Howard, Austin, Etc. Set for ArtCents Concert, Aug. 21

On Monday, August 21st, ASTEP (Artists Striving To End Poverty) will present the second ArtCents Benefit Concert, a new monthly concert series featuring the works of emerging songwriters, at The Triad on New York's Upper West Side (158 W. 72nd St.).

This second ArtCents Benefit Concert features the music of Ryan Cunningham and Joshua Salzman, the creative team behind the critically acclaimed new musical I Love You Because, which enjoyed an Off-Broadway run earlier this year. I Love You Because is scheduled to play various upcoming regional engagements, including Coral Gables, Florida in January 2007.

The August 21 benefit concert features will feature performances by Marie-France Arcilla (Shout!), David A. Austin (I Love You Because), Colin Hanlon (Rent, I Love You Because), Lisa Howard (…Spelling Bee) and Cunningham. Salzman will accompany on piano.

"Admission to this and all future ArtCents Benefit Concerts is … a jar of change. Gather all of your spare change, put it in a jar – any jar, and bring it with you," according to press notes.  The July 17 inaugural ArtCents Benefit Concert, which featured the music of Stephen Barnett, raised more than $1,100 in change.

Ryan Cunningham and Joshua Salzman wrote the Off-Broadway musical I Love You Because, which earned a Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Lyrics. Their current projects include Queen Esther, a family musical based on the Jewish holiday of Purim, and an untitled song cycle. They make their television writing debut this year, creating songs for Disney's "Johnny and the Sprites," starring John Tartaglia. Both are members of The Dramatists Guild and the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop

Artists Striving to End Poverty (ASTEP) is a non-profit organization which mobilizes the global community of artists to create positive change for young people in need worldwide. Built on the foundation of Art-in-Action, ASTEP hosts experience programs in which teaching artists immerse themselves into poverty-stricken communities to educate youth on issues ranging from racism to AIDS awareness to personal hygiene through the universal language of art.

There is also a two-drink minimum. Reservations for the 7 p.m. concert can be made by calling 212-706-1516 or by sending an email to tickets@createsomethinggood.org.

All proceeds from the concert benefit ASTEP. Visit www.createsomethinggood.org to learn more. Future concert dates will be announced shortly.

Don't Miss a Broadway News Story Sign up for all the news on the Fall season, discounts & more...