Book Proceeds to Benefit Duke Ellington School of The Arts
'Make a difference in a peaceful way, and don’t sell out'-Author Renatta DeBlase
The Duke Ellington School of the Arts will soon be getting a few more instruments thanks to author Renatta DeBlase and her audio book, “WITH STARS IN MY EYES.” DeBlase’s book, a set of two audio CD’s narrated by the author and written in the form of a journal, chronicle her time spent in the jazz world, working to get more attention and respect for the genre. DeBlase was instrumental in helping bring jazz into concert halls, after she launched a letter-writing campaign asking for people to appreciate it and give it a chance, she said. “It was a time of discrimination, and I knew that they deserved so much more,” DeBlase said. “These were talented and modest men. I want to help keep their spirits alive.” Much of the book talks about DeBlase…
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Burke Allen
11:17 am on Thursday, June 30, 2011
What a terrific cause, and a nice tribute to Duke Ellington and Billy Taylor, two local DC legends and national treasures. And a very inspiring story by Ms. DeBlase. Excellent! more ›