(June 17, 2017) – On the third Saturday of each month, Music For Humanity, a non-profit organization that promotes local music and musicians invites three outstanding local/regional performers to share their music (both originals & covers).

Tonight’s event will take place from 7:30 – 10:00pm at Noble Coffee Roasters and will include performances by Mark McNutt, Hudson Valley Ebony Strings and E’lissa Jones Maynard and Timothy E. Pitt.

Mark McNutt

Hudson Valley Ebony Strings & Elissa Jones Maynard

The Hudson Valley Ebony Strings is a string chamber group comprised of young and talented African American musicians who have a pure love for music. This group was established in 2017 by E’lissa Jones; a violinist, singer-songwriter, and is also an original member of the Colorado Ebony Strings Quartet. E’lissa created this group to continue the legacy of her teacher Tom Humphrey who created the Colorado Ebony Strings. Just as Jones’ life was greatly changed by her teacher providing such amazing experiences, her goal is to continue Mr. Humphrey’s mission. That mission is to promote classical music played by African American musicians as well as inspire other young African American’s to embark upon classical music with all four strings.. With a strong classical background, members of this group effortlessly demonstrate various styles of music as well as traditional classical favorites. If you are interested in learning more about the Hudson Valley Ebony Strings or if you are interested in becoming a member, please send your inquiries to ejbmusic7@gmail.com or ejbmusicmgmt@gmail.com.

E’lissa Jones is a beautiful singer, prolific songwriter, violinist, pianist, and guitarist. She is an exceptionally talented artist with a wide range that includes a dark and melancholy voice with a velvety quality. Her songs embrace audiences with her powerful melodies and expressive lyrics. Influential styling ranges from folk music,rock, in her catalog of over 250 original songs.

Born into a musically gifted family, E’lissa began singing and playing piano around the age of five. “At a very early age, my mother trained her girls to sing harmony and play the piano. At the age of 5, I remember my mother keeping us up late singing in thirds with one another. We were to be the next ‘Jones Girls’.”

E’lissa wrote her first song at the age of seven and began studying violin at the age of ten. By eleven, she was writing love songs and short classical works for violin and piano. While classically trained as a violinist, E’lissa is largely self-taught as a vocalist and guitarist.

This young artist has performed background vocals from 2001 to 2006 with blues legend Wilson Pickett, touring with Ray Charles, Al Green, and many more. E’lissa in her folk music realm has also opened up for legend Pete Seeger, Steve Forbert, and has played violin for old favorites like Bobby Vee.

E’lissa has recorded and released five albums, Shadows (1997), This Melodie (2003), Anymore (2008), Sweet as the Sun (2010), Like Water (2011). Her latest CD Fire & Sun was released in August 2015. Music videos include Sweet Surrender, After All This Time, and Rein Me In. Music and videos are available on ITunes and YouTube. In addition, her music can also be enjoyed in the 2014 film Strings Attached.

Currently, E’lissa Jones plays violin in three string quartets, Vivace, Andante, and Colorado Ebony Strings and continues to perform her original material with her backing band whether duo, trio, or the entire group in the New York Tri-State Area.
Timothy E. Pitt

ABOUT MUSIC FOR HUMANITY

The vision of Music For Humanity is that we can contribute to a better world through music. By bring together musicians and music lovers who are concerned about the welfare of humanity and our planet we can use music to improve the world!

We can enjoy our music twice. Once through listening, creating/recording/sharing and again, as a portion of the money spent on music goes to worthy causes in the World. If only a small percentage of money spent annually to enjoy music via live events, online downloads, CD sales, merchandise sales, royalties… was donated to humanitarian and environmental efforts, the world could be a different place!

Our goal is to use the international language of music and it’s emotional and spiritual power to bring together musicians, music enthusiasts and music professionals to positively impact the world! http://www.musicforhumanity.org/

According to Barry Adelman, co-founder of Music For Humanity, “In 2005 I heard the voice of God in a similar way to that voice in the movie Field of Dreams. Instead of whispering “Build in and they will come.” It just said, “Music for Humanity.” I looked around, but no one was there. Then I heard it again and knew I must take action. I discovered that Kurt Irmiter, had reserved “Music for Humanity” on the internet. Together we began MFH.

Over the last 12 years I’ve come to realize that music is the language that builds the invisible roads and bridges to connect our hearts. More music means more connections which means a better world for all of us. So, we’re not building a stadium for concerts, Music for Humanity is building those invisible roads, bridges and tunnels to open up our hearts and connect us with our fellow travelers through this world.

All donations go into the scholarship fund – by the end of 2017 we will have given $67,000 in music scholarships. Please help us and make a donation today. No amount is too small. Thank you for your generosity. If we all give a little we can make a big difference in the lives of young aspiring musicians.”

Noble Coffee Roasters is located at 3020 State Route 207 in Campbell Hall.