Today’s public school systems have struggled for
years to juggle budgets in order to keep teachers employed and extracurricular
activities available to students. Unfortunately the programs that seem to get
the axe first are arts programs like music, theater, and visual arts. That’s
why when our good friend Sharon Lane started educating us about the Stivers
School of the Arts I was more than intrigued; Sharon is a very passionate
advocate and teacher at the school. Sharon’s passion for music and her students
is what brought us together on September 23, 2011. The date marked the schools
Celebration of Women’s Music concert featuring Sharon, Jayne Sachs, and Emily
Strand; three amazingly talented women. All the proceeds from the event went to
fund programs for the school and those who were in attendance were privileged
to witness greatness.
The program began with students (who were placed
throughout the auditorium) standing up declaring that they were artists,
dancers, writers, and women. It was pretty cool listening as the ladies
affirmed their strength and power as women. I know it was part of the program,
but there is something special about hearing students stand up and stand
strong. I think they get some of that from their teacher and mentor Sharon
Lane; the first performer to take the stage. Sharon is one of the most talented
people I know and her portfolio is impressive; but not as impressive as her
enthusiasm for her students and the Stivers School of the Arts. When Sharon
took the stage and sat at the beautiful Steinway piano you could see the pride
she has in her students. Her performance was nothing less than inspiring. There
was a point in Sharon’s performance when you could have heard a pin drop;
rarely do you see an audience so attentive. The evening was just getting
started and in between musical acts students from the school (Jerica Starks,
Natashia Ivery, and Deanna Zink) provided us with sketches proclaiming their
independence, power, and struggles as young women. The structure of the event
was both powerful and moving; it was an honor to be present and watch as these
young people shared their talent.
Singer/Songwriter Jayne Sachs was next on the
Stivers Centennial Hall stage. An Ohio native, Jayne has been a staple of the
Dayton music scene since the early 90’s. Jayne’s acoustic set was incredible.
Her songwriting talent and flawless vocals are one reason Jayne won the
prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Jayne performed the song that helped
win her the award called “Twisted Ballerina” a chilling song about childhood
abuse. Jayne’s portion of the show was a roller coaster ride of emotions,
taking the audience on a remarkable musical voyage. I was impressed with her
ability to connect with the crowd and her smile is contagious. Following Jayne to the stage was the
incomparable Emily Strand. Emily Strand is a Singer/Songwriter and Cincinnati
native; Emily is also a recipient of the John Lennon Songwriting Award. Armed
with a great since of humor and her Yamaha acoustic Guitar, Emily entertained
us with her charm as well as her talent. Her vocal range is amazing and was on
full display as she performed songs from her CD entitled “Evansville” as well
as her other release “Delay in the Connection.”
This was one of the most memorable concerts I have
been to all year. Sharon Lane, Jayne Sachs, and Emily Strand are extraordinary
performers and the ladies put on quite a show. The Celebration of Women’s Music
Concert was a tremendous success and the credit goes to Sharon Lane, her
marvelous students, and the faculty at the Stivers School of the Arts. I should
also mention that the school is funded in part by the Seedling Foundation that
was established to benefit students at the Stivers School of the Arts as well
as by donations from people like you who are interested in keeping the Arts
alive in our public schools. Perhaps if a school like this would have been
available to me when I was growing up I would be playing the music I love
instead of writing about it. Thanks to Sharon, Jayne, Emily, and all the folks
behind the scenes for making this a fantastic evening. For more information about the Stiver School of the Arts or The Seedling Foundation follow the links below.
2011 Reviews and Interviews 
