Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, will host a family-friendly concert celebrating kindness, respect and community to benefit Sandy Hook Promise's Know the Signs violence prevention programs, including Start with Hello.

The special event features Broadway veteran and Monroe native Stacie Morgain Lewis. She will sing original songs from her children's album Harmonize.

The one-hour concert will be Saturday, May 19, beginning at 1 pm.

Ms Lewis's music joyfully engages both children and adults with meaningful songs about character, values and diversity. She will be accompanied by Broadway musicians led by Ben Cohn, current conductor of Broadway's Dear Evan Hansen.

Joining them will be members of Broadway Inspirational Voices, a diverse choir of Broadway artists united to change lives through the power of music and service.

Ms Lewis is a teacher, arts advocate, co-writer of the children's album Harmonize, and creator of the Harmonize Kidz arts enrichment program, which uses her music to teach social and emotional learning to elementary students. The curriculum and corresponding songs are currently being taught and used, building community and changing lives in elementary classrooms in New York City and New Jersey.

Jamillah Brown-Marks, of the NYC Department of Education, said it was "delightful" to watch Ms Lewis engage children by using her musical gifts to teach and talk about feelings and coping strategies.

"Her work is so crucial to this age group as social-emotional learning is the most important skill set for our little ones," Brown-Marks continued.

The May 19 performance will be followed by a Q&A. All ages are welcome.

Tickets for the Newtown concert are $25 for adults, $15 for children, and are tax deductible. They are available at eventbrite.com.

Contact the church at 203-426-9024 or newcong@sbcglobal.net for additional information.

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