Concert Series to Raise Funds for Sun School

LifeWorks NW will conduct a series of fund-raising concerts throughout the school year to support the James John SUN (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods) Community School.
The first concert, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, will be a CD release party for the Portland-based band, "Lighten Up," which presents a variety of music from jazzy blues to Chuck Berry-style rock-n-roll. Among the band members are Ralph Huntley, of the "Live Wire Show" on public radio, Marvella McPartland of "Hot Flashes the Musical," and Rouke Vanderveen from "Johnnie Limbo and the Lugnuts."
The second concert, on Nov. 16, will showcase Cosy Sheridan, T.R. Ritchie and Katie Cavanaugh. In January, the Midnight Serenaders and Eve's Dilemma, fronted by Doug Sammons and Sam Leach respectively, will take the stage. Both Sammons and Leach are teachers at James John Elementary School. The fourth concert is set for March and likely will feature a salsa band.
All concerts in the series will be held in the auditorium at James John Elementary School, 7439 N. Charleston Ave. in St. Johns.
Proceeds from these events, called the Year Round SUN concert series, will go to the LifeWorks NW James John SUN Community School. The money will be used to buy supplies, pay teachers, fund field trips and more. The SUN Program at James John, coordinated by Lifeworks NW, faces reductions due to cuts made by the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners.
Founded in 1961 and based in Portland, LifeWorks NW has clinics and service centers throughout Multnomah, Washington and Clatsop counties. The nonprofit agency provides mental health, addiction and related social services for a healthy community. The agency depends on community support and private funding to provide support services for children and families, adults and older adults.
For more information about LifeWorks NW, visit www.lifeworksnw.org.