Various forms of artistic expression, from ballet to hip-hop dance to theater, will take the stage at this year's Aspire Benefit Concert on Friday, March 6.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at The Saenger Theatre in downtown Hattiesburg. Concert tickets are $7 for students and $10 for the general public.

Concert proceeds will benefit the Family Network Partnership, a nonprofit program founded by The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Social Work to provide low income children with after-school activities. While the event in the past has drawn audiences to see favorites like Jarvis McKinley, a former FNP student who now studies at the prestigious Ailey School with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; this year promises a larger lineup with various types of art performances.

“Our goal is to appeal to a broad audience, while raising the funds to support educational scholarships for youth served by the FNP," said Melissa Beauvais, the benefit coordinator with the Southern Miss School of Social Work. “This concert is to celebrate art, with the hope that we will engage the community and build a stronger understanding and support for various art forms.”

Beauvais will perform the modern dance piece "Letting Go," using abstract movement qualities and motion that is playful with gestures that explore the elements of time, texture and shape.

Also on the roster are recording artist Matthew Funches, Meistersingers director Paul Lee, the Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera, Pine Belt Youth Ballet, William Carey Jazz Assemble and the Hattiesburg Community Steel Drum Band. The Southern Miss Department of Theatre and Dance will perform scenes from “Me Thought I Was: the Shakespeare Project."

McKinley, who is not able to attend the benefit this year, has choreographed two dances "The Hunt" and "When I Grow Up” for The Blair Dance Company from Hattiesburg High School. "The Hunt" is described as an energetic, high impact piece driven by poly-rhythms and the sounds of urban contemporary energy. "When I Grow Up" is a hip-hop piece that meshes street hip hop with precision and syncopated dance rhythms with diverse floor patterns.

"Just to be a part of this benefit is such a great opportunity for us, a way my children can give back," said Tracey Seymour, the company's director and director of the local studio The Dance Place. "It's going to be an eclectic event, something for everyone, but with one common goal."

This is the sixth year for the Aspire Benefit Concert. Last year's event raised approximately $1,500, and coordinators hope to increase that amount to at least $5,000. Since its beginning more than decade ago, the FNP has relied on grant money and any resource available. However, the program recently suffered a funding cut that caused the closing of two FNP facilities that once provided after-school tutoring, creative writing, liberal arts and performing arts activities to students ages 6-10. About 100 children registered with the program were no longer able to attend.

For more information, call Melissa Beauvais at 601.270.4789 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities.  In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world.  Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu.