Heart of America Wind Symphony - Benefit Concert
The Heart of America Wind Symphony will perform a benefit concert for Accessible Arts at 7:30 PM, Saturday, April 6th at Shawnee Mission South High School. The theme for the concert is “Everybody Dance” and will feature selections from West Side Story and dance music from around the world. The evening will also include a dance performance, a scene from West Side Story, and visual art displays by artists with disabilities. Admission is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted at the door.
The Heart of America Wind Symphony (HAWS) was formed to present quality wind band concerts and to raise awareness and funds for charitable agencies and service organizations. All of the ensemble members are volunteers and 100% of the proceeds from the concert will benefit Accessible Arts.
“Last year’s concert was a great success and we feel very fortunate that the Wind Symphony has offered to provide a benefit concert for us again this year,” explained Martin English, Accessible Arts’ Executive Director. “Of course we jumped at the opportunity.” The event will again feature music, theatre, dance and visual arts by artists with disabilities.
Students from the Kansas School for the Deaf will perform a scene from West Side Story. Terri Rathbun, a member of Accessible Arts’ Board who uses a wheelchair, will perform a dance duet with Susan Rieger of aha! Dance Theatre. Their duet was one of the highlights of last year’s event. Shawnee Mission South High School dancers will also take the stage during the performance. Mark Manning, Tina Blatter, Matt Gauer and other visual artists with disabilities will display their works of art in the outer lobby.
John Tait, tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs, will attend and make a special presentation. He will also have several of his own paintings on display.

John Tait is committed to arts
for children with disabilties.

“This performance will have something for everyone. And it’s a chance for us to educate the public about the world of arts and disabilities, ” English said.
The Benefit will be held in the Shawnee Mission South High School Auditorium at 5800 West 107th Street (between Nall & Lamar). For more information, please call (913) 281-1133.