On Saturday, Sept. 13, the Jamie A. Hulley Arts Foundation holds its Sixth Annual "Evening for the Arts Benefit" at Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts. "Beatlemania - The Tribute" returns by popular demand with vibrantly uncanny renditions of the Beatles and their music at 7:30 p.m. A 6:00 p.m. wine and hors d'oeuvres reception ensures time to leisurely browse the choice items offered at a silent auction including everything from a 7-day Cape Cod holiday to Beatle memorabilia. Advanced sale tickets are $40 and $45 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Hulley Arts Foundation and by extension, hundreds of Fairfield University, greater New Haven and Fairfield County children and young artists through the many scholarships and grant programs the Foundation bestows each year.

Orange resident and raconteur David Raffauf, once more dons the Master of Ceremonies' mantle he wears like a second skin.

The "Beatlemania" performers include Broadway veteran Lenie Colacino as Paul McCartney, Jon Omega as John Lennon, Jess Banner as the quiet Beatle, George Harrison and Joe Nocco as Ringo Starr. Each performer in the cast of the Fab Four has toured with "Beatlemania" for many years. And each brings to his role a meticulous reality that captures the imagination of new fans while catching the connoisseurs off-balance.

Each year, the Jamie A. Hulley Arts Foundation's commitment to Fairfield University students of theater and music is recognized in a variety of ways: A $1,500 summer internship stipend is available for a student who wishes to accept an unpaid internship in the arts; a $1,000 theatre production grant helps students produce and perform an original play; Missoula summer theater camp is open, through scholarships, to children of Sodexho workers (the university's food service) and to children who live in Bridgeport; and sponsorship of the annual "Musicians Unplugged" event brings working musicians to the campus to discuss their music and career paths; the event culminates in a free public concert.

And the community benefits are many. In May 2008, the foundation partnered with the Fairfield Arts Council to sponsor a juried art exhibition for high school students in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, Trumbull, Weston and Westport. Fifteen students were awarded $2,700 in scholarships in five categories: Drawing, painting, print/mixed media, photography and portfolio. The exhibition, which has been designated an annual event, was held at the Fairfield Arts Council gallery.

The foundation also sponsors a "Working Artists" art grant program open to all greater New Haven elementary and middle school teachers, in which teachers are awarded up to $1,000 to bring in working artists to enhance the traditional school curriculum. In the four years the program has been in existence, $29,000 has been awarded to schools in Ansonia, Bethany, Orange and New Haven.

Amity High School's graduating seniors in studio art and in drama are eligible for a $1,000 college scholarship, which can be renewed for four years of college. Amity High School is Jamie Hulley's Alma Mater. The foundation also sponsors the visiting artist series where a working artist spends the day with students in art classes and shares his or her expertise by illustrating a multitude of avenues to pursue a career in the arts. And for the past two years, the foundation has sponsored the scholarship prizes for Amity's annual Film Festival, awarding prizes in four categories.

The silent auction, to be held during the pre-show reception at 6:00 p.m., features baskets filled with goodies, UCONN Huskie basketball tickets, Hollywood and sports memorabilia and Beatles items including a silver 8 GB Nano iPod inscribed "IMAGINE PEACE, love Yoko" and much more.

For tickets, send a check or money order to Jamie A. Hulley Arts Foundation, P.O. Box 1208, Orange, CT 06477. For information, call (203) 891-8869 or e-mail jamieart@snet.net .

Posted On: 08-01-2008 10:08 AM

Volume: 41 Number: 24