Whether its the good ‘ol oldies or some of the modern stuff, national recording artist I’Jasneem can do a little bit of everything. And lucky for Northern Blair County residents, he’ll be right here in Tyrone on July 26 to entertain the crowd helping the Tyrone-Snyder Public Library with its building project.
“He’s really good and I think a lot of people are going to like what he does,” said Chuck Banas, public relations director with the library. “He’s got a lot a talent that will fit right in with everything that’s going on that evening. It’s going to be one heckuva a show.”
The concert, “Salute to the Jukebox Legends,” is scheduled to begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. on July 26 in the auditorium of the Tyrone Area High School. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
Headlining the show will be none other than The Marcels, whose 1960 hit “Blue Moon” swept fans all across the United States. Also performing will be Mayra Acosta, a former Miss Pennsylvania; I’Jasneem; and Vanessa Campagna, who some may remember as the 10-year-old runner-up in last season’s premier of NBC’s Star Search.
Tickets for the show are on sale now, and according to Banas, more than 400 of the 1,100 available have been sold already. He noted that most of the tickets have been sold to Northern Blair County residents.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say it,” said Banas, “If you want to see this show, you better get your tickets early. They won’t last long.”
Cost to attend the show is $30 for each seat and the tickets can be purchased at a number of different places, including the library on Logan Avenue, Med-Center Pharmacy, Joybeans, Levine’s Shoefly, Kopp Drug, Healthy Alternative, Bressler’s Food Market and Sports, the Altoona Library and at Iggle Video at Giant Eagle in Altoona. Also, tickets can be purchased from any library board member.
I’Jasneem began his show business career with voice training at CAPA in Pittsburgh under the tutolage of David Smith. His acting instruction came from David M. Maslou while at CCAC, also in Pittsburgh.
I’Jasneem’s skills include instruments such as percussion, keyboard, piano and the guitar. He also writes, arranges and produces music. His dance variety includes hip hop, Africian and Latin.
Hand Over Fist Entertainment signed him to a recording contract and he has produced two CDs, including Home of the Blitz, Da Ill Side, which he produced, and also Wind and Rain, Rare Breed, produced by Wutang Records.
I’Jasneem has also appeared in commercials, including a role as an alien in a Kraft commercial and as a father in a Hershey commercial. His film experience includes a role in Hammerlock.
All proceeds from the concert will benefit the library’s New Building Fund.
According to Banas, donations continue to roll in for the project, but he noted that officials are still well short of its $650,000 goal. To date, Banas said about $420,000 has been raised.
“We’re continuing to push,” said Banas. “We’re hoping to get about a $10,000 proift from the concert. That’s when we’ll consider it a successful fundraiser.”
Banas said residents of the community can still make tax-free donations and these payments can be dispersed over a three-year period. Contact the library or any library board member for more information.
Construction continues at the library. The floor has been poured and the wall supports are currently being installed.
Banas said the Building Committee continues to work to find the best prices for the interior workings of the building, which includes the shelving. He said the committee should make a report to the board of directors at its August meeting, afterwhich, the equipment can be ordered and arrive within 6-8 weeks.
A September opening is planned.
