WASHINGTON (voa) – On April 22, the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities will hand out its 2002 National Medal of Arts and National Humanities Medals. Two musicians are among this year’s recipients, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and Country legend Johnny Cash. The ceremony will take place at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., with a reception to follow at the White House. First Lady Laura Bush serves as the Honorary Chairperson of the committee.
Patti LaBelle will receive the inaugural MusiCares Heart Award from the Philadelphia chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, April 22. The honor recognizes the legendary singer’s contributions to the local music industry and various charitable causes. The chapter will also hand out its 2002 Heroes Awards. Recipients include jazz guitarist Pat Martino, rapper Eve and producer DJ Jazzy Jeff.
Rhythm-and-blues singer R. Kelly has written and recorded a tribute to the soldiers who are fighting the war against terrorism. Soldier’s Heart will be released on April 23. Proceeds from sales of the single will go to Army Emergency Relief. The organization provides financial assistance to active and retired military personnel and their families.
April 24, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) will host a fundraising concert at the Apollo Theater in New York. Headliners will include Michael Jackson, Tony Bennett, Ruben Blades, BeBe Winans and K.D. Lang. Former President Clinton is scheduled to appear. The event will kick off the DNC’s nationwide voter registration drive.
The Arms Wide Open Foundation, founded by Scott Stapp of the rock group Creed, has teamed with Comfort Zone Camp to hold a 3-day weekend camp for children who lost parents in the September 11 attacks. The camp, which provides bereavement services to the children, will be held April 26 – 28 at Camp Mason in Blairstown, New Jersey. Stapp’s foundation will also send 15 parent-child groups to the U.S. Space Camp in Titusville, Florida in late July.
