Fourth Tower of Talent Moves to Ferst Center

The Tower of Talent benefit concert for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta returns this month for more tikkun olam and performances at a new venue, the Ferst Center for the Arts at Georgia Tech.

The curtain will rise on the fourth annual concert at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. A citywide casting call has produced an outstanding lineup of singers, musicians and other performers ages 6 to 18, with presentations from Beethoven to Broadway and beyond.

The concert idea was initiated and fully funded by Michael Greenbaum, the owner of Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits, who is dedicated to a legacy of support for medically fragile children.

“My father taught me the importance of giving, and this is something I want to pass on, not only to my children, but also to my employees at Tower,” Greenbaum said. “Over the past year, we have been volunteering at least once a month with our Tower Lights program all over Atlanta, and our grand finale is this upcoming fundraiser.”

Having young grandchildren makes Children’s Healthcare a special cause for Greenbaum. “Even though they are happy and healthy, it has reminded me the importance of good health care for children, who really are the future.”

The addition of classical music to the concert was inspired by musicologist and piano teacher Warren Woodruff and his popular book, “Dr. Fuddle and the Gold Baton.”

The concert has soared under the direction of Lynn Stallings, the executive director of the Atlanta Workshop Players. Some of the kids in the show were patients at Children’s who now want to help other children live out their dreams.

Melisa Morrow, the development officer for Children’s, said the nonprofit organization relies on donations such as Greenbaum’s to support unfunded projects. “His generosity continues to fund our music therapy program, which empowers the children and their families through unique musical experiences to achieve optimal well-being. Children who receive these services in the hospital are presented with alternative ways to manage pain, express emotions, improve physical/cognitive activity and relate to others through music.”

Woodruff said: “The Tower of Talent is a win/win. The financial benefit to CHOA is the most direct reason for the concert; but, behind the scenes, wonderful and equally amazing empowerment happens as young people get the benefit of knowing their dedication to music is actually being used for good; as a force to bring positive change in a world that so desperately needs the healing power of music.”

Robyn Spizman Gerson, who coordinates the Tower of Talent, said Greenbaum and his wife, Anne, “have selflessly strived to brighten the lives of others and provide services that brighten the lives of those in need. I am honored to support this cause, which has become one of the hottest holiday tickets in town.

“The Tower of Talent is going to be a star-studded, jaw-dropping, celebrity-filled event with amazing kids. Last year our goal was to collectively break a million dollars in donations, and we accomplished that. This year, the sky is the limit.”

What: Tower of Talent

Where: Ferst Center for the Arts, 350 Ferst Drive, Midtown

When: 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15

Tickets: $35 to $100; www.choa.org/toweroftalent