Online “Acoustic Soul” Concert with Singer-Songwriter and The Voice Winner Javier Colon to Be Held June 18
Bridgeport Native to Perform Online in a Virtual Event to Benefit Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo and Hall Neighborhood House
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo and Hall Neighborhood House jointly announced today that Singer-Songwriter Javier Colon will perform in an online, Facebook Live concert to benefit both non-profit organizations on June 18. The Bridgeport native with a stunningly soulful voice and a commanding stage presence was introduced to millions of TV viewers as the winner of the inaugural season of NBC’s The Voice. Still a Connecticut resident, Colon was asked to help raise money for the two organizations, both affected financially by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The “Kick Off to Summer” performance on June 18 will begin at 8 p.m. with a two-hour concert, with a link available for purchase for $50 per household. A combination concert ticket and after concert VIP Backstage Pass via Zoom is available for a limited number of viewers for $150.
“Javier Colon is famous for his acoustic blend of pop, rock and R&B songs that people of all ages can enjoy,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho, explaining the choice of Colon for the fundraiser. “At $50 for a household, it’s a great price for an evening’s entertainment for the family, and an uplifting musical event in a format we can enjoy at this time. It’s even more special to have a Bridgeport native support two Bridgeport nonprofit organizations.”
Colon has released four albums since winning The Voice competition in 2011.
“Music is powerful,” Colon said. “It can make you cry, it can make you laugh, it can make you dance, and it can make you feel like you’re not alone.”
Bruce Silverstone, the producer of the event and vice president of program development at Hall Neighborhood House, said that feeling of not being alone is what’s needed right now. “All of us have been separated from family, friends and neighbors for the past few months,” he said.
Bob Dzurenda, Hall Neighborhood House Executive Director, added, “This concert is both an opportunity to share a great evening with a small group in your own home, as well as support community anchors like Hall Neighborhood House and Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/ODU5NzM=#!
An Emergency Operating Fund has been established to help the Zoo through the losses caused by its closure.
Donations are being accepted at https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/emergency-fund.html.
To donate to Hall Neighborhood House, go to https://hnhonline.org/get-involved/.
About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Spend the day a world away! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating its 98th year, features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Guests won’t want to miss our Amur tigers and leopards, maned wolf family, Brazilian ocelot, Mexican and Red wolves, and Golden lion tamarins. Other highlights include our new Spider Monkey Habitat, Natt Family Red Panda Habitat, South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with “pop-up” viewing areas, and the Pampas Plain with Giant anteaters and Chacoan peccaries. Guests can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on our colorful, indoor carousel. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is a non-profit organization approaching its 100th year at a time when the mission of helping fragile wildlife populations and eco-systems is more important than ever.
For more information, visit beardsleyzoo.org.
About Hall Neighborhood House
Founded in 1836, and based on the East Side of Bridgeport, Conn., Hall maintains the broadest range of community- offered programs than any other center in the area. It serves the local community with the following programs: a daily senior citizen program serving 160 individuals with education and exercise programs, serving breakfast and lunch; an infant and toddler program serving 170 children from six weeks to two years; pre-school readiness program serving 130 children from three to five years; after school tutorial program for children from six to eighteen; music/recording training program; dance academy; creative arts program; full spectrum of basketball programs; and, a medical and behavioral health service center for families which will open in August. Celebrating its 134th year of operation, Hall enriches and empowers the lives of its clients.
For more information, visit hnhonline.org.
