orlando Community News, 2014
