LOS ANGELES – Musicians at Play Foundation (MAP) & Meeting Each Need with Dignity (MEND) will present a special concert with Grammy Award-winning conguero Poncho Sanchez and his eight-piece Latin Jazz Band in support of preserving the arts in Los Angeles by making music accessible to all and strengthening communities.
The benefit concert will be hosted by Pat Prescott – morning host for 94.7 FM The Wave — and held at the John Anson Ford Theatre on Saturday, July 29, at 8 p.m. During the event, California Secretary of State, Alex Padilla, will present Sanchez with a commendation for his service to the L.A. community.
“We’re thrilled to bring this amazing performance to L.A. audiences and are grateful to Poncho Sanchez for his support of MAP and MEND, two organizations that work to improve the quality of life of Los Angelenos,” said April Williams, board president and artistic director for MAP, which is based in Encino.” Together we are preserving and raising awareness about L.A.’s musical heritage, and providing critical social services that help individuals break out of the poverty cycle.”
Each year, more than 10,500 children, parents, teachers and other members of the community benefit from MAP’s educational and mentorship programs, which include professional development workshops, master classes, panel discussions and concerts.
Its Music Mentoring program supports school-aged students and community partners serving some of the City’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. In addition, through the program senior professional mentors cultivate lasting relationships with students, and provide the training needed for future career paths in the music industry.
MEND, based in Pacoima, serves an average of 37,000 clients each month and takes a holistic approach to relieve the effects of poverty in our communities by providing basic human and social services while offering clients the education and training that fosters self-reliance.
The organization relies on assistance from a committed 5,000-member volunteer corps to implement programs that provide food; clothing; job training; medical, dental and vision care; classes for adults in English as a Second Language, literacy, and computer training; an after school program for kids; shows and other services for the homeless; and a Holiday Basket Program for 1300 pre-screened families in need.
“Music is an integral part of our culture and communities,” Williams said. “By partnering with MEND, a nonprofit organization that supports people living in under resourced areas, we are improving the quality of life of individuals in a very holistic way. This concert will help us continue to provide critical programming and services.”
The John Anson Ford Theatre is located in Hollywood at 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. Tickets range from $28 to $79. There will be a VIP reception at 6 p.m. For more information, contact April Williams, Musicians at Play, at (818) 632-4868 or e-mail at april@musiciansatplay.org. To purchase tickets, visit: https://www.fordtheatres.org/calendar/poncho-sanchez-his-latin-jazz-band or visit the MAP website: http://www.musiciansatplay.org.