"Fight Song", a charity cabaret concert presented by BLOWN by bocaj, will be held on January 24, 2016 at 7:00 pm at the Uptown Underground lounge in Chicago, Illinois. The concert hopes to raise awareness and money for the #needyourlove campaign in addition to select charities BLOWNback has partnered with throughout 2015, including Special Olympics, About Face Theatre and Fight Against Youth Homelessness.
"Fight Song" is a musical celebration of life - the struggle, the love, the heartbreak, the joy and the strength to know we can make it with the support of friends and family, and the triumph of coming out on the other side. This concert will include performance by America's Got Talent Finalist, Branden James; Broadway's Simba from the Lion King, Jelani Remy; Chicago artist's Jess Godwin and Meghan Murphy as well as some special guest surprise performances. Tickets are $50 and include a host bar. There will also be a raffle with spectacular gifts from our sponsors and many others. Tickets can be bought at the door or online at: www.BLOWNchicago.com
BLOWN by bocaj is Chicago's newest premier blow-dry beauty bar and now full service salon. BLOWN offers an array of services for those looking to be BLOWN away by their experience when we add a little Glam to their life. When BLOWN by bocaj first opened, owner Jacob Leatherman knew that he wanted to put a focus on giving back to the community. With the hope of someday starting a non-profit that focuses on just that, he introduced BLOWNback, the portion of his business devoted to giving back to the community. In 2015 the BLOWNback campaign has donated in various ways by giving a portion of every blowdry service to various charities, offering monthly discounted blowdry packages highlighting the specific cause or charity that received 30%-40% of that service ( see: dnain.fo/1KsFn8G ); and donating time and services to performances and videos benefiting the campaign for the Fight Against Youth Homeless in Chicago.
Before devoting himself to all things style and opening his first salon, Jacob worked in the entertainment industry as an actor and dancer for over 15 years. Having shared the stage with many great artists, he promised himself to never lose his passion for the arts. Creating a stage for his friends to share their talents while using the profits to give back to causes he cares about is how he is keeping that promise. The idea of a cabaret style show was born and he hopes this concert will be the first of many. According to Leatherman, "2015 began with some pretty devastating life moments and I wasn't sure what was happening to the life I had… BUT in February, with the help of friends and family I decided to take back control and create the life I had always dreamed. We are all faced with 'life', the good and the bad, but it's our choice to FIGHT for what we want and where we want to be as well as FIGHT for those who do not have the means to FIGHT for themselves." This conviction served as the inspiration for the title of this concert.
Visit www.BLOWNchicago.com or on Facebook.com/BLOWNchicago to find out more information about BLOWN and the event, or to book your next blowout or hair service.
BLOWN by bocaj, 3353 N Clark St. ( Corner of N Clark and Roscoe ) Chicago, IL 60657 Phone: 773-360-8325
Uptown Underground, 4707 N Broadway St. Chicago, IL 773-867-1946
Some information on some of our featured artists:
BRANDEN JAMES — is a Cello and Vocal duo that combines James on his cello and Branden's emotional and powerful vocals. Reminiscent for some as The Piano Guys meets Josh Groban, they weave familiar melodies of pop tunes in classical style with their own unique sound. Branden had a successful career on stage and in recording prior to his meeting the Australian cellist, James. Some of Branden's accolades include finishing as 2013 Finalist on America's Got Talent, residencies at The Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago and Los Angeles Opera, two world tours with the renowned Twelve Tenors and two solo releases worldwide. With a career in music education before discovering performance as his ultimate love, James has performed with some of the biggest stars from around the world. With artists ranging from Idina Menzel and Olivia Newton John to Van Dyke Parks and Lea Salonga. They both call Chicago a second home have lived here and continuing to come back whenever they can. Visit them at BrandenJames.com
JELANI REMY - A native of New Jersey but a lover of Chicago! Jelani is currently playing the role of "Simba" is Disney's The Lion King on Broadway! Some past shows include High School Musical, Parade, and Cabaret! Jelani enjoys giving back and contributing to great causes and has created and directed benefits and events across the country for various organizations! Follow him on Instagram @itsjelaniremy or jelaniremy.com
"Be the change you wish to see in the world" — Ghandi
JESS GODWIN — This singer/songwriter/pianist/actor calls Chicago home. She attended Vanderbilt University as a classical voice major and finished off at Columbia College as a Theatre major. Her theater credits include Wicked, Carousel, and a new musical in production based on her role. She is truly a star when presenting her own music her lyrics are, quirky, funny, and honest, and beautifully written. She just completed the Godwin Anthology which was a 12 month/12 chapter project where she released a new single and tied it to a different charity or service project. Coming off the success of presenting her anthology in a sold out concert, as well as sharing the stage with Kristin Chenoweth at the Chicago Theater and released an EP, Jess is currently focusing on writing. Follow her @godwinanthology
MEGHAN MURPHY- Otherwise known as "Big Red," Meghan is an actor, singer, dancer, songwriter, director, emcee, producer and collaborator living in Chicago. Most recently she has been bringing down the house in her monthly one-woman show "The Big Red Show," at the Uptown Underground. A "Jeff" nominee, her credits include City of Angels, The Who's Tommy, Rent and countless concerts in Chicago. She is the lead singer of her soul/blues band, Everybody Says Yes. Check out their original songs on iTunes or at everybodysaysyes.com
JULIE BUCK — A current resident of Chicago, Julie is an actor, voiceover artists and a classically-trained singer whose had the opportunity to perform on both the national and international stage. Some performance highlights include the Elgin Opera, Savoyaires Operetta Company, Opera on Tap, Waukegan Symphony and Chorus, as well as performances at The White House, CBS Morning Show, Veterans Day ceremony at the Governor's Mansion in Annapolis, and the Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, Austria. She has sang the National Anthem for numerous professional teams and organizations. Julie is currently working as an actress for film and TV as well as being hired directly for different events. Check her out at JulieBuckSoprano.com
RANDY CHISM — Originally from Southern Nevada, Randy now calls Chicago home. Post graduating with a degree in vocal performance Randy had the opportunity to tour the US and internationally with his college performance group. Still a lover and supporter of all things Broadway, his own musicals credits include A Chorus Line, Crazy For You, The Sound of Music and Guys and Dolls. A huge supporter of local theater and non-profits, Randy is excited to be a part of tonight's show. Randy now spends his time as a Sr. Recruiter by day, and a theatre music enthusiast by night. He is currently a soloist with the Lutheran Choir of Chicago.
….AND special surprise guest performances by other local and touring artists, and a hilarious surprise HOST.
