On May 5th, the State Theatre in New Brunswick served again as the venue for Education Law Center's 11th annual Kids in Concert. The Master of Ceremonies for this year's show was the National Education Association, Past President, Reginald Weaver. Throughout the evening, Reg Weaver congratulated the participating students and groups for a job well done.

Before a packed audience of parents, friends, teachers and ELC supporters, this year's groups from urban schools around the state shared their artistic interpretation of this year's theme, Hope, Faith and Charity, a vision of a better future! And after the show, many in attendance gave this year's performance rave reviews: "an explosion of new talent" or "Kids in Concert is a full fledged theatrical event that sends you home believing in the future of our youth" or "each year, the show gets better and better"!

Every urban school was invited last fall to enter the KIC competition by creating their own artistic interpretation reflecting on what Hope, Faith and Charity means to them. Of the many schools that auditioned, nine were selected to perform at the 2009 Kids in Concert.

The line up of student performers for the 2009 Kids in Concert were from:

	A.V. Cares School Chorus		Pert Amboy
	Amerigo Anastasia Talented Theme Magnet Program		Long Branch
	Cleveland School Dance Team		Newark
	Elizabeth High School Dance Dynamics		Elizabeth
	Long Branch High School Jazz Ensemble		Long Branch
	Orange High School Dance Ensemble		Orange
	Orange High School Simple Gifts		Orange
	Orange High School Voices In Harmony		Orange
	Perth Amboy High School Show Choir		Perth Amboy
	Samuel E. Shull Middle School World Music Drummers		Perth Amboy
	Samuel E. Shull Middle School Clarinet Soloist		Perth Amboy
	Woodrow Wilson Arts Integrated School		Union City

With little, if any, instruction outside of school, these vivacious young people worked tirelessly with dedicated instructors to bring their talents to the stage in performances ranging from dance groups and soloists to performance poets. KIC is a shining example of what our urban children are capable of, given the opportunity to do so.

Kids in Concert also serves as ELC's annual fundraising event. Since 1973, ELC has worked tirelessly to ensure equal and adequate educational opportunities for public school children in New Jersey, particularly disadvantaged children. ELC's accomplishments include securing dramatic improvements in urban education, including the universal preschool and school construction programs, in the landmark Abbott v. Burke case. "Events such as this concert are vital," says ELC Director, David Sciarra. "They highlight the artistic talents of our urban students, and make the public aware of the role Education Law Center plays in advocating for our children."

(CLICK THE GRAPHIC BELOW TO SEE THE 2009 CONCERT PHOTO GALLERY)