Message from the Founder

The impulse to give back to the community begins slowly: a faint, inner discontent with the status quo. It gathers momentum and shape from the awareness of economic disadvantage, of horrible stories on abused children, of artists yearning to express themselves, and from the eternal truth that we are all connected. Night of Dreams is the manifestation of a personal need to respond. The purpose became charity. The form emerged from my own sublimation of artistic expression, brought on by family and business obligations. I knew I was not alone. I would find others of common purpose and indirectly deliver an antidote to the ills of an industry.

Venues for the truly original artist are increasingly owned and managed by fewer and fewer interests. This Showcase was created to counter this unfortunate trend. And to provide visibility to the passion and creativeness that exists in every local community.

The artists performing all have in common a sense of purpose, a passion for creativity, and the desire to be a part of something larger than themselves. They perform for you on behalf of others. Our charity, The Center for Child and Family Health, benefits, but from an endeavor that yields benefits to all: audiences, participants, and the community.

I hope each of you, through this Showcase, can find it in yourselves to reach for a higher goal; to utilize your passions for the common good; to resurrect the long forgotten artist in you. I can speak from experience that the rewards are great and the camaraderie inspiring.

Teresa Spangler