Lois Deloatch premieres her fourth recording, Hymn to Freedom: Homage to Oscar Peterson, at St. Joseph’s Historic Foundation/Hayti Heritage Center on Friday, August 22 at 8:00 p.m. The Durham-based vocalist and songwriter penned lyrics for three of the ten compositions on the disc including two Peterson compositions (”Hymn to Freedom” and “When Summer Comes”) and Bobby Timmons’ “Moanin’.” Classic composition including “The Very Thought of You,” and “Honeysuckle Rose,” are also covered on the the recording. Drummer Ed Thigpen, an early member of one of Oscar Peterson’s Trios; pianist/arranger Willie Pickens; bassist John V. Brown; and guitarist Scott Sawyer appear on the recording. Although it is just being released, the music was recorded in November 2006, prior to the death of Oscar Peterson, a world-renown pianist and jazz icon who passed away in December 2007.”Oscar Peterson and the great musicians with whom he collaborated such as Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen represent the essence of jazz,” says Lois. Known for her rich contralto voice, broad repertoire, and ability to transcend musical boundaries, Lois has been immersed in music most of her life. In recent years, she has headlined and shared concert bills with music luminaries such as Ellis Marsalis, Arturo Sandoval, and Freddie Cole. Lois and her husband, Ed Gomes, host Sunday Evening Classics, a weekly jazz radio program on WNCU 90.7 FM, North Carolina Central University’s Public Radio Station.

Her first release, Sunrise, debuted in 1998 and was followed by Holy Night with Tyson Rogers (2004) and Closure (2005). Lois holds an undergraduate degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and is scheduled to receive a graduate degree from Duke University this fall. For more information on Lois and her music, please visit her website www.loisdeloatch.com.

The August 22 concert is open to the public and proceeds will benefit St. Joseph’s Historic Foundation/Hayti Heritage Center. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students/senior citizens. To order tickets or for more information, please click here or telephone (919) 683-1709.

Will Benefit Durham Students Through YO: Durham and CIS Durham

To purchase tickets, click here.

North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company has partnered with YO: Durham and Communities In Schools (CIS) Durham to host a benefit comedy show with television and radio personality, Terry Tuff on July 25 at the North Carolina Mutual Building, 411 West Chapel Hill Street. The show is at 8 p.m.

James H. Speed, Jr., President and CEO of North Carolina Mutual and a member of the Board of Directors of the state CIS organization, said, “North Carolina Mutual believes deeply in young people and feels strongly that community support is essential to good schools and positive educational experiences. YO: Durham and CIS Durham are two local programs that are making a difference a significant difference in the lives of young people in our city. We are glad to be able to assist them with their missions.”

YO: Durham provides teens a life-changing, self-help opportunity through a Summer Career Academy, mentoring, and a paid internship during a school year with a local business or non-profit.

CIS Durham connects community resources with schools to help young people successfully learn, stay in school and prepare for life.

Terry Tuff has a resume that includes HBO Def Jam and Showtime Full Frontal Comedy. He has performed with Cedric the Entertainer, Steve Harvey, and D.L. Hugley and appeared in the films, Woo and Do Not Disturb.

Tickets for the July 25 show are available at Hayti Heritage Center Box Office and are $30. To purchase tickets, click here. For more information, call 919-313-7899.

North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company is the oldest and largest insurance company in the United States with its roots in the African American community. It offers a wide variety of insurance products, including life, accident and health, dental and disability through group plans for both large and small organizations and through individual policies. Since its founding in 1898 in Durham, North Carolina Mutual has built a reputation of financial stability and the personalized service it provides its policyholders. It has policyholders throughout the country and more than $7.7 billion of insurance in force.

For additional information, please contact
Kimberly Moore, Public Affairs and External Relations
North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company
919.682.9201 Ext 294
kmoore@ncmutuallife.com