JIM BYRNES AT ST. JAMES CHURCH

(From Sharon Kravitz)

Friday January 16, 2009, 7:30 p.m.

St. James Anglican Church, 303 East Cordova

Benefit Concert for the Saint James Music Academy

Featuring Jim Byrnes

Jim Byrnes is an internationally recognized blues guitarist who has also had acting roles in movies and television. Jim continues to give generously of his time, in appreciation for the training and support he received as a child.

The proceeds of the concert will go to the Saint James Music Academy, an independent, non-profit organization, now in its second year of classical music training for children growing up in the Downtown Eastside. Patterned on the Royal Conservatory of Music program, the 50 students are trained in piano, cello, choir, violin, guitar, and bass with not only practical training, but theory as well. Instructors (who for the most part donate their time) are classically trained. Students come from Strathcona and Seymour elementary schools. They range in age from six to 12 and come from very diverse cultural backgrounds. Music lessons are free to families with limited resources. At a time when the DTES is undergoing rapid change, we have established a music education program which will remain accessible to children from low-income families.

We can only remain accessible with the support of our community, and the communities that surround us. Local businesses such as Fluevog Shoes donated generously towards the purchase of instruments for the school. Sunrise Market and Eclipse Awards have also given generously to the Music Academy by providing support with snacks, and making awards for the children at the end of the school year.

Please join us on the January 16th to support Saint James Music Academy, it will be a well spent 20 dollars and a good time, too! For tickets, please call Sharon at 604-251-5001.