Rockjazz For Youth: Sasha Bruce Youthworks Fundraiser At Halcyon House

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Last night, jazz pianist ELEW played a dramatic concert for DC Mayor Vincent Gray and about 200 guests at Halcyon House in Georgetown for Sasha Bruce Youthwork.

If the heartfelt story from Sasha Bruce girl Jasmine Williams didn't make your heart leap out of your chest, the thunderous piano renditions of Coldplay's Clocks and Bravery's Believe did.

[Jasmine Williams with SBY founder Deborah Shore]

Williams was thrown out of her house a few years ago by her stepfather, but thanks to Sasha Bruce Youthwork, she will be taking her spunky personality and hot pink hair to college next year. Win!

[Mayor Vincent Gray, posing with ELEW and Shore]

ELEW was wearing his trademark armour last night:

He also gave a touching speech about his rough background, and said he volunteered with Sasha Bruce earlier that day. He said he had a lot of fun playing songs with the youths but was a little embarrassed when he broke their piano chair.

Once the audience got to see him play, I think everyone was expecting him to break the piano, too!

[Committee member Bobby Kennedy III was running around with a camera, filming ELEW for his documentary]

Nick Cafritz was another committee member wearing many hats last night. He co-chaired the event, debuted the new Young Professional Benefit Committee, and spun tracks before the piano concert that kept the energy high (his alias is DJ Chest Rockwell):

[Nick Cafritz, Lamberto Erb, Lindsay Sustarsic]

ELEW is a must-see performer, and the Sasha Bruce Youthwork organization is an effective and important resource for neglected and abused children. Check them out on the web at SashaBruce.org!