'jeff obafemi carr' is Up on the Roof for Amun Ra Theatre fundraiser

jeff obafemi carr is up on the roof now-and he plans to stay there until he's raised $30,000 to keep Amun Ra Theatre (ART) aloft through these trying economic times, entering 2010 ahead of the financial game.

carr, founder and artistic director of ART, took to the roof of the ART Playhouse at 2508 Clifton Avenue in north Nashville with the intention of remaining there while the fundraising campaign continues: "If you haven't heard already, I'm headed up to the roof of the theater I--along with many other volunteers and contributors--helped build last year. It is the first African-American theater facility in Nashville in over 100 years.

"More significantly, we run a Youth Performing ARTs Academy for young people ranging from 9-13, and a Teen Ensemble that takes them to adulthood. In order to keep those valuable initiatives alive, I'm putting it on the line and climbing up a ladder."

Beginning Monday, September 21, "at high noon," carr said he "will stay there until we have collected the funds needed for us to close out 2009 and enter 2010 ahead of the game, with our Youth Performing ARTs Academy leading the way. Iwant to expand the Academy into a year-round program, and to do that, I need your help, from wherever you might be in this world."

The goal of $30,000 will be attained, carr contends, if just 300 people donate $10 each and, in turn, encourage 10 of their friends to make similar-sized donations. Inidividuals can donate immediately by going online to www.firstgiving.com/art. Individuals in the Nashville area may drop off their donations at The Playhouse anytime, carr explains: "I'll be there 24-7 until we get this done."

"I'm doing this because I believe in the Mission of ART, and more importantly, I believe in the folk saying, 'When spiderwebs unite, they can tie up a lion.' Be the friend you have been, and I look forward to getting down from that roof and announcing an absolutely tantalizing 2010 Season of Plays and a new initiative for the kids," he says.

In the meantime, carr will be blogging regularly, as well as doing Facebook, Twitter, and interviews with local media, including 92Q's Kenny Smoov.

"Save me--for real, though," carr exhorts ART supporters. "For those who don't know, my wife and i are expecting our fourth child, and she's due on November 1! So we'd really, really appreciate it if you got me back home before the midwife comes."

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