UPMC Susquehanna presents LIVE UNITED IN MUSIC, benefiting the Lycoming County United Way, on Thursday, October 10th at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport. It is a great chance to sing along with the Music of Billy Joel, starring Michael Cavanaugh. Also appearing will be The Uptown Music Collective, The Strolling Strings and a very special Live United Pops Orchestra performance conducted by Walt Straiton. This is the inaugural year for the event and proceeds from the show will benefit the United Way and their programs.

“We are excited to partner with the Community Arts Center to present this first of its kind community event, featuring a national artist, as well as our own local talent represented in the Uptown Music Collective and the Williamsport Millionaire Strolling Strings, the brainchild of Walt Straiton who is conducting the Live United Pops Orchestra, “Ron Frick, President of the Lycoming County United Way, told “Webb Weekly.” “Thanks to community sponsors we have been able to cover the cost of the production and keep ticket prices at an affordable level. Tickets range from a high of $55 to a low of $15 and patrons will get to enjoy a variety of music while learning something about the United Way in the process.”

He continued, “Live United in Music is a one of a kind, first time event for our United Way and we are thrilled at the support from the community thus far. Our staff is having a blast planning the event with board member Patti Jackson-Gehris and the team at UPMC Susquehanna who is the presenting sponsor.”

Some information about the entertainment at the event, named the new voice of the American Rock ’n Roll songbook, Michael Cavanaugh was hand- picked by the Piano Man himself, Billy Joel to star in the smash Broadway hit Movin’ Out, which was nominated for both Grammy and Tony Awards. Michael began playing at age seven and formed his first band at age ten. In January of 1999, Michael received an offer that would unknowingly change his life: an opportunity to play Las Vegas at the famed New York, New York Hotel and Casino. It was there in 2001 that Billy Joel spotted Michael and joined him on stage. It only took two songs before Billy had found his new Piano Man. In 2008, Michael signed with Warner/ADA and distributed his first CD. Since then, he has performed countless shows and continues to tour today. Michael Cavanaugh, a truly professional musician that always puts on a one -of-a-kind show.

The Uptown Music Collective in Williamsport, a non-profit school of music, will join Michael Cavanaugh. Uptown provides exceptional music education and high-impact musical experiences that instill a love of music and understanding of the importance of discipline, hard work and community. Formed in 2000, Uptown serves all of North Central Pennsylvania, including the communities of Williamsport, South Williamsport, Montoursville, Montgomery, Muncy, Hughesville, Lewisburg, Jersey Shore, Bloomsburg and Lock Haven. The teachers, students, alumni, staff, parents, donors, supporters and Board of Directors are from all walks of life and together form a powerful and inspired community that is always seeking others to join.

Williamsport Area High School’s very own Strolling Strings will make an appearance at this event as well. From kindergarten through the primary years, the Strolling Strings uses music to help teach fundamentals, with an emphasis on “FUN!” As children grow into intermediate schools and middle school, they are introduced to instruments and offered instrumental instruction as well as vocal instruction and opportunities to perform in a band and chorus.

For tickets or information go online (CAClive.com) or call (570 326 -2424), to get Limited seats are available and there are no holds. All proceeds will benefit the Lycoming County United Way and the 41 human service programs they and they’re community partners support.