Paula Markowicz, Michael Hammond, Hildy Grossman, Brian De Lorenzo
and Candy O’Terry, image by David Fox
WATERTOWN TAB – Upstage Lung Cancer will kick off its 11th year with a cabaret concert, titled “A Musical Tribute to Walt Disney: When You Wish Upon a Star,” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. A pre-concert silent auction will begin at 6 p.m.
Presented in partnership with the LUNGevity Foundation, all proceeds from the performance support the cause of early lung cancer detection research.
The evening of music making and storytelling will honor Disney, who died at the age of 65 in 1966. Emmy Award-winning arts and entertainment critic Joyce Kulhawik will return for her 11th year as emcee, joined by a lineup of award-winning New England performing artists: Brian De Lorenzo, James Fernandes, Hildy Grossman, Michael Hammond and Paula Markowicz. The featured guest will be Candy O’Terry, founder and former co-host of WMJX Magic 106.7 Boston’s “Exceptional Women” radio show.
Steve Heck will take the baton as music director alongside Michael Hammond, director. Performances will include “Circle of Life,” “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “Under the Sea” and “A Whole New World.”
Grossman, founder of Upstage Lung Cancer and one of the evening’s performers, is one of 5% of survivors at 11 years beyond diagnosis. Her cancer was first discovered, by accident, in 2007.
“Over the past decade I’ve witnessed many advances,” Grossman said. “New treatments emerge each year. And yet, we still must find a reliable method to discover lung cancer at the earliest possible moment to extend and improve lives. With advances, there are good reasons for hope.”
During the evening’s festivities, ULC will present its annual Fan Award for the demonstration of “exceptional leadership in the fight for a cure.” This year’s recipient will be Andrea Borondy Kitts, an advocate who has dedicated her life to promoting prevention and lung cancer screening. Francine Jacobson, MD, MPH, Dana-Farber Cancer Center radiologist, will share on recent research using computerized tomography scans for early detection.
Tickets to “Tribute to Walt Disney” cost $45 for general admission and $100 for reserved seating; the evening will include a post-concert reception. Complimentary tickets are given to lung cancer survivors.
For tickets and information about the Mosesian Center for the Arts, call 617-923-8487 or visit http://mosesianarts.org. For information about Upstage Lung Cancer, visit http://upstagelungcancer.org.
