Grammy Nominated recording artist LynnMarie to launch new show as a benefit for Vanderbilt’s Susan Gray School
“Wrap Your Heart Around It – A journey from depression to dessert ” provides entertainment and encouragement.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 11, 2011) – When Nashville recording artist LynnMarie learned that her son, James, would be born with Down syndrome, her world stopped. “I didn’t think I could go on, much less continue with my career,” she says. “As the years went by I found myself sitting in my bathrobe, struggling with fear and depression. But finally, I found a way back.”
Now, LynnMarie has chronicled that journey in a one-woman show that is catching the attention of industry professionals, fans, and fellow parents of children with disabilities. “My hope,” she says, “is that my story, told with an entertaining approach, will provide encouragement to people facing issues like co-dependency, depression and unexpected life challenges.”
On March 26, she will perform the show, “Wrap Your Heart Around It – A journey from depression to dessert,” as a benefit for Vanderbilt University’s Susan Gray School. Cocktails start at 6:30, with the performance at 7:00 p.m. in the Wyatt Center Rotunda on the Peabody College campus.
The artist, who has received five Grammy nominations and performed her unique style of accordion music throughout the U.S. and Europe, as well as on “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno, calls her new show a musical dramedy.
After trying out the show in several house concerts last fall, she received rave reviews. Robert Deaton, Executive Producer of the CMA Awards, said, “LynnMarie takes you to a place that’s raw, fierce and healing. Her story applies to all of us. I walked away with hope. Amazing!” Lori Duke, the parent of a child with special needs, agrees: “Prepare to be inspired. LynnMarie’s honesty and courage will move you beyond belief!” And Blair Gardner, national radio personality and host of “After Midnight with Blair Gardner” says, “LynnMarie provides an unflinching account of what it means to overcome life’s greatest challenges. You leave the performance eager to examine your own life, and hungry to mount an assault on what holds you back!”
Proceeds from the March 26 event will go to The Susan Gray School, part of Vanderbilt’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development. For nearly four decades, the school has served young children with developmental disabilities. It has the distinction of being the first nationally recognized early intervention program to combine typically developing children with children with disabilities in an educational setting. The Susan Gray School was one of the resources LynnMarie turned to when James was born. “The teachers and staff have provided James with an educational base that I know will shape the rest of his life,” she says. “This is my way to say thanks and hopefully provide some financial support.”
“We are thrilled that LynnMarie has chosen to share her talents, and her journey, in a way that benefits our program,” said Ruth Wolery, director of the school and assistant professor of the Practice of Special Education.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails. The 90-minute, two-act show will start at 7:00 p.m. with dinner hors d’oeuvres served during intermission, and will conclude with dessert. For tickets and more information, please contact lynnmarie.net.
Visit the Susan Gray School’s website for more information about its programs.
