‘Medallion Idea’ Merits Support

CHARLESTON, SC – May 9, 2011 – The May 9 Summey Barkley RuckerMedallion Gala at North Charleston’s Fire Museum will feature artisticperformances and an art exhibit honoring the namesakes of a major newaward for mentoring young artists and the award’s inaugural recipient,Charleston Philanthropist Anita Zucker. South of Broadway TheatreCompany (SOBTC) is the award and gala sponsor. MassMutual FinancialGroup – The South Carolina Agency donated the five-inch diameter bronzecast medallion to be awarded annually.

North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey, Charleston Regional Alliance forthe Arts Founding Chair Nella G. Barkley and Hootie & the BlowfishLead Singer Darius Rucker are the award’s namesakes.

“SOBTC’s ‘medallion idea’ has merit and momentum” Summey said. “Thisaward is more than a medal, rightly renewing interests in nurturingaspiring young performers,” he said. In 2005, Summey helped SOBTC toinitiate Summer In the City, a monthlong trainingprogram for Lowcountry artists ages 14-19 who travel to New York Cityfor masterclasses while residing at The Juilliard School. Gala proceedswill benefit this youth arts program now in its seventh year.

According to Rucker’s representative, Chris Carney, the star performerreadily agreed with the award’s purpose. “Darius has keen instincts forconnecting with young people and feels this award is well positioned toachieve a positive impact on young artists’careers” Carney said. At theApril 3 Academy of Country Music Awards in Nashville, Rucker performedhis new song “Music From The Heart” with a group of disabled kids thathad helped him write it. An emotional standing ovation followed theirperformance.

Barkley’s name centers the medallion, much like the role she has inSOBTC’s award and gala planning efforts. “It is a privilege to help plan this inaugural event” Barkley said. Barkley is a former SpoletoFestival USA General Manager. She owns the Crystal-Barkley Corporationspecializing in helping Fortune 500, smaller companies and non-profitsidentify and develop employee talents. “Nothing is dearer to my heartthan empowering young artists,” she said.

Above photos: HaleighBarber and Corey Ryan

Performing at the May 9 Gala are several Summer In The City alumniincluding contemporary violinist Daniel D., singer/actress HaleighBarber and Pinewood Prep sophomore singer/actor Corey Ryan.  Daniel 22, a Charleston School of the Arts graduate has already released severalalbums, opened for top performers such as Jamie Fox and Kanye West andwon first place at an Apollo Theatre New York appearance. Daniel hasalso performed at events for President Obama, Oprah Winfrey and LarryKing. Haleigh 17, a Wando graduate will begin studies this fall at theCollaborative Arts Project Conservatory in New York renown for theirmulti-disciplinary arts programs and for such alumni as Lady Gaga andactress Ann Hathaway. Corey 16, has performed at Footlight Players, theEdinburgh Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland and has earned topawards for solo acting and singing at the International Thespian Society (ITS) State competition. Corey will represent SC in the 2012 NationalITS Competition in Lincoln,Nebraska.                                                            

The Gala also features an art exhibition by Charleston painter JamesChristopher Hill noted for his dramatic skyscapes and landscapes works.Hill received an Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Oscar forbest student animation upon graduating from the Ringling School of Artand Design in Sarasota, Florida in 1998.

For Gala advance reservations visit: www.southofbroadway.com.Or call SOBTC at 843-745-0317.