Thelma Houston -- credit-Alan-MercerFORT LAUDERDALE – Grammy legend and pop/disco/Motown/R&B star Thelma Houston performs at The Disco Ball: 14th Annual Salute to Leadership to benefit Broward Partnership for the Homeless on Saturday, May 18 from 6 to 11 p.m. at GPG Studios, 2780 NW 55th Court, Warehouse #4 in Fort Lauderdale.

GPG Studios will be transformed into a Studio 54-style disco, complete with glimmering lights and disco music for the event which begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner, live auction, awards presentation and Ms. Houston's live concert.

Tickets are $250 and must be purchased in advance. Sponsorship opportunities, tables and tickets are still available. For information about tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Berne Teeple at (954) 832-7037 or bteeple@bphi.org.

After four decades of performing, Ms. Houston shows no signs of slowing down. Shout Factor Records, distributed by Sony/BMG, recently released her twenty-third CD, featuring her interpretations of classic R&B and pop hits by male vocalists such as Luther Vandross, Rev .Al Green, Sting and Marvin Gaye.

She also performed on the top-rated show, "American Idol," and on the summer finale of
"America's Got Talent."

In January 2009, Ms. Houston was invited to headline the official inauguration dinner in Washington, D.C. for President Barack Obama, along with Cyndi Lauper and Melissa Etheridge.

A Mississippi native, Ms. Houston began her career in the 60s performing gospel music with the Art Reynolds Singers. In 1967, she signed with Capitol Records – home of the Beatles, Nat King Cole and Nancy Wilson – and had her first hit song, "Baby Mine." Soon she was courted by ABC/Dunhill, where she released her first solo album called "Sunshower," which was written, arranged and produced by the legendary Jimmy Webb.

She then accepted an offer from Motown Records and rose to the top of the pop, R&B and dance charts with her high-powered rendition of "Don't Leave Me This Way." That gold record classic earned her the distinction of being the first solo female artist at Motown to win the Grammy Award for Best R&B Female Vocal Performance.

Ms. Houston has rocked NBC's Today show, performed with Aretha Franklin and Mary Wilson on "Love, Rhythm and Blues" for PBS, toured with Cher's "Living Proof" concert and headlined at Harrah's in Las Vegas.

Recognizing her humanitarian efforts for charitable causes and her support of the battle against AIDS, the City of West Hollywood proclaimed a special day "Thelma Houston Day."

For more information about Ms. Houston, please visit www.thelmahouston.com.

ABOUT BROWARD PARTNERSHIP FOR THE HOMELESS 
Founded in 1997, Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Inc. is committed to reducing homelessness by promoting independence and self-worth through advocacy, housing, and comprehensive services. To date, the Partnership has helped more than 19,000 homeless individuals and families in Broward County achieve dignified independence and begin to rebuild their lives. For more information, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.bphi.org" http://www.bphi.org.

FORT LAUDERDALE –The Hip-Hop Symphony presented by Pablo Malco Foundation and the Pfuzion Dance Theater performs on Saturday, April 6 at 7 p.m. at Parker Playhouse as part of the Broward Center's Arts Access program.

This concert blends urban, hip-hop dance and music with traditional, classical dance and music. The Hip-Hop Symphony will take audiences on a cultural excursion that will awaken the senses for a truly phenomenal experience combining the hip-hop world with a classical symphony orchestra.

The Pablo Malco Foundation Inc. is a non-profit organization based in Fort Lauderdale with a mission to educate and develop dance, music and the arts into the lives of underserved children. Since 1997, the Foundation, under the name of Pfuzion Dance Theater, has been providing training and support to those interested in developing their skills for a successful career in the performing arts.

The Broward Center's Arts Access program assists community-based organizations in presenting arts and cultural performances at the Broward Center. The program provides technical assistance and marketing support to local community groups enabling them to develop and build their audiences. Arts Access has collaborated with nearly 50 performing arts companies, nonprofit organizations and cultural and community groups to present all genres of the performing arts including music, dance, theater, poetry and comedy.

Tickets are $20, $35, $50 and $60. Tickets and group discounts are available at (954) 462-0222 or select a seat online at www.parkerplayhouse.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Parker Playhouse box office Tuesday - Saturday from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

The Parker Playhouse is located in Holiday Park at 707 N.E. Eighth Street in Fort Lauderdale and is managed and operated by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Sun-Sentinel is a proud sponsor of the Parker Playhouse. All dates, programs and artists are subject to change.