HOUSTON (September 13, 2011) – HoustonWorks USA will be rich with rhythm and soul this fall as Grammy award winning jazz artist Kirk Whalum serves as musical guest at the 2011 HoustonWorks USA Biennial Blacktie Celebrity Gala. The gala, benefiting the agency’s workforce development and human services programs, will be on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at the Hilton Americas, closing the HoustonWorks USA Putting Houstonians Back to Work weekend.
“Kirk Whalum is known for his amazing musical talent as well as his generosity to benefit those in need, making him an excellent addition to our Biennial Blacktie Celebrity Gala,” Larry Green, CEO, HoustonWorks USA, said. “Our guests will both be entertained and inspired by his talent.”
Whalum, a Memphis native, gained notoriety in the Houston jazz scene in the mid-1980s, where he was discovered by jazz pianist Bob James. This partnership led to five successful albums with Columbia Records. Whalum has worked with a multitude of music superstars including: Barbara Streisand, Babyface, Luther Vandross, Quincy Jones and Whitney Houston. His career includes more than 25 solo recordings, including his most successful album, For You. Whalum has received three Dove Award nominations, an NAACP Image Award nomination and two Stellar Awards. An eleven time Grammy nominee, Whalum won his first award for Best Gospel Song (“It’s What I Do” – featuring Lalah Hathaway) alongside Jerry Peters.
“I have always held the city of Houston and its citizens in the highest regard for their generosity and dedication to improving the condition of their community,” Whalum said. “It will be an honor to join HoustonWorks USA as we celebrate those who will join the mission to help put residents back to work.”
Whalum is an ordained minister with a master’s degree in religion from Memphis Theological Seminary. Annually, he is a featured performer at hundreds of charity and community events. Whalum additionally serves as President/CEO of the STAX Music Academy and the STAX Museum of American Soul Music, which educates young musicians from low-income communities.
“As a musician and philanthropist, Kirk Whalum has made tremendous contributions to the arts, culture and to encourage aspiring young people from underprivileged neighborhoods,” Amanda Jernigan, HoustonWorks USA board member, said. “The 2011 HoustonWorks USA Biennial Blacktie Celebrity Gala will definitely be a night to remember.”
At the 2011 HoustonWorks USA Biennial Blacktie Celebrity Gala, more than 800 guests will gather to honor elected officials, community and industry leaders for their commitment to strengthen the Houston/Gulf Coast community. Proceeds generated from Putting Houstonians Back to Work will benefit HoustonWorks USA employment and training opportunities for all local job seekers. Gala ticket and sponsorships are available for purchase. For more information, please visit www.houstonworks.org or call 713.654.1919.
ABOUT HOUSTONWORKS USA:
Founded in 1984, HoustonWorks USA is the leading provider of services focusing on job placement, continuing education and vocational training. Serving more than 1 million annually, HoustonWorks USA provides job seekers with a variety of workshops including job search techniques, interviewing skills and resume writing, and use of the resource library with internet access and postings of local, state and national job openings. Training is also available in career fields such as healthcare, business, computers and education. HoustonWorks USA manages several of the largest Workforce Solutions offices in Houston and the surrounding region for the Houston-Galveston Area Council. These offices offer a wide range of services for job seekers as well as employers looking for trained workers. HoustonWorks also provides numerous youth programs including internships, scholarships, summits and summer camps. HoustonWorks is a 501(c) 3, tax-exempt organization. Visit www.houstonworks.org for additional information.
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