Masuk HS hosts HARMONIZE concert and saves the day

"Harmonize", a family friendly music concert benefitting Sandy Hook Promise celebrating kindness, respect and community on Saturday, May 19 in Monroe was met with great enthusiasm.

Last week's tornado, which left many residents without power, could not stop the more than 350 attendees from celebrating the joy of music concert throughout the 2 hour Broadway performance with the assistance of Monroe 1st graders.

While originally scheduled to be held at Newtown Congregational Church, due to the lack of power, Masuk High School in Monroe quickly offered their auditorium to hold the concert.

That act of kindness would be the central theme of the concert as well as the good will of many talented volunteers and performers who donated their time and professional expertise to the fundraising effort for SHP. Amongst the volunteers were actress: Stacie Morgain Lewis, Joy Hoffman, event coordinator from "The Joy of Art" in Newtown, Reverend Matt Crebbin of Newtown Congregational Church, Ben Cohn, conductor of "Dear Evan Hansen", Broadway Inspirational Voices, Broadway musicians, Newtown photographers Don Brooks, Frank Gardner, Patrick Mengler, videographers Colin Cooper and Phil Keane, volunteers, Anne Ross, Joan Cominski, Newtown author Karlin Gray and students from the Monroe and Westport schools.

"Harmonize" lyrics focus on themes about character, values and diversity. The funds raised were awarded to Jackie and Mark Barden, co-founders of Sandy Hook Promise's "Know the Signs" and "Start with Hello" to help prevent gun violence and address mental illness promoting awareness for educational classroom programs.

"Stacie's music has the power to educate and enrich the social and emotional learning of all students and families throughout the country" states Joy Hoffman, event coordinator from "The Joy of Art" in Newtown.

Audience members were encouraged to purchase "Harmonize" CDs or purchase on iTunes, as well as taking photographs with Broadway stars.