Oscar winner Jamie Foxx will host a night of jazz, food, and a special screening of the critically acclaimed film “Thunder Soul” this Saturday, Aug. 4 at The Broad Stage.
Proceeds from the event will support the work of Youth Mentoring Connection – a Los Angeles-based organization that matches inner city youth with mentors in the entertainment world.
On hand to provide the entertainment will be young jazz musicians from The Harmony Project, an award-winning nonprofit organization that targets at-risk youth in underserved areas of Los Angeles.
The ThunderSOUL Jazz Fest event is sponsored by HBO and The Los Angeles Trial Lawyer’s Charities.
Foxx, the star of such acclaimed films as “Dreamgirls,” “The Soloist,” “Any Given Sunday,” “Ali,” and “Ray,” which garnered him the “Best Actor” award at the 77th annual Academy Awards, executive produced “Thunder Soul.”
Directed by Mark Landsman, the film tells the story of alumni from Houston’s legendary Kashmere High School Stage Band, who return home after 35 years to prepare a tribute concert for their now 92-year-old “Prof” – their beloved band leader who broke the color barrier and transformed the school’s struggling jazz band into a world-class funk powerhouse in the early 1970s.
The screening benefits Youth Mentoring Connection (YMC) which pairs inner-city youths with professional mentors working at such high-profile entertainment entities such as HBO, Warner Brothers, Paramount, and BET.
In its 10 years of successful operation, YMC has seen the graduation rate of its program participants increase three-fold over the citywide average.
“The movie ‘Thunder Soul’ tells the story of how one mentor changed the lives of his students. Youth Mentoring Connection continues and expands upon that tradition,” says Tony Lore, CEO and founder of the organization. “Our youth are empowered by mentors. Our mentors are enriched by our youth. The YMC difference is proven in the difference we make in the lives of both the mentee and the mentor.”
The event kicks-off at 6 p.m. with light appetizers, a dessert bar, and music. The screening of Thunder Soul is slated for 7:30 p.m.
“As a family law attorney I see all too often the damage that is done by a lack of parenting in our society,” said YMC board member David T. Pisarra, Esq. “To have the support of Jamie Foxx, HBO, and all our participating mentors and organizations helps us to deliver the kind of real-life direction than can change the course of a young person’s life forever.”
The Broad Stage is located at 1310 11th St. in Santa Monica with on-site parking available.
Tickets are limited but still available for $125 and $95 and can be purchased at www.thundersoul.eventbrite.com.
