Health & Fitness
Grossmont Faculty Perform at Fundraising Concert
The Grossmont music department's fundraiser April 21 features pop and jazz standards from a talented group of musicians who teach at the college.
EL CAJON – The Grossmont music department’s fundraiser April 21 features pop and jazz standards from a talented group of musicians who teach at the college.
Ken Anderson, vocals and piano, is an internationally-recognized gospel musician. He’s also the music director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Choir. Fred Benedetti began playing guitar at age 9 and in 1986, was chosen as one of 12 guitarists worldwide to perform in the master class of Andres Segovia at the University of Southern California. He’s performed all over the world, including with opera tenor Luciano Pavarotti and jazz artist Dave Brubeck.
Doug Booth, guitar and bass, was 15 when he was chosen to play with the Santa Clara Honor Jazz Band and a year later with the California All State Jazz Band. He currently performs with “Rockola” locally and internationally. Melonie Grinnell, vocals and piano, has performed at Dizzy’s and Croce’s Jazz Bar. She has been the pit keyboardist for Starlight Civic Theater, the San Diego Repertory Theater and the Lawrence Welk Theater.
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James Morton, drums, has written for Mel Bay Publications since 1989 and has 10 books to his credit, including “You Can Teach Yourself Drums,” “Easy Rock Drum Charts” and “Rock Studies for Drumsets.” He continues to perform in a variety of venues, and also has performed with several notable artists in the jazz and rock fields.
The faculty will be joined by special guest and bass player, Jeff Pekarek, who played with the San Diego Symphony as its youngest contracted member when he joined at 17. He currently works as an arranger, bassist and audio editor.
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The group will perform pop tunes, along with jazz standards. Morton, who organized the event, promises a few not-to-be-missed surprises.
The concert will be held at 7 p.m. April 21 in Building 26, Room 220. Parking is free. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for seniors and $5 for students.
Grossmont College is located at 8800 Grossmont College Drive in El Cajon. For driving directions and a campus map, visit “campus information” at www.grossmont.edu
