'Lift Them Up' Haiti Benefit Held at Drama Learning Center 1/30

Artists from the Washington/Baltimore metropolitan area will be performing in a benefit cabaret to raise much needed funds for the victims of the recent devastating earthquake in the country of Haiti. Compelled to "do something", these artists will loan their time and talent to an evening of song, Lift Them Up, at Drama Learning Center in Columbia, Maryland. The space and resources have been generously donated by DLC's owner/ artistic director Stephanie Lynn Williams. The event is produced, directed and organized by Melynda Burdette and Genevieve Williams, founding members of Capitol Theatre Company. Capitol Theatre Company is a new theatre company in Washington, DC whose focus is musical theatre and theatre for young audiences.

Lift Them Up. is being spearheaded by Melynda Burdette, of Frederick, Maryland. She has basically opened up her rolodex and sent out and S.O.S. to her friends and fellow performers. Burdette is a graduate of The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC and a seasoned actress with credits at The Studio Theatre, Signature Theatre, Toby's Dinner Theatre as well as work Off-Broadway in New York. Her connections and her compassion are the driving force of this event. She has donated her time and attention to this cause because she believes "as artists we have the power to inspire and create. Our community is continually challenged to use our gifts in service of others. This is the least we can do."

At press time the following artists have agreed to perform; Melynda Burdette, Matthew Carr, Jessica Coleman, Dean Allen Davis, Gary Fletcher, CrystAl Freeman, Ben Gibson, Michelle Harmon, Troy Hopper, Anya Randall Nebel, Kevin McAllister, Russell Sunday, Lynn Sharp Spears, Tiffany Underwood, Ariel Vinitsky, Genevieve Williams and Stephanie Lynn Williams

Not only will the event feature performances by local artists, but there will be a raffle of donated items including theatre tickets and gift baskets and one of a kind jewelry pieces. Refreshments will be available for purchase at the event. 100% of the proceeds from the suggested ticket donation of 10.00 to the raffle tickets and concessions will go to the American Red Cross - Haitian Earthquake relief. Anyone who makes a purchase will be placed on a contact list so that they may be informed of the status of the donations and receive a receipt from the event and proof from the American Red Cross.

Lift Them Up. A benefit concert for the people of Haiti will be held this coming Saturday, January 30, 2010 at Drama Learning Center, 9130-I Red Branch Rd. Columbia, MD 21045. Tickets will be available at the door (cash and check only) and online (credit card only) at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/97434.

The group has started a Facebook event page which will have the most updated information on the performer's roster. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=267401611183&ref=mf