Def Jam's Bobby Sessions Talks Courage, Celebrates Mosaic At Story Night Experience

After 27 years of transforming young lives throughout metro Detroit, Mosaic Youth Theatre's sights are set on the next chapter of its long-time success story. The creative youth development nonprofit - best known for its theatrical stage productions and community vocal performances - invites the public to see the bigger picture at its 2019 Story Night Experience, "Be Your Own Hero," on Saturday, March 23 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. The Story Night Experience offers a night of impactful entertainment that celebrates everyday courage and benefits Mosaic's life skills, college prep, and workforce development programming.

"It's important to support the young talent around the world because they are the creators of tomorrow," said Def Jam recording artist Bobby Sessions. New to the label, he headlines Story Night as a speaker during the youth panel Prologue at 4 p.m., sharing his perspective on how to be brave. "You can navigate the world better once you lose your fear of failure. The greatest artists are risk takers and I'm coming to Detroit to help everyone find the courage to maximize their potential."

Sessions will be joined in the discussion by Chip Miller, Artistic Associate, Resident Director, Kansas City Repertory Theatre; and Courtney Smith, Mosaic alum and Executive Director of the Detroit Phoenix Center. NPR/WDET air personality Chris Campbell, host of the Progressive Underground, is the Prologue facilitator.

A VIP reception follows, with a sneak peek tribute to Founding Artistic Director, Rick Sperling, as he prepares to retire, and welcoming Mosaic's new leadership, Artistic Director DeLashea Strawder and Executive Director Stefanie Worth.

"We're at a pivotal place in our history," said Stefanie Worth, Executive Director, "It's a perfect time to celebrate the tradition of achievement we've established at Mosaic and partner that with our vision for the organization's next 25-plus years."

Mosaic announced its founder Rick Sperling's retirement in December. Shortly afterward, the organization shared news of a $1 million, five-year grant from the Seller-Lehrer Family Foundation spearheaded by Michigan native and Hamilton producer Jeffrey Seller. The generous donation supports Mosaic's summer camp and in-school residencies, only two of its many programs.

"Even some of our strongest supporters don't realize that we offer out-of-school programming ten months out of the year. This includes technical theatre, arts administration internships, paid performance opportunities, and our annual college fair. The Story Night experience highlights this workforce development training by showcasing the skills of our young artists in various ways throughout the evening. "

The Story Night Experience culminates in a performance packed evening from 7-10 with food, dancing and Mosaic performances. Bobby Sessions is also expected to perform during this time. Tati Amare, co-host of WDIV's LIVE in the D emcees the event and Chris Campbell becomes DJ Cambeaux for the remainder of the night. Live auction items include two center main floor seats to Mosaic Night at Hamilton on April 9 and a Las Vegas time share.

Event tickets are $65 ($100 for a ticket that includes the VIP reception) and $15 for young people 22 and under. Valet parking, strolling hors d'oeuvres, and cash bar. Guests are asked to dress to impress and RSVP by March 21 at www.mosaicdetroit.org/storynight.

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