Blues diva Otey to play benefit concert

United Way and the F.A.M.E. Foundation are hosting an evening of evocative blues, fine wine and hors d'oeuvres amidst Victorian-era elegance.

The First Focus on Kids Concert! will feature a solo performance by Lisa Otey, an internationally acclaimed pianist, composer, vocalist and songwriter.

The concert will be held 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, at the Z Mansion, 288 N. Church Ave. in Tucson.

Tickets are $30 per person or $50 per couple. Only 200 seats are available. Call 903-9000 ext. 405 for reservations.

The fund-raiser also will have a silent auction featuring donated items from Madaras Gallery, the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, the Arizona Inn, J Bar, The Bamboo Club, Successories, the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and various local artists. KXCI-FM's Randy Peterson will serve as master of ceremonies.

The First Focus on Kids Concert! is sponsored by Wachovia and Bookman's Entertainment Exchange. All proceeds will benefit the F.A.M.E. Foundation and United Way's First Focus on Kids' partner agencies, which provide early childhood literacy, education and parenting services throughout southern Arizona.

First Focus on Kids' agencies include Make Way for Books, Reach Out and Read, Child and Family Resources and the Parent Connection.

Visit www.unitedwaytucson. org for more details.

Established in 2000, the F.A.M.E. Foundation (Fostering Arts-Mind Education Foundation) integrates its nationally proven artistic and holistic techniques to improve how young children learn. Enrique "Hank" Feldman, a former University of Arizona band director, leads the agency.

For more information, visit www.famefoundation.org.

Otey's dynamic voice and unique sound has earned her induction into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Tucson Music Hall of Fame in 2003.

Her vast collection of local TAMMIES and Best of Tucson awards includes best female vocalist, best keyboards, best local performing artist ( multiple years), best CD release ("Blue Angel"), best lounge act and musician of the year.

kwalenga@gvnews.com | 547-9739