19th Annual Coming Home Coming Together Concert

19th Annual Gene Harris Coming Home Coming Together Concert to be held in Downtown Benton Harbor,

on Sunday, June 25, 2017

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with entertainment starting at 6:15 p.m.

Benton Harbor, MI-Thursday, May 25, 2017-The city of Benton Harbor plays host to the FREE Gene Harris Coming Home Coming Together Concert, on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at 6:15 p.m.  Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with entertainment starting at 6:15 p.m. This open air event, celebrating its 19th season, will be held in the Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park in downtown Benton Harbor (at the corner of Pipestone and Main).

Headlining this year’s show is Joan Collaso. Emmy award-winner and international vocalist Joan Collaso was born, raised and is living in Chicago. Joan’s flowing sensual melodies, colorful improvisations and soulful stylings capture your ear while her spirit captures your heart. She blends the textures of Jazz, R&B, Blues and Gospel in a way that gives her a distinct sound.

In 1997, Joan appeared singing in the history-making movie ‘Soul Food.’ She has enlightened audiences at the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, with other festival appearances including the JazzKaar Festival in Estonia (Russia), the Sister Cities Festival in Osaka, Japan, multiple appearances at the Elkhart Jazz Festival and the Chicago Jazz Festival where she was named one of the top 5 "must-see" performances, along with a tour of northern Italy for the Central Jazz Torino School of Jazz. In September 2011, Collaso opened for the R&B artist India Arie at the African Festival of the Arts in Chicago. She has been featured on countless radio and TV commercials. Collaso was a featured vocalist on world renowned pianist, Ramsey Lewis' Urban Renewal CD. In 2009 she performed on The Oprah Winfrey show as background vocalist for Susan Boyle, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Sugarland and Tim McGraw.

While Collaso trail blazes her musical talents and performances all over the world, she also weaves her extraordinary skills in her community. As an advocate for social justice, Joan has written, produced and performed for school age children and families musical plays that teach history and promote education, courage and love.

In 2010, Collaso started a new organization, Timeless Gifts, a mentoring and performance program for youth in the arts (ages 8-18). Through the organization, Joan and some of her most accomplished colleagues mentor young performers. Her ultimate vision for this organization is the Timeless Gifts Center for the Arts.

Opening this year’s show will be home grown talent.

Attendees are encouraged to invite friends and family and to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and other comfortable seating for this outdoor event. Tables that seat ten can be purchased for $250. Donations are accepted to cover the cost of the FREE event.

Rain location is the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Mainstage. Snacks and non alcoholic beverages are welcome in the City Center for the concert; however, no food or beverages will be allowed at the Mendel Center rain location.

The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra is honored to be the principal and fiduciary sponsor for the 2017 Gene Harris’ Coming Home Coming Together Concert. The SMSO has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of our community since 1951.

SMSO offers innovative and diverse programming that fosters creativity, promotes joy and unites our community. The annual Gene Harris Coming Home Coming Together Concert exemplifies SMSO’s goals and presents an opportunity to support live music in downtown Benton Harbor.

For additional information, to reserve a table, to provide sponsorship or to request an SMSO brochure, call the Symphony office at 269.982.4030, e-mail Sue Kellogg at sue@smso.org, or visit http://www.smso.org/Concerts/Summer/CHCT.html.