The San Diego Youth Action Board (SDYAB) will host “Embracing the Dream” — a gala and concert to benefit its nonprofit organization on Oct. 21. Featuring dinner, cocktails, a silent auction and musical entertainment by Grammy Award-winning artist Jill Scott, the formal gala will raise funds to enrich the lives of struggling San Diego youth. The SDYAB will also recognize local youth who are already making a difference in the community. Local jazz saxophonist Brandon Primus will open for the award-winning headliner with a fusion of his soulful contemporary and smooth jazz sounds, funk, hip-hip and R&B. Primus said his style is “basically a historical culmination of styles that black musicians have pioneered.” The three-time “Showtime at the Apollo” winner has performed at numerous venues across the nation, playing with renowned recording artists such as Rahsaan Patterson, Jeffery Osborne, Jody Watley and Walter Beasley. Primus, originally from Shreveport, La., lives in downtown San Diego and is pursuing his law degree at Thomas Jefferson University. Although balancing musical endeavors and law school is difficult, it is rewarding, he said, and he attributes much of that balance to his manager, Janet Walters. “As a politically engaged law student, I intimately understand the value in having an education and the need to have more educational opportunities for children from at-risk communities,” he said. “I admire the programs that YAB has put in place, and I look forward to supporting YAB in all of their future endeavors.” Despite being at the height of the semester, Primus said he looks forward to performing at the benefit concert. “The most exciting thing about playing this concert is being in a position where I can offer the talents that God has given me and inspire others to do the same for a great cause,” he said. “And yes, it’s pretty awesome that [Jill] Scott will be there.” The Youth Action Board is dedicated to helping San Diego youth become leaders by spearheading positive change in the community. The gala takes place at the Town and Country Resort, 500 Hotel Circle North. Tickets prices start at $60 and are only available until Oct. 14. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.sandiegoyab.org or call (619) 655-1198.
