'Evening of Jazz' to benefit downtown Cultural Center

A benefit concert will be held for the Center for African American History, Art and Culture featuring Preston and Weston and Friends.

The concert, called "An Evening of Jazz," will be held Friday, Dec. 11, at the Etherredge Center at USC Aiken at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person and $75 per couple.

Preston and Weston features the sounds of Wayne Preston and David Weston and also features vocalist Sandra Simmons.

Jo-Anne Saunders, the development coordinator for the Center for African American History, Art and Culture, said the concert is one of many events being organized to benefit the CAAHAC, which is being constructed on York Street.

According to Saunders, the events are also being held to offer the community a glimpse of what is in store once the doors to the center officially open. She said officials are also planning events in February in recognition of Black History Month and a Juneteenth event in June to coincide with the City of Aiken's 175th anniversary celebration.

"These events serve as a teaser for when the center opens," said Saunders.

She said in addition to the educational focus, the center will also offer cultural events. The center's steering committee recently began monthly Lunch and Learn information sessions about the center to garner support from the community.

The exterior of the building has been restored; officials are now working to raise funds to renovate the interior of the building, which will also include interactive exhibits.

Saunders said CAAHAC officials are looking to gain more support from the community for the project.

"Once we generate more support, hopefully it will turn into dollars," said Saunders. "Though the doors are not open, the board of directors is working very hard to increase the awareness of the center through fundraising efforts and quality programming."

For more information on the concert, call 641-3305.

Contact April Bailey at abailey@aikenstandard.com.