Linda Eder & More Set for Broadway Arranger's Wedding Reception to Benefit The Shed, 9/26

Shortly after Broadway composer and arranger Kim Scharnberg proposed to Gwynn Griffin, also a musician, they agreed they didn't want a traditional reception for their wedding. They wanted to do a benefit concert instead, and what better place than one of their favorite venues, the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival's historic Music Shed.

The Shed is undergoing a major renovation, with Phase One already complete. An additional $250,000 is needed in order to secure a $1,000,000 matching grant.

Scharnberg and Griffin's September 26th concert is directly aimed at helping achieve that goal.

Griffin says, "We wanted to have a special treat for our wedding guests but also open it up to the public so they can share in this special event with us." Scharnberg, who has worked on Broadway and with many orchestras, and Griffin, who has peformed throughout the region, called on their many famous and talented friends to shape the festivities. "I've been the music director for several Presidential Galas at the Ford's Theatre in Washington, DC, so this idea is roughly patterned after those. We're going to have musical guests from several different genres performing together, guests you wouldn't normally find in the same room," says a clearly-thrilled Scharnberg.

Guest perfomers include Broadway star and recording artist Linda Eder, hit singer/songwriter Edwin McCain, jazz great Chris Brubeck, virtuoso flutist Rhonda Larson, DC theatre star Kevin McAllister, opera diva Alyson Cambridge, and Turkish vocalist Seran Bilgi and some surprise special guest artists. In addition, 12-year-old tap dance wünderkind Luke Spring and Tony award winning star of the Broadway musical Billy Elliott, Trent Kowalik, will dazzle the crowd. Last but definitely not least, the team of Broadway composer Frank Wildhorn and lyricist Jack Murphy will do a rare performance together, especially for this event.

All of these performers will be accompanied by a 14-piece ensemble of New York City's finest musicians-- all friends and colleagues of Scharnberg and Griffin. They promise this will be a once in a lifetime event.

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