Multi-platinum, award-winner, songwriter/producer along with local kids to pay tribute to Maurice White of Earth, Wind and Fire. PROCEEDS to benefit local non-profit charity.

  ORANGE COUNTY, CA - 06/06/2016 (PRESS RELEASE JET)

On June 12, 2016 the OC Pop Concert will showcase young local musicians, vocalists, and dancers from Newport Beach and surrounding areas to benefit the Melody Makers Foundation Scholarship Program (MMFSP), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) based in Orange County.  The foundation provides both underserved and financially challenged, talented teens the opportunity of music and dance free of charge; it is positioned to bring the restorative power of music and dance to children with special needs, in particular, children with autism and other special needs.

The opening act will pay tribute to Maurice White, producer, lead singer, founder of Earth Wind and Fire, and will be performed by the dancers from the Newport Beach, Melody Makers OC Dance Department.     

The concert is on Sunday, June 12^th at 3:00 pm at OCSA’s’s exquisite Margaret A. Webb Theatre, 801 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92701.  Featuring local up and coming teen recording artists: Malachi (14) performing his upcoming single, “Young Kid”, Sabrina Von B (17) who will perform her new hit single “Be Strong” and Danica Kenz’s (19) hit, “Forget”, songs recently released on iTunes.  Four younger stand out pre-production students:  Zoe Sharek (11), Emma Grier (12), Jared Freedman (12), and Sawyer Kooyman (13), will perform popular covers and their original songs.

Spearheading this family friendly concert is Scholarship Founder, Melanie Andrews, CEO/Director of Melody Makers OC Artist Development.   Melanie knows firsthand that music and the arts do matter in the lives of children and teens.  She has worked with hundreds of students and witnesses how children and teens thrive when given the opportunity to experience music and dance.

Andrews brings extensive experience to this mission. She is an award-winning, multi-platinum, singer/songwriter/vocal producer and co-wrote many hits with Maurice White.  Coming from a background as a musical child prodigy, Andrews grew up to co-write songs and sing for famous artists and groups, including Earth, Wind and Fire,  #1 Billboard hit for Janet Jackson, and a music catalog of many others.  She’s worked with record labels such as Interscope, Warner Brothers, Universal, Disney, A&M Geffen and Famous Music, a Paramount Picture Company.  Melanie and her team also produce television/movie soundtracks with a diverse clientele involving them in all aspects of the music and entertainment field.

“Students have a program director that enthusiastically cares and supports their vision and most of all, their needs.  Melanie’s positive self-esteem building, fun attitude and genuine interest in helping young people make Melanie a real gift to Orange County,” says Jennifer Shoquist, M.D., mother of performing group member, London San Luis.

Andrews credits her grandfather, Snooky Young, world-renowned trumpet player, for teaching her the beauty of speaking through music, and instilling the values of working hard, being humble and giving back to your community.  Something she practices and tries to pay forward with the kids that she coaches and teaches.

Melanie’s belief and passion is that music and dance IS for everyone; whether a child/teen likes to sing and dance for fun, if they have a serious vision for the music/performance industry or is a child with special needs, that can benefit from the healing properties of music and dance.

Major sponsors for the OC Pop Concert include Hotpopradio.com, Papa John’s Pizza and Lil O Blossom.   Tickets can be purchased online at melodymakersoc.com/oc-pop-concert-2016/.  For more information about the OC Pop Concert and the Melody Makers Foundation Scholarship Program, please call (949) 423-5710. Or visit their website at melodymakersoc.com.  

Melody Makers OC Artist Development and the Melody Makers Foundation Scholarship Program are located at 4120 Birch Street, Suite 122 Newport Beach, CA 92660.