Temple Shalom’s annual celebration takes a new twist this year with performances by the Louisville Leopard Percussionists and magician David Garrard, as well as dinner from Mark’s Feed Store on May 17.
The upbeat tempo of the Louisville Leopard Percussionists will start the event at 4 p.m. The performing ensemble of more than 60 student musicians, ages 7-14, brings together participants of diverse backgrounds to create lively music on marimbas, xylophones, drum sets, bongos, the piano and other instruments.
The students live in about 25 different zip codes and attend almost 50 different schools. The vision of founder and artistic director Diane Downs, the Louisville Leopard Percussionists helps participants develop performance, musical and related skills, as the group nurtures self-confidence and positive values.
The percussionists are featured in an HBO Documentary, “The Leopards Take Manhattan: The Little Band That Roared,” and the group also has performed nationally.
A dinner catered by Mark’s Feed Store will be served at 5, followed by desserts. Those attending may purchase tickets for drawings for gift baskets.
Master magician David Garrard will start the evening’s final act at 6:30.
During his 30 years on stage, Garrard has performed at Thunder Over Louisville, the Kentucky State Fair and the International Magic Convention.
He got hooked on magic at age 12, and has perfected a wide repertoire of tricks and illusions – all designed to wrap up the evening with a healthy dose of fun and many laughs.
The cost is $18 for adults and $5 for children, ages 3-10. Children under 3 are free. Sponsorships from $50 to $500 also are available.
RSVP to Temple Shalom, 502-458-4739, to reserve tickets. Checks mailed to Temple Shalom, 4615 Lowe Rd., Louisville, KY 40220, by May 8 will confirm your reservation. Tickets may also be purchased online at
templeshalom.ticketleap.com/menu. Visit the Temple Shalom website, www.templeshalomky.org for more information.
This event is made possible by a generous grant from the Temple Shalom Endowment Fund.