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Comment by Aleta E. Staton on May 25, 2011 at 7:00am

Jazztini was the theme as roster jazz ensemble Arti Dixson and Friends complimented the atmosphere at New Haven Country Club.  Guests dined on hors d’oeuvres from Jordan’s Caterers and were entertained by YACONN artists Gerald Moore, who brought a sample of THE GAME for guests to play, Brian Gillie, who not only performed a swing dance demo with his wife Susan, but also sang standards while accompanying himself on piano.  The magical Tim Latta made a grand entrance on one stilt with a skate on the other foot, and finished the night en masque, greeting guests along the way.  Young Audiences VSA congratulated the following 2011 honorees for their dedication to young people and the arts:

 

2011 Community Partner Award – CVS Caremark

2011 Community Partner Award – Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES)

2011 CT VSA International Young Soloist – Michael Casey

2011 Young Audiences VSA Artist of the Year – Adam Battelstein

 

Former State Attorney General and current Connecticut State Senator Richard Blumenthal joined the party to present the CT VSA International Young Soloist Award to High Schooler Michael Casey, who proceeded to lift the audience of more than 180 to a new high by playing and soloing and then encoring with Arti Dixson and friends.

 

We were also joined by Young Audiences National Executive Director David Dik and his wife Jill Simmons-Dik, who helped to echo congratulatory sentiments to our honorees and to raise awareness among our guests about the activities of the Young Audiences organization.

 

According to Young Audiences VSA CT Executive Director Eileen Carpinella, “This was the most successful fundraising effort that Young Audiences (CT) has ever had.  It was just a sparkling evening.  We are thankful for the overwhelming support of our community and our sponsors and donors.”

 

Young Audiences VSA raised over $10,000 in charitable donations through the Jazztini event.  Proceeds will be used to help defray the cost of crucial arts programming in underserved communities throughout the state of Connecticut.