TEN O'CLOCK CLASSICS 7TH ANNUAL BENEFIT

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Ten O’Clock Classics’ (TOC)
7th Annual Benefit at The Union Square Ballroom
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Mount Carmel Holy Rosary School Children

Bernie Williams

Fern And Ben Jelen

CeCe Peniston With Nicole Hahne

New York Yankees icon Bernie Williams, R&B singer CeCe Peniston, opera singer James Valenti and other surprise guests joined Ten O’Clock Classics as it held its Seventh Anniversary Gala Event in support of their musical education programs at The Union Square Ballroom, 29 Union Square West (at Broadway and E 16th Street) in Manhattan. Hosted by comedienne Cathy Ladman, Craig “muMs” Grant (Oz), The Roots (Late Night with Jimmy Fallon) and singer/songwriter Ben Jelen. The seated dinner included much anticipated performances by CeCe Peniston, Bernie Williams and Questlove of The Roots singing and playing along to Peniston’s classic and one of the most successful dance hits, “Finally” – performed together with children from the Mount Carmel Holy Rosary School in East Harlem. Additionally, works of art was on display by renowned artist Nicole Hahne. TOC raised money through a silent auction going on throughout the event. Last year’s auction, which included items such as a Justin Timberlake autographed Steinway Model A piano, two Lou Reed autographed guitars, NY Giants tickets and field game passes and tickets to The Today Show with a behind-the-scenes tour, raised in excess of $200,000.

Hailed as "The Hip of Classical Music" by The New York Times, TOC has performed in venues throughout the world including New York's Carnegie Hall, Cortot Hall in Paris, and the Melbourne International Arts Festival. TOC's outreach concerts include performances at Studio 54, Gotham Properties, Crunch Fitness, The Knitting Factory, The Cutting Room, MAKOR, Le Cirque, Union Square Ballroom, and numerous other venues. Founded in 2000 by concert pianist Ronen Segev and led by Chairman of the Board, David Picket, TOC is comprised of the finest young concert artists in the world. TOC brings Classical Music to a broader audience by presenting top-quality performances in non-traditional venues. By having world-renowned musicians and celebrity hosts perform on young people's turf, the musical experience has much more meaning.

TOC's educational initiatives include providing weekly private music lessons and instruments free of charge to NYC school children, and performances and lectures at schools throughout the country.

Photos By: Jakes van der Watt