Hill House Association Celebrates a Half-Century of Community Commitment

Hill House Association Celebrates a Half-Century of Community Commitment

A year-long celebration features international performers

PITTSBURGH, March 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- (hillhouse.org) The Hill House Association is embarking on a celebration marking a half-century of serving the community through a spectrum of enlightened educational programs, arts and cultural initiatives and integrated social services. Structured to be reflective of the extended reach of the Hill House Association, the yearlong celebration will feature a series of performances by several nationally recognized artists, authors and performers, as well as regionally-known personalities. The year of celebration, themed Hill House Association: A Half-Century ofCommunity Commitment, presents these entertainers, thought leaders and celebrities to various and well-known Pittsburgh neighborhoods and venues, such as the Byham Theater in downtown and St. Paul Cathedral in the Oakland neighborhood. Additionally, Hill House will celebrate the legacy of the first trained paramedics in the United States, Freedom House ambulance service. A historical marker will be placed in honor of Freedom House on Centre Avenue and a screening of the documentary film, "Freedom House" will be held at the Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium later in the year.

Anniversary Signature Events

Jonathan Butler, internationally known jazz and R&B artist is appearing at the Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium at the Kaufmann Center on April 11, 2014. Mr. Butler, a South African native has earned GRAMMY® nominations and world-wide accolades for his soulful sounds and insightful lyrics.

Opening for Mr. Butler is Kevin Howard, a first-class keyboardist, writer, composer, producer and businessman. Hailing originally from Pittsburgh, Mr. Howard has recorded and performed with musical legends such as Pittsburgh's own George Benson and saxophonist Marion Meadows.

In collaboration with the Pittsburgh Arts and Lecture Series, Hill House brings Wil Haygood, author of The Butler and chronicler of the struggle for civil rights, to Pittsburgh. Mr. Haygood brought the story of Eugene Allen, his life in the White House and his private struggles during volatile times to the nation through the book. Mr. Haygood also functioned as the Associate Producer on the film taken from the book, Lee Daniel's The Butler. The Byham Theater will host Mr. Haygood on May 19, 2014.

"Hill House is proud to celebrate 50( )years of delivering critical services that are at the heart of our mission. We have proudly served the neighbors and organizations of the Hill District touching countless lives and positively impacting the economic development of this storied community. The schedule of performances is impressive and even more so is the excitement of our long-term supporters who look forward to celebrating with us," states Cheryl Hall-Russell, President and CEO of Hill House Association and Hill House Economic Development Corporation. She continues, "This year promises to be one that inclusively celebrates our history, highlights our new strategic direction, and makes it clear that the settlement house model has a place in our communities as we meet the needs of families in the twenty-first century. Our board and staff look forward to marking this special time with the city of Pittsburgh."

The internationally famous Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem will perform on November 7, 2014 at St. Paul Cathedral in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh. In collaboration with the Diocese of Pittsburgh and St. Paul Cathedral, Hill House is pleased to offer this evening of rich harmonies and dynamic sound. After a five-year hiatus the new Boys and Girls Choir is performing again and is an artistically inspired organization providing opportunities to inner-city youth to become confident, disciplined, motivated and successful individuals. This concert presents some of the finest singers and musicians from the black churches in Harlem and New York City. Every performance is enthusiastic and features not only fantastic singing, but dancing and celebrations of love, hope and inspiration.

The Kaufmann Center Schedule of Events

In addition to the signature events, a regular schedule of music and theatrical performances will be held throughout the year at the Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium at the Kaufmann Center.

Additional performances and programs can be viewed at hillhouse.org/events

Mission

Hill House Association is a comprehensive community service provider and facilitator that meets the needs of Hill District residents and diverse constituents in the Greater Pittsburgh area.

Agency Overview

The Hill House Association is an independent nonprofit organization offering a wide range of programs and services to Pittsburgh's Hill District community and surrounding areas. Through its unique multi-generational service model, dedicated staff and redevelopment efforts, the Hill House continues to positively impact the futures of the residents and communities it serves.

SOURCE Hill House Association

Hill House Association

CONTACT: Jeffrey Anderson, Chief Operating Officer, Hill House Association and Hill House Economic Development Corporation, janderson@hillhouse.org, 412-392-4474

Web Site: http://www.hillhouse.org


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