“GLEE” guitarist Derik Nelson plays a full-band pop\/rock concert at the Kentlake High School Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Proceeds support the Kentlake Drama Department.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
“We are thrilled Kentlake is one of the schools selected for this cool fundraising concert experience,” said Pamela Cressey, the school’s drama director. “District budget cuts unfortunately affect our drama program. In one night, the funds created by Derik’s concert will help buy musical rights and licenses, sets and costumes, help our students take on more leadership and responsibility, and boost the awareness of our program.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The drama department has two musicals scheduled this year \u2013 the new Mel Brooks musical, “Young Frankenstein”, in November and “Shrek” in March.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The concert is part of Nelson’s Take Chances Tour, providing high schools throughout the West Coast the opportunity to raise thousands of dollars through ticket sales for his full-band live pop\/rock concerts.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
“My brother, sister, and I grew up in public school,” Nelson explained. “We are passionate about the arts, music and about giving back, and we see the budget cuts really affecting these schools. We wanted an out-of-the-box way for schools to fundraise.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The tour is scheduled to reach at least 30 schools along the West Coast, and all schools are expected to earn $2,000 to $10,000 through the program. Nelson and his team also provide a free educational masterclass assembly to students at the school during the day about career opportunities in the arts.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
General admission tickets are $20, $15 for students and are available at\u00a0www.brownpapertickets.com\/event\/467461<\/a> or at the door.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n For ticket questions, please contact Pam Cressey, Kentlake drama director, at 253\/373-4659 or by email at pamela.cressey@kent.k12.wa.us.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n