Music Legend Michael Feinstein Headlines the 2007 Music Has Power Award Benefit at Feinstein’s at Loews Regency

August 26, 2007 (New York, NY) – The power of music to help healing joins with the power of musicians in funding that healing on September 10th when Michael Feinstein – New York’s consummate cabaret star and an iconic interpreter of American popular music – headlines the seventh annual Music Has PowerTM awards benefit at his Park Avenue nightclub, Feinstein’s at Loews Regency – The Nightclub of New York.
The Music Has PowerTM benefit and awards ceremony is presented by the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF), a member of the Beth Abraham Family of Health Services. The IMNF’s groundbreaking and internationally recognized programs use music therapy to assist in the “awakening and healing” of individuals with a wide-range of conditions including strokes, trauma, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s diseases. The IMNF plans to expand its work in music therapy for childhood developmental conditions including autism.

The Music Has Power benefit marks Feinstein’s first appearance at the Regency following his triumphal sold-out summer concert tour of Japan. At the benefit, Feinstein will welcome benefactors, friends and fellow performers to his intimate nightclub on East 61st for an unforgettable evening of song.

World-renowned for his commitment to performing and preserving the art and legacy of American popular song for present and future generations, Michael Feinstein is celebrated as one of the music genre’s premier practitioners. A household name for nearly two-decades – following the success of his Broadway one-man show, “Isn’t It Romantic” in 1988 - Feinstein received his fourth GRAMMY® Award nomination for his 2003 recording with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.

More than a star performer, Michael Feinstein is also a dedicated member of the Board of Directors of the IMNF and has donated his time and talents to making the Music Has Power event a resounding success. The 2007 Music Has Power event begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception followed by dinner, the awards presentation, and a specially planned performance by Michael Feinstein.

“I’ve always believed that music has a unique way of tapping into our emotions and memories in a very profound way,” says Feinstein, “I am honored to be involved in supporting the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function in their mission to raise awareness about the power of music.”

Honored for their ongoing involvement, guidance and support of the IMNF are Thomas F. Roberts IV and Thomas E. Nobile, both from The Bank of New York Mellon. Thomas F. Roberts IV is a managing director and head of the New York City Private Banking Offices of BNY Mellon Wealth Management and Thomas E. Nobile, CFA, is vice president and a senior portfolio manager of BNY Mellon Wealth Management.

“We are grateful for the support and commitment to the innovative work of the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function demonstrated by our honorees Thomas F. Roberts IV and Thomas E. Nobile and for our extraordinarily talented and generous host Michael Feinstein,” states IMNF Executive Director, Dr. Concetta Tomaino. “As much as Music Has Power is a fund raising event for our programs, it is also a vital tool in raising awareness and spotlighting the value of music therapy and the effect of music on the human brain and mind.”

The 2007 Music Has Power Awards is sponsored by The Bank of New York Mellon with additional support from Feinstein’s at Loews Regency, Steinway and Sons, Francis Ford Coppola Presents, and Tumbador Chocolate. The Music Has Power Awards was established seven years ago to celebrate and recognize the significant accomplishments of the men and women who have supported and brought new understanding to the use of the power of music to awaken and heal. Through this celebration, funds raised will support music therapy programs, along with clinical and scientific research. Previous recipients of the Music Has Power Awards include Dr. Oliver Sacks, Mickey Hart, Remo Belli, moby, and Henry Z. Steinway.

For tickets or sponsorship information please contact: Teresa Simonetti at (718) 519-5880, fax (718) 519-4240 or e-mail tsimonetti@bethabe.org.

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