Nyah Nile

On Saturday (Aug. 22) at the Cannon Center, The Mid-South Inspire Foundation will present Fantasia in concert and provide a group of well-trained students a chance of a lifetime.

The Memphis Youth Performing Arts Company (MYPAC) is really excited and has been preparing for the big day when the group gets to open up for the 2004 American Idol winner. I stopped by the MYPAC Center to catch rehearsal last weekend.

 “This opportunity is amazing for our children. This is definitely taking it to another level,” said Fleming J. Ivory, MYPAC founder and director.

During the MYPAC tribute to Michael Jackson at the Cannon Center, Bradley Glass (center) will get the chance to sing “Michael Jackson’s part on a couple of songs.” (photos by Warren Roseborough)

Members of the Memphis Youth Performing Arts Company (MYPAC) have been busy preparing to open up for Saturday’s concert headlined by 2004 American Idol winner Fantasia.

Fleming J. Ivory, MYPAC founder/director

Proceeds from the concert will be used to help inspire inner city youth by sending them on an all expense paid trip to Washington D.C. to visit the White House. It’s part of The Mid-South Inspire Foundation’s ongoing mission to uplift people, to better their community through hope, inspirational, religious, and educational activities.

Tony Williams, the foundation’s sponsor, wants kids to know it is still cool to be smart.

“I see too many kids with the wrong mind set and just too many drop outs,” said Williams. “We are serious about helping these inner city kids.”

MYPAC will perform a special tribute to the late Michael Jackson at the concert.

“I am really excited. This is my first year as part of MYPAC. I will be singing Michael Jackson’s part on a couple of songs,” said Bradley Glass. “My friends at school will be very shocked.”

Lamescia Adams, a dancer with the Memphis Grizzlies, is the choreographer for MYPAC.

“This is actually my first day today with the kids practicing the dance routine. They are doing so great,” said Adams at the Saturday rehearsal. “I am a big Michael Jackson fan, so I cannot wait. I cried for three days after I found out about his death. It was such a blow to the dance world.”

Stacy Ivory, MYPAC operations manager, said the group is the way she and her husband are “giving back to the community in a positive way.  

“I think that being asked to do the show with Fantasia says a lot and means we must be doing something right.”

(For more details about the Boys and Girls Choir of Memphis, visit www.MYPAC901.com)

(If you would like to have Nyah Nile at your next big event or have a question email nyah@tri-statedefender.com)

At a glance

The Fantasia and Friends concert begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug.  22 at the Cannon Center downtown. “American Idol” winner Fantasia will perform along with Dave Hollister, Devin from “Making the Band 4”, Neo-Soul artist Valyria and the Memphis Youth Performing Arts Company (MYPAC), also known as The Boys and Girls Choir of Memphis. MYPAC will perform a special Michael Jackson Tribute. (For more information, visit www.midsouth ­inspirefoundation.com or go to Ticketmaster to purchase tickets.)