King-Tisdell Banquet to Feature Music from “Dream Girls”



The King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation, Inc. (KTCF) announces that acclaimed local vocalists Huxsie Scott, Lori J. Lewis and Mario Bennett, will salute the musical and movie “Dreamgirls,” in performances during the eleventh annual Awards Banquet, which will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. in the Hyatt Regency Savannah. A reception will precede the banquet at 6:30 p.m. At the awards banquet, five awards are given annually to individuals, whose work has been significant in affecting progress, promoting human dignity and positively impacting either the city of Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia or the nation. Classically trained vocalist, Juanita Tucker, will also open the program with the national anthem. In recent years, the caliber of the entertainment during the banquet has continued to increase – with last year’s banquet featuring a show-stopping selection from the musical, “Rent,” and solo performances by “American Idol” talent, Stephanie Edwards.

Dreamgirls is a 2006 musical film, jointly produced and released by DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, which starred Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles, Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson. Dreamgirls won three Golden Globe awards in 2007, including Best Picture, and won two Oscars at the 2007 Academy Awards. A period piece set in the 1960s and 1970s with a primarily African-American cast, Dreamgirls is adapted from the 1981 Broadway musical of the same name. The musical was based on the history and evolution of American R&B music during the eras of doowop, soul, the Motown Sound, funk, and disco. In addition, the stage musical and the movie contain several allusions to the lives and careers of Motown Records act, The Supremes

Huxsie Scott, a Savannah native, is often regarded as one of the greatest jazz/blues artists in the Savannah area. She began her career as a jazz vocalist in 1973 and per- formed with many of the area’s premiere jazz ensembles and symphony orchestras. She was a featured opener for such jazz greats as Lionel Hampton and McCoy Turner. She has been inducted into the Savannah Coastal Jazz Association’s Hall of Fame.

Lori J. Lewis was recognized by True Beauty Magazine as one of Savannah’s “Anointed Angelic Voices” in December of 2007. Lori is a native of Savannah. Lori’s introduction to the local gospel community was as a young member (12 years of age) of the Smith Ensemble, a traveling group under the direction of Rev. Ben L. Smith. As a member of this group, she sang backup for such Gospel greats as Rev. Issac Douglas, Cassietta George, Rev. Charles Fold, and Min. Keith Hunter. Lori’s first recording was in 1993 as a member of the Citywide Mass Choir of Savannah. The song was “Hold On and You Shall Have Everlasting Life.” In March 2008, Lori performed on the Bobby Jones Gospel New Artist Showcase in New Orleans, LA.

Mario Bennett is a Savannah native, who was the winner of the Savannah Idol Competition 2004, where he beat out over 500 competitors. During his career as a vocalist, he has performed on stage in the lead role in the gospel musical: “My Baby’s Daddy.” He has opened for notable national artists such as Ron Kenoly and EMI Gospel recording artist Kierra “KiKi” Sheard and R & B artists, Nivea and Akon. His performances in scouting competitions in the past have landed him a recording deal with Intercontinental Records.

Founded in 1981 by renowned civil rights leader and preservationist, W.W. Law, The King-Tisdel Cottage Foundation was established in 1981 in Savannah to research, collect, and present the African- American historical and cultural experience to the public. The Foundation owns and operates the King-Tisdell Cottage and the Beach Institute African American Cultural Center.

The KTCF Awards Banquet is the Foundation’s primary activity for securing operating and personnel support. The Awards Banquet is sponsored by: Wachovia, St. Joseph’s / Candler, Savannah Morning News, Georgia Power and Gulfstream.

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