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&NBSP

PRESS RELEASE: March 6, 2003

Contact:     Laura Sorensen, After 5
Phone:        952/934-3627
Email:         SingAfter5@aol.com
Web Site:   http://After_5.tripod.com/

Subject:     After 5 Spring Performances

Eden Prairie, Minnesota (3/6/03)-- “After 5” a women’s vocal jazz ensemble, announces their spring performances at Easter Lutheran Church in Eagen, Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Como Park Pavillion in St. Paul.

Under the direction of Diana Scheff, After 5’s ten vocalists, backed by piano, bass and drums, have performed throughout the Twin Cities since 1993 at venues such as the Minneapolis Women’s Club, Lake Harriet Bandshell and the Minnesota History Center. After 5 also provides entertainment for senior and social service organizations, bringing the joy of music to those whom might not otherwise be able to attend a musical performance.

“After 5” promises to heat up the stage when they become part of the Easter Music Series at Easter Luther Church, 4200 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, MN. Look for lively musical favorites such as “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” "Girl Talk" and "Tuxedo Junction" as well as the softer side of "Poinciana" and "Someone to Watch Over Me.” The concert begins at 3:00 pm. Free will offering. For more information call the church office, 651-452-3680.

New York, New York! “After 5” is proud to announce that they will be singing at Carnegie Hall, in New York City on April 21, 2003. Along with ensemble groups from around the country, "After 5" will be working with Director Phil Mattson, a leader in the field of jazz choral music. Culminating in a grand array of music, "After 5" will entertain the New York audience with their own arrangements of "Come Sunday" and "Stormy Weather."

On the heels of the Carnegie Hall performance, "After 5" will be part of the Music in the Parks series at Como Park Pavillion, 1360 N. Lexington Pkwy, St. Paul, 55103. Join "After 5" on May 25, 2003 at 7:00 pm as they kick off St. Paul’s Summer Concert Series. Spring promises flowers, sunshine and the toe tapping music of "After 5."

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Dianne Strandberg

e-mail: strandbergd@msn.com

Quick Facts:

MRAC grant awarded to After 5, a vocal ensemble
Purpose: To support performances for people that would otherwise not have the opportunity to attend live musical performances

After 5 awarded grant by Metropolitan Regional Arts Council

After 5, a vocal ensemble, has been awarded a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC) to fund the group's mission of community service through vocal performance. The group is strongly committed to providing quality vocal entertainment to people with physical or economic challenges that would otherwise prevent them from attending live musical performances. The grant will be used to help fund performances at locations where people with less access to the arts gather. With the help of past grants, After 5 has performed at senior residences, health care centers, Courage Center, and Rolling Acres residence. Under the new grant, the group will continue to serve seniors, those with disabilities, and also other social service organizations that cannot easily access the arts. Funding for this grant is provided by the MRAC through a grant from The McKnight Foundation and an appropriation by the Minnesota Legislature.
After 5 has a lively style that includes jazz, swing, Latin, gospel, and folk music. The group's twelve vocalists, piano, drums, and string bass perform songs from jazz and swing stalwarts such as Ella Fitzgerald, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, and the Mills Brothers.