Fairfield Resident Kristen Graves to Perform with Peter Yarrow and Frank Waln Perform at Simply Smiles Benefit Concert

From Simply Smiles:

FAIRFIELD, CT - On November 13th, 4:00pm, three inspirational artists Peter Yarrow, Kristen Graves and Frank Waln with The Sampson Brothers will perform at Simply Smiles’ “There is an AlterNative” Benefit Concert at The Quick Center For The Arts to raise support for a Lakota community on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota.

Simply Smiles is a not-for-profit organization that provides bright futures for impoverished children, their families, and their communities. From the prairies of an Indian reservation in South Dakota to the remote mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico, Simply Smiles and its volunteers provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education, infrastructure, jobs, hope, and solutions.

Ticket prices are $45 for upper level seats and $65 for lower level seats. All proceeds will benefit Simply Smiles efforts and mission.

Known for his songwriting, sound quality and commitment to excellence, Peter Yarrow, made up one third of the popular folk group Peter, Paul & Mary. The trio produced such standard '60s hits as "Blowin' in the Wind," "If I Had a Hammer" and "Puff the Magic Dragon"; much of their music centered around the social issues of the times, including war, homelessness, the environment, world hunger, apartheid and the Sanctuary Movement. Peter Yarrow's ability to write songs about social concerns made him an internationally recognized singer and songwriter. His part in the success of Peter, Paul & Mary has made him a folk legend. For more information on Peter Yarrow, please visit, www.peteryarrow.net.

Kristen Graves is a folk/pop singer, songwriter and humanitarian. Kristen has been listed as part of the “new generation of folk” in the New York Times and mentioned in Rolling Stone for her music’s environmental activism. In 2015, the Governor of Connecticut [Dan Malloy] presented her with her own day to honor the arts, compassion and social justice, and now throughout the state of Connecticut, December 15, is officially Kristen Graves Day. She has shared the stage with Rusted Root, Dar Williams, David Amram, Guy Davis, Peter Yarrow, Harry Belafonte and the late Pete Seeger. Kristen’s involvement with Simply Smiles creates the signature chemistry of her performances: a stirring combination of music and justice. For more information on Kristen Graves, please visit, www.kristengraves.com.

Frank Waln is an award winning Sicangu Lakota Hip Hop artist, producer, and performer from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. Waln’s awards include three Native American Music Awards, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development 2014 Native American 40 Under 40, and the 2014 Chicago Mayor’s Award for Civic Engagement. He has been featured on Buzzfeed’s 12 Native Americans Who Are Making a Difference, USA Today, ESPN, and MTV’s Rebel Music Native America. For more information on Frank Waln, please visit www.frankwaln.com. Frank will be accompanied by The Sampson Brothers, who strive to promote cultural pride, unity, and hope through setting a positive example through art, education, and dance. They hope to give back to their Tribe and the Indigenous Community as a whole by breaking stereotypes and thus creating opportunities for generations to come.

Details
Simply Smiles Benefit Concert, “There is an AlterNative”
Featuring Peter Yarrow, Kristen Graves and Frank Waln
Date: November 13, 2016
Time: 4pm
Location: Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield University, 200 Barlow Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
Price: Upper Level $45, Lower Level $65
All proceeds support Simply Smiles.

Tickets are available here.

For more information on Simply Smiles, please visit www.simplysmiles.org.

Image via Simply Smiles.