American Idol Winner - Kris Allen to play music-education concert series

Kris Allen will perform three concerts with the Berklee City Music All-Star Band next month to raise awareness about music education. The shows will take place May 2-4 in New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. and are open to elementary and high school students.

The American Idol Season 8 winner will perform on his own and with the All-Star Band to an audience of students who already benefit from or can benefit from the Berklee City Music program, which provides music education to 4th to 12th graders in under-served communities. The program's alumni include American Idol Season 9 semi-finalist Ashley Rodriguez.

"To be associated with a leader in music education such as the Berklee City Music program is truly an honor," Kris says in a press release. "Music education is vital to any child's development and is a cause that I hold close to my heart. The opportunities that the Berklee program provides to kids are remarkable and inspiring."

According to the press release, Kris will serve as a Berklee City Music Network (BCMN) Ambassador, and his involvement extends beyond the concert series:

Allen has also partnered with Music Empowers Foundation (MEF) to provide the BCMN with a two-year $150,000 grant to fund research measuring the program's impact and its continued expansion and development. "It is very gratifying to partner with Kris in support of an innovative program like Berklee City Music," said Andy Davis, Founder of MEF. "Kris is an amazing advocate for music education and by doing these concerts we hope to raise awareness and attract funding for additional programs."

MEF and Kris Allen will also fund five scholarships for high school students in the BCMN to attend Berklee City Music's Five-Week Summer Program. Nearly $30,000 was raised for the scholarships by Allen's fans during a fundraiser called "Alright with Music," named after Allen's single Alright With Me.

By the way, Kris makes his acting debut Friday when he plays himself on an episode of TeenNick's Gigantic.

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