April 2011

Urban Rocks Concert a Hit!

The Urban Rocks Concert Series started off with a music-filled night of beautiful harmonies and good will. After a welcome from Mike Frazer from the 3WS, the powerful choir of the Urban Impact Foundation, directed by Urban Impact co-founder Tammy Glover, started the show with a rousing rendition of "Who Is Like The Lord?". The 90 youth members had the audience clapping along with their joyful singing and dancing.

Then the amazing Johnny Angel and the Halos took the stage and brought the sounds and memories of street corners with groups of guys trying to attract girls with their singing. Johnny brought out retired Halo member Kenny Mitchell and the band skillfully worked their way through several songs. Fred Johnson also made a cameo appearance. The playfulness between the band members was as delightful to the eyes as the music they made was to the ears.

Jack Hunt, aka Johnny Angel, recalled his own past as a youth growing up on the North Side of Pittsburgh and the need to connect with today's young people. Hunt was pivotal in supporting the night's concert at Heinz Hall along with John Gagetta of Triple "J" productions.

Honorary Chair Mike Tomlin, head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, came on stage and spoke about the Urban Impact Foundation, the involvement of several members of the Steelers, and his own appreciation of working with youth.

Pastor Ed Glover, President & Founder of Urban Impact, thanked the crowd, the sponsors--Ladies Hospital Aid Society, Starkist, Triple "J" Productions, Highmark, Dollar Bank and an anonymous donor, and proceeded to explain his vision 15 years ago of changing lives one person, one family, one block at a time. With a 98% success rate of young people leaving the program and going on to college, the military, the ministry and/or regular employment, Pastor Glover's vision has blossomed into a meaningful reality. More information on the Urban Impact Foundation can be found at www.urbanimpactpittsburgh.org.

Eddie Holman was backed by Johnny Angel and the Halos and wove his way through a medley of hits to include "Hey There Lonely Girl". Holman amused the crowd with antidotes about each of his songs, and after introducing his wife, told how she insisted he record "Lonely Girl" forty-some years ago because it would pay for future mortgages, college tuitions, and many many bills.

The evening ended with a set by the legendary "Iceman" Jerry Butler. Butler wowed the audience with "Moon River", "He Will Break Your Heart" and "For Your Precious Love" along with other hits. He had a terrific band and his two female singers almost stole the show!

The Urban Rocks Concert Series 2 will be coming in the spring of 2012!