BEEM BEAMS UP FOR 2006

LOS ANGELES -- BEEM, the Foundation for the Advancement of Music and Humanities, has had a resurgence of energy and activity this year. The organization experienced a quiet year in 2005 owing to the passing of one of its key members, John Herod, and the illness of several others. But with the appointment of a new president, Don Wilson, an attorney who heads OB Holdings, a company involved in television, broadcasting, and film & TV production, BEEM has embarked on a brisk course of action this year.

Last March BEEM sponsored a concert at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre which showcased the multi-cultural Young Musicians Foundation's Debut Orchestra playing works by such African-American composers as Le Chevalier de Saint-George, Scott Joplin, Noble Sissie, Eubie Blake, Duke Ellington and William Grant Still.

Betty Cox, past president of BEEM and a consultant to the Young Musician's Foundation, helped select the music for the event. She pointed to the importance of those artists of color and discussed the contributions they've made to the world of music. Mrs Cox is a music educator and the author of the seminal historical work, CENTRAL AVENUE--ITS RISE AND FALL (1890-1955).

Don Wilson stated that his goal as BEEM president is to "take the organization to the next level" and to increase public awareness of the organization. "The focus of my administration will be to direct the organization's efforts in producing new works of art."

On June 4 at 3 PM, BEEM will hold its Annual Scholarship Competition at Crenshaw United Methodist Church. A Jazz Brunch will take place in the Fall. For tickets and information click on beemfoundation.org or call 310-535-0663.