Ashford & Simpson Tribute Benefits Bowie State University Scholarship (2169 hits)
Celebrity performers will honor music icons Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson at a special tribute concert supporting a new endowed music scholarship at Bowie State University on Friday, May 17 from 6-9 p.m. The event will take place in the University’s Fine and Performing Arts Center.
Jazz and gospel harpist/producer Jeff Majors will be among the featured performers at the Ashford & Simpson Tribute. Other artists include Baltimore-based jazz singer/songwriter Maysa Leak, jazz and pop singer/producer Jean Carne, and the All-Star Band, conducted by Dr. Clarence Knight, chair of the BSU Department of Fine and Performing Arts.
Bowie State University will confer honorary degrees on Nickolas Ashford (posthumously) and Valerie Simpson at the Spring Commencement earlier on May 17.
“We are pleased to recognize Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson for their exceptional accomplishments as internationally renowned songwriters, producers and performers for close to 50 years,” said BSU President Mickey L. Burnim.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ashford and Simpson Endowed Music Scholarship Fund, established by the Bowie State University Foundation, a 501(c)3 public, non-profit corporation that facilitates fundraising efforts to support Bowie State University.
“The Ashford and Simpson Endowed Music Scholarship Fund will continue their legacy and commitment to providing a platform for aspiring artists,” said Dr. Richard Lucas, vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of the BSU Foundation. “The goal is to increase enrollment and heighten awareness about the University’s fine and performing arts programs, including music, art, visual communication and digital media arts, music technology, and theatre arts.”
Tickets are $200 for general admission and $275 for VIP access, including a pre-concert reception. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.bowiestate.edu or call BSU’s Office of Institutional Advancement at 301-860-4300.
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ABOUT BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The University places special emphasis on the science, technology, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit the website at www.bowiestate.edu.
ABOUT THE BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION The Bowie State University Foundation (BSUF) is a 501(c)3 public, non-profit corporation whose mission is to facilitate fundraising efforts that support the activities and mission of Bowie State University. BSUF assumes oversight of contributions to the university, including gift acceptance, acknowledgement, and stewardship.
