Former Phantom of the Opera star, David Gaschen, will be hosting The Foundation for Music Education's 3rd annual "Stars Under The Stars" event Friday, July 6, 2007. This fund raising event will generate thousands of dollars in scholarships for soon-to-be music educators. Last year's "Stars Under The Stars" was a huge success with almost 200 music educators, Lubbock patrons, and sponsors attending, while raising over $20,000. This year's event not only promises to be even more successful, but full of incredible and unforgettable entertainment with two very talented professional musicians singing and performing the night away; Tony Award winner, Debbie Gravitte, and Jazz Legend, Brad Leali.

Debbie Gravitte's, winner of the prestigious Tony Award, varied career has taken her from the Broadway Stage to the Symphony Hall and all points between. She made her Broadway debut in the original cast of "They're Playing Our Song," and went on to appear in: "Perfectly Frank," "Blues in The Night," "Ain't Broadway Grand," "Zorba," "Chicago," and "Les Miserables." Ms. Gravitte has also performed with numerous symphony orchestras including National Symphony, The Boston Pops, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, Atlanta Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, and more. She co-starred on the CBS series Trial and Error, was seen on NBC's Pursuit of Happiness, and has starred in several specials for PBS. In addition to her Tony Award, she is the recipient of the New York Showstopper Award and has been nominated for the Drama Desk Award.

Brad Leali, a native of Denver, Colorado, will be leading and performing with his Big Band. Leali attended the University of North Texas where he performed with the world renowned One O'clock Lab Band and played the Dallas scene with local tenor saxophone legends, James Clay and Marchel Ivery. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in music education, he was hired as the lead alto saxophonist for the Harry Connick, Jr. Orchestra and was appointed musical director five months later. In 1995, Leali joined the Count Basie Orchestra under the leadership of Grover Mitchell as a featured alto saxophone soloist. In 1999, the Count Basie Orchestra won a Grammy award for their CD, "Count Play's Duke." On this recording, Leali was nominated for a Grammy for his solo work on the classic Billy Strayhorn composition, "The Star-Crossed Lover's." Leali was awarded the distinguished Ralph Bunche fellowship from Rutgers State University of New Jersey. This, the most prominent scholarship given at the University, afforded him the opportunity to study advanced composition, arranging, improvisation, and history, with some of the most sought after teachers and performers of these subjects. Leali completed his master's degree in May 2005 and is now the assistant professor and director of Jazz Studies at Texas Tech University.

Event Overview:
Attendees: 250+ to include music educators, Lubbock patrons, and sponsors
When: Friday, July 6, 2007 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM (VIP Reception 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Where: 7201 109th Street – Lubbock, Texas
Food and Beverage: Heavy Hors d'oeuvres, Beer, Wine, and Soft Drinks
Entertainment: Debbie Gravitte, Brad Leali, and his Big Band