Lindsay Renea dancers prepare annual concert

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Lindsay Renea Dance Theatre’s annual Celebrate Life performance and black-tie gala will take place May 27 at 7 p.m. in the East High School auditorium at 474 Bennington Ave.

Holders of VIP tickets can take part in a pre-show meet and greet reception at 5:30 p.m. with former Youngstown mayor Jay Williams, his wife, Sonja, and son, Ethan. Williams served in Washington, D.C., as an official with the U.S. Commerce Department in the Obama administration.

General admission tickets are $35 and can be purchased at LindsayRenea.org or by phone at 330-732-5738. VIP tickets for the pre-show reception are $100.

The dance concert will feature original choreography and will begin at 7 p.m. It will be followed by a red-carpet reception for all attendees.

Renea was a professional dancer in New York before she returned a few years ago to open a dance school in her hometown. Her school, the Lindsay Renea Dance Theatre, has witnessed steady growth.

“It has definitely been a lot of hard work, but when I look at how well my students are developing, I know we are making a big difference in their lives and in the future of our Valley,” she said. “This dance concert is an opportunity for the community to see what we’re doing, enjoy the performances and give the students their support. Every ticket you purchase ... helps to provide dance scholarships for our students, because their families just don’t have the resources.”

The students will perform to live music by members of the Ohio Players. The concert also will feature spoken-word artist Wilson Okello and visual performing artist LaMarr Benton.

A special awards presentation that recognizes individuals who have made an impact through their contribution in the arts will honor Howard McCrary and the McCrary 5; Lynette Miller, executive director of Harambee African Cultural Youth Organization; and Timothy Carpenter, songwriter-pianist.