Providence, R.I.--The Providence College Department of Music will host a concert to benefit a recent graduate who was diagnosed with brain cancer on Commencement Day 2008.

The concert for Michael A. McNamara '08 will be held on Sunday, March 1, at 2:00 p.m., in the Ryan Concert Hall in the Smith Center for the Arts. The concert is open to the public and all proceeds will go to the Mike McNamara Benefit Fund.

Following diagnosis, McNamara underwent surgery and has continued treatments. He is recuperating at his New Britain, Conn., home after spending five months in the hospital.

Dr. Jennifer Bill, special lecturer in music, said McNamara was heavily involved in various musical activities while he was a student at PC. She added that he received the Father Leo S. Cannon Award from the department last May. The honor is given to the senior who "is the most involved in the department throughout their four years," said Bill.

While at PC, McNamara took part in saxophone quartet, symphonic winds, pit orchestra, jazz big band, concert chorale, and the Soul Explosion. He also took private lessons for saxophone, piano, composition, flute, and clarinet.

In addition, he served as a student teacher at both South Kingstown (R.I.) High School and Waddington Elementary School in East Providence, R.I.

McNamara's wide-ranging musical passion will be fittingly reflected in the benefit concert. Bill highlighted a lengthy list of scheduled performances by individuals who were well-acquainted with McNamara and groups he was involved in as a PC student.

The groups include the Gil Evans Ensemble, saxophone quartet, and the Soul Explosion, said Bill, who also will take the stage to play a piece from McNamara's senior recital.

Other performances include Kevin Black '09 of Lake Grove, N.Y., singing selections from musicals that McNamara played in the pit orchestra; Dr. Christopher T. Kelton, assistant professor of music, playing a couple of McNamara's favorite jazz songs; and Sean Wright '08 of Doylestown, Pa., and Michael Kregler, performing a specially-composed piece for the concert.

Tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for students. They can be purchased by contacting Bill or Dr. Patricia W. Cichy, assistant professor of music, at 401-865-2183 or 401-865-1954. Both will continue to accept donations beyond the date of the concert. Checks should be made payable to the Mike McNamara Benefit Fund.

- Allen Daniel '11

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