- Burnett School College of Medicine
Sisaundra Lewis, who became a fan favorite with her powerhouse voice during Season 6 of NBC’s The Voice, will headline “Jazz On A Green” November 15 on the Tavistock Green at the UCF College of Medicine.
The outdoor concert, presented by CFE Federal Credit Union, will raise scholarship funds for UCF medical students and the Lake Nona YMCA. The event begins at 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door and can be purchased online at http://jazzonagreen.com/. Opening the show will be UCF’s Flying Horse Big Band.
Joseph A. Melbourne, Jr., president of CFE, said the credit union is the key sponsor of the event because “we believe in people helping people.” The credit union provides $50,000 worth of scholarships a year. “We believe it’s very important to support Jazz On A Green because we want to raise some funds for the community,” he said.
Lewis, one of eight children born in Haines City, grew up singing in the choir at her father’s church. She started her career with Grammy and Oscar Award winner Peabo Bryson, who invited her to tour the world with him as a backing vocalist and his new duet partner. Her acquaintance with Bryson led to a worldwide tour with Grammy and Oscar Award winner Celine Dion. Lewis spent several years working with Dion as her backing vocalist, vocal director and choreographer.
She blew away all four judges on this season’s The Voice and chose Coach Blake Shelton who told her, “You’re One In A Trillion.” Coach User told Lewis, “You are our teacher, even as experienced as we are.” Fellow coach Shakira said “Sisaundra is one of the most amazing vocalists I’ve ever heard.”
Since being voted off the Voice in the quarterfinals, Lewis said life has been “incredibly hectic in a good way.” She’s giving motivational talks, performing at promotional and philanthropic events and as a single mother of three is getting into the back-to-school routine.
During a recent visit to the College of Medicine, Lewis said performing at the scholarship fundraiser is “an honor, especially at such a beautiful campus. It’s like an oasis.” She also met with students active in the Arts in Medicine program, including several who perform in Residual Volume, the medical school’s a capella choir. “Well if you need any advice, call me,” she told the students. “I love it – singing doctors.”
Food will be on sale at the event or bring your own picnic lunch, a blanket and a friend and enjoy a night of jazz with a Central Florida superstar – all for a good cause.