REEVES to Headline Penumbra Jazz Jam June 6

Four-time Grammy award winner Dianne Reeves will headline the 16th Annual Penumbra Jazz Jam, presented by Target, on Sunday, June 6, 2010 from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. at The Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant. Featuring Master of Ceremony T. Mychael Rambo, the fundraiser will include a special appearance by Dennis W. Spears and Sanford Moore. Guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner by Dakota Chef Jack Riebel. All proceeds from the evening's silent and live auctions will benefit Penumbra's Summer Institute Scholarship Fund. Bellamy Balcony seats are $125 per person. Only a few remain. Call 651-224-3180 or visit www.penumbratheatre.org.

Over the years, Jazz Jam has raised more than $700,000 for Minnesota's only African American theatre with the support of Hannibal Locumbe, Debbie Duncan, Ginger Commodore, Thomasina Petrus, Regina Marie Williams, and Bruce Henry.

In 1976, as a reaction to the stereotypical depiction of the black ethos, Lou Bellamy founded Penumbra to make art that roared with authenticity through the rich, unrestrained voice of black playwrights and artists. As Minnesota's only professional African American theater, Penumbra has achieved national recognition for its artistic excellence and signature style and has presented 149 productions including 32 world-premieres. It contributes over $2 million annually to the local economy, and attracts new talent and media attention from across the country.

The ultimate goal of the Penumbra mission is to make socially responsible art that provokes thought and action around issues of racism and social justice. This is achieved through three artistic areas - main stage, education and new play development. The main stage presents the opportunity to delve into issues as embodied in the play. Education creates opportunities for audiences to explore the art and the issues in deep and meaningful ways. The new play development program provides a safe, nurturing and culturally specific environment for artists to create work without restriction or reservation.

Bellamy continues to earn recognition for his work. Most recent awards include the 2009 Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs Award for Public Leadership; the 2009 induction into The College of Fellows of the American Theatre; 2007 Obie for Best Direction of Two Trains Running at the Signature Theatre; the 2007 National Black Theatre Festival Lloyd Richards Award for Directing; and the 2006 McKnight Distinguished Artist Award.

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