The public is invited out to Hugh John MacDonald School tomorrow night, June 2, 2011, for a concert and celebration of community outreach programs running in the area.

The Bridge Program is an outreach initiative of the Marcel A. Desautels Faculty of Music, led by Steve Kirby, which brings music instruction to underserved neighborhoods. The Bridge is led by a band director and instructors who mentor and lead teams of jazz studies students from the Faculty by offering musical programming to children and youth. A pilot program has been running at Hugh John MacDonald since January, funded by a private donor.

The performance is part of a school and community celebration. Principal Vinh Huyn invites everyone to come early, have some food and get a feel for the context and community spirit alive in the neighbourhood.

Between 5:00 and 7:00 pm, it’s family celebration time, with hot dogs and ice cream, pony rides and other activities. In attendance will be families from Hugh John MacDonald and the neighbourhood, and also representatives from organizations that support and/or fund the Peaceful Village afterschool program

At 6:00 pm, there will be a performance of a musical created by Hugh John MacDonald students in a performing arts class, followed by a performance by Bridge participants.

All performances are held in the gym at 576 Bannatyne Avenue.

For more information, please contact Pat Robertson, development officer, at: 204-474-9622, or email: Pat_Robertson@umanitoba.ca