Benefit Concert for a Great Kid

Scott and Michelle are our long-time friends and neighbors.  My husband has lived across the street from them for almost 10 years now. Jalen and his little brother Eli love to come to our house and use our porch swing.  They giggle and swing while the grown-ups talk about their lives and new developments. 

When I first met Jalen I was struck with his vocabulary and aptitude.  He is one of the smartest kids I have ever met!  I was even more amazed when I found out that he's visually-impaired.  My husband has told me stories of when he was 4 years old and played at Scott and Michelle's church as their drummer.  By himself.  He has played with his dad, Scott, during live performances too.  He composes his own music and loves to tell me about the projects that he's working on in their studio basement.  How many seven-year-olds do that?

His father, Scott, is a great dad and wonderful person as well.  He is well-known throughout Toledo as a member of the band, Skoobie Snaks, but is working on a solo career as a country musician.  And he is GOOD.  Really good.  Sometimes you hear about local musicians or friends that can sing and I think of those terrible tryouts on American Idol.  Ick.  No thank you. Scott is truly a gifted musician and one-man-band.  See for yourself on his website.

Jalen has been blessed with a chance to participate in the National Braille Challenge in Los Angeles this June.  He and his family are very excited about the opportunity for Jalen to meet other kids who are also blind and feel a sense of achievement. 

The problem is that it's quite expensive to travel to LA.  Plus the cost of lodging, meals...and they hope to take the kids to Disneyland while they're in the area.

You can help make a difference in this wonderful family's life and help a little boy fulfill his dream by attending the benefit concert this Sunday, May 23rd at the Clazel in Bowling Green.  I have attached the news release that I wrote below for more information.  They are amazing musicians and well worth the money and fulfillment of helping out those that honestly deserve it.  Please consider attending.  Plus, I'll be there. :)  I hope to see you. 

If you're still not convinced, check out this video of the performers and Jalen.  Have some tissues handy. 


Benefit to Fund Local Blind Child’s Achievement

Scott Ballard, Alex DePue and Scoobie Snaks to Perform

TOLEDO, Ohio–May 20, 2010–Scott Ballard, an up and coming country musician, will be joined by the talented Alex DePue and local favorite, Skoobie Snaks, for a benefit concert on Sunday, May 23, 2010 at 3:00 at the Clazel in Bowling Green, Ohio. Scott’s seven-year-old sight-impaired son, Jalen, will be performing as well.

Jalen qualified as one of 60 finalists to participate in the National Braille Challenge in Los Angeles on June 26, 2010. Twelve students from five age groups were chosen out of nearly 800 contestants. The Braille Challenge is sponsored by Braille Institute of America and serves to encourage blind children of all ages to fine-tune their braille skills and increase braille literacy. Students are tested in reading comprehension, braille speed and accuracy, proofreading, spelling and reading tactile charts and graphs.

Jalen also sings, plays keyboard and even composes his own music. He started playing piano at the age of 2. In addition, at the age of 4, he was the percussionist for services at his family’s church. His talent and interest has grown due, in part, to his father’s musical aptitude.

Scott Ballard is Jalen’s father, concert headliner and rising country star. A sample video of Scott and Jalen can be seen here. Scott is also a member of the local favorite band, Skoobie Snaks, who will be performing as well. For more information on Scott Ballard, please review his website.

Alex DePue will be joining the group from Los Angeles. Alex has played with many well-known musicians including country star Chris Cagle, famous for the hit “Chicks Dig It”. He is a regular touring and recording member with the Steve Vai Band as well as the DePue/DeHoyos Duo. Please visit http://www.alexdepue.com/ for more information.

All proceeds from the show will go towards airfare and accommodations for Jalen and his family. Profits above and beyond the cost of the trip will be donated to The Sight Center. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the show. They can be purchased by contacted The Clazel at 419.353.5000 or via their website at http://www.clazel.net/.

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