Upcoming KALAMAZOO STRONG: A BENEFIT CABARET for the Victims of Kalamazoo Shooting in New York City

Kalamazoo is represented in large numbers and with great pride in The Big Apple. The Kalamazoo shootings left people across the country in shock - our friends, former students, and family in New York City were no exception. In response, several WMU Theatre alums and Kalamazoo natives who now reside in NYC are coming together to produce KALAMAZOO STRONG: A BENEFIT CABARET The event will be held Monday, March 7th at 9:30pm in the Laurie Beechman Theatre in Manhattan.

The concert will feature performances by Marin Mazzie, Scott Burkell, Janis Siegel and the Manhattan Transfer, Tom Wopat, Manna Nichols, Jessica Vosk, Hannah Elless, Mikey Winslow, Erik Sisco, Amy Persons, and many more.

Broadway's Marin Mazzie is one of many with affectionate and strong ties to Kalamazoo who will be performing. Mazzie said, "When I heard of the horrific shootings in Kalamazoo I couldn't believe it. Here was another senseless mass shooting, but this one was in a place I knew and loved and where I still have many friends. I was relieved that all my friends were fine, but I was grieving along with everyone else for the loss inflicted on the victims families and the community. I lived in Kalamazoo, got my degree at WMU and started my profes-
sional career at the Barn Theatre, just outside Kalamazoo, where one of the victims, Barbara Hawthorne, was a frequent patron. To say Kalamazoo holds a special place in my heart is an understatement. I am thrilled to be a part of this event that I hope will bring some comfort to the families and community and let them know they have so many people who love and support them."

Producers and creators of the event are recent WMU Theatre alums Mallory King, Tyler Siems, and Kalamazoo native and musician, Nat Zegree. Zegree, who will serve as the concert's musical director, is proud of the talent taking the stage in support, saying, "I was born and raised in Kalamazoo, and we are so proud to fill the stage with a majority of performers who are either Kalamazoo natives, or people who attended Western Michigan University. The Kalamazoo community is strong in New York City, and we are all so honored to rep-
resent our city in the best way we can; by making a difference."

"I just graduated from Western Michigan University last year, and when I saw the news about the shooting my jaw dropped. I knew I wanted to do something to help out the community that I cared so much about." - Mallory King, 2015 WMU Theatre Alum

KALAMAZOO STRONG: A BENEFIT CABARET

Creators: Mallory King, Tyler Siems, Nat Zegree

Music Director: Nat Zegree

Host: Broadway Sessions' Ben Cameron

Performances by Marin Mazzie, Scott Burkell, Janis Siegel and the Manhattan Transfer, Manna Nichols, Tom Wopat, Jessica Vosk, Hannah Elless, Mikey Winslow, Erik Sisco, Amy Persons, and many more!

There will also be a livestream of the event via the event Facebook page called, "Kalamazoo Strong: A Benefit Cabaret". Visit it here.

Tickets for Kalamazoo Strong: A Benefit Cabaret can be purchased online at www.westbankcafe.com or by calling (212) 695-6909. Admission is $25, with a $20 food and beverage minimum.

Proceeds will go directly to the families affected by the recent shootings in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Photo credit: Kalamazoo Strong: A Benefit Cabaret's Facebook page

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