Opera star Brownlee to give hometown concert

He is a graduate of East High School.

vindicator staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — Lawrence Brownlee, an international opera star who hails from Youngstown, will give his first hometown concert as a professional on Aug. 15 at Stambaugh Auditorium.

Brownlee’s performance is part of a gala reunion concert of The Youngstown Connection, the vocal performing group of Youngstown City high school students.

The Connection, under the direction of Dr. Carol Baird, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

During its two decades, close to 150 students have performed with the group.

The group has taken part in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 13 times and has given several performances in Washington, D.C., including at Kennedy Center. It has toured nine countries, visiting China in 2006.

Nearly 100 percent of Connection members have completed college, with some attaining doctorates, and many have gone on to careers in either music or dance.

Brownlee, 36, a graduate of East High School, is an alumnus of the Connection. His career highlights includes leading roles at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

Also featured in the concert will be Karlton Turner, and actor and singer-songwriter, who has appeared in leading roles in more than 30 musicals; Timothy Gordon, who in addition to having his own dance company, has danced on stage and in music videos with leading recording artists such as Alicia Keys; and Brayshawna Thomas, performer-choregrapher for Disney World, who assisted with the choreography for “High School Musical.”

Also the current Youngstown Connection and an alumni Connection ensemble will also perform.

Tickets are $15. For reservations or information, call the Stambaugh box office (330) 259-0555 or go to Stambaughonline.com.

The performance will be followed by a reception in the Stambaugh Ballroom.