Donny Osmond to highlight fundraising event

Two departments at Utah State University, music and theatre arts, are the beneficiaries of a Memorial Day concert headlined by multi-talented star Donny Osmond and coordinated by Music Department Head Craig Jessop. Many, including Osmond, have combined efforts to support and assist the project, made necessary by today’s economic realities, Jessop said.
                “Today’s economic conditions affect everyone, including higher education and its programs,” Jessop said. “We cannot continue operating on a ‘business as usual’ basis, and we’ve got to pursue alternative funding sources to support our programs.”
                In addition to his role in the Music Department, Jessop will take over the administrative duties as head of USU’s Theatre Arts Department in July.
                Money raised by the May 25 concert will support scholarships and development areas in music and theatre arts, providing direct assistance to students and faculty, Jessop said. The support is crucial in developing the depth and breadth of the programs at USU.
                “We want to continue our proud tradition in the arts at USU as we develop the premiere music and theatre programs in the state and region,” Jessop said. “There are many programs at Utah State University in both music and theatre that are near and dear to the hearts of many — the marching band, pep bands, opera, jazz, orchestra, the Old Lyric Repertory Company and others. They all require funds to keep the level of quality where it is and even higher. The monies raised through events like this, and others in the future, provide a wonderful foundation for continued support.”
                In addition to Osmond, who will perform an approximately 45-minute portion of his critically acclaimed Las Vegas show playing at the Flamingo Hotel, the concert features the American Festival Chorus and Orchestra — a community-based choir under Jessop’s direction, and a set by Jessie Clark Funk, a rising Utah performing artist. All performers share the stage for the finale in a Memorial Day salute to those who have given their lives in the defense of the United States.
                A pre-concert “Dinner with Donny,” attended by Osmond and hosted by USU President Stan Albrecht is planned. The dinner begins at 5 p.m. and is the grand opening of the newly completed Riverwoods Conference Center in Logan. The concert begins at 8 p.m. in the Kent Concert Hall of the Chase Fine Arts Center on USU’s campus. Thanks to the support of generous patrons in the community, all proceeds of the dinner and concert will go to the USU Music and Theatre Arts Development and Scholarship funds.
                Cost of the dinner is $250 per person or a table for eight is $2,000. Those attending the dinner will receive a priority, reserved seat at the concert with courtesy transportation for the dinner to the concert venue. Concert tickets are $48, $40 or $35.Tickets for the dinner and concert are available online (http://boxoffice.usu.edu) through the Caine School of the Arts Box Office at USU, or call the box office for details, (435) 797-8022.
                Jessop said it is important to continue support of USU’s arts programs, while keeping in mind the educational mission.
                “We must not compromise our programs at the expense of our students who have invested their time and talents in pursuing a degree in the arts at Utah State University,” Jessop said. “We made a promise to these students when they entered our programs to provide the best experience and education possible. We must honor the promise we made when they joined us. And while we present wonderful events through the year — concerts, plays and recitals that the public enjoys — the student is the focus in all we do, and that must continue.”
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