The Ensemble Theatre Presents 'Celebrating Generations of Outstanding Women' 6th Annual Mother's Day Jazz Luncheon

HOUSTON, April 20, 2007 -- The Ensemble Theatre proudly presents its "6th Annual Mother's Day Jazz Luncheon" saluting "An Encore of Excellence Celebrating Generations of Outstanding Women." Seven extraordinary women will be honored on Sunday, May 13th at The Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main St. The Jazz Luncheon will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m.

The Ensemble's 2007 prestigious honorees include:

 Velma Colbert Benjamin, Ph.D.
 Lucille Bridges, Civil Rights Pioneer
 Dr. Charletta Guillory, Texas Children's Hospital and
     Baylor College of Medicine
 Sonceria Messiah Jiles, Houston Defender Newspaper Publisher
 Jackie Pope, City of Houston Administrator
 Stephanie Wilkins, Founding Principal of KIPP Spirit School
 Honorable Clarease Rankin-Yates, Federal Immigration Judge

Family members of the honorees will be in attendance and entertainment will be provided by Houston's own well-known jazz entertainer, Joe Carmouche. The public is invited to join The Ensemble Theatre in saluting these outstanding women and mothers. This year's Luncheon Committee is chaired by Lynda House-McPeters. For ticket information, please call (713) 520-0055. All proceeds will support The Ensemble's Performing Arts Education Program: both the Touring Education Outreach and the Young Performer's Program (YPP).

Founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins, The Ensemble Theatre has evolved to be the largest African-American professional theatre company in the U.S. that produces in-house and owns its own facility. It is truly one of Houston's finest historical cultural institutions. The theatre is a non-profit organization that houses three stages located on Main Street in the heart of Midtown. Each year the theatre presents a repertoire of critically acclaimed dramas, comedies and musicals that demonstrate the artistic ability of more than 250 professional local, regional and national artists and support staff. The theatre also has an educational touring program and a summer young performers training program. The Ensemble celebrated when the theatre accomplished two major milestones: the retirement of its $360,000 debt remaining from its $4.5 million capital campaign, and the dedication of a METRO commuter rail stop named in the theatre's honor. For more information, please visit the website at www.ensemblehouston.com.

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