Judy Kaye & Steven Blier Headline FSH Society's Festive Evening of Song at New York Botanical Garden Today

The FSH Society, a world leader in combating muscular dystrophy, will host its annual Festive Evening of Song tonight, Sept. 30, featuring luminary pianist Steven Blier and Broadway veteran Judy Kaye. The event will take place at the New York Botanical Garden.

FSHD, one of the most prevalent types of muscular dystrophy, is a degenerative muscle disease that causes progressive weakness, usually starting with the face, shoulder and arms, but which can attack almost any skeletal muscle. FSHD affects approximately 500,000 people worldwide and between one and two percent of the population carries a genetic trait that places future generations at risk of the disease. Currently, there is no treatment or cure.

The event, organized by patients with FSHD and their families, will feature the celebrated musicianship of pianist Steven Blier and singer Judy Kaye set against the lush backdrop of the New York Botanical Garden. Steven Blier is the Artistic Director of the New York Festival of Song, which he co-founded in 1988. In a recent New York Times Op-Ed, Joe Nocera called Blier "one of the most extraordinary people I know."

Blier has fought a personal battle with FSHD his entire adult life. The degeneration of muscles in his legs has forced him into a motorized wheelchair, but FSHD has spared his forearms and his fingers, allowing him to maintain a busy career as a pianist. He is also known for his ability to speak and write with uncommon wit and intelligence about music. As a prized collaborator with opera stars such as Renée Fleming and Cecilia Bartoli, Blier has toured the world, performing at Carnegie Hall, La Scala and Lincoln Center. The best young singers line up at his door, hoping to receive the benefits of his tutelage.

"It's important for the audience to see that people living with FSHD are active, passionate and leaders in their fields," said Blier. "And I relish any opportunity to collaborate with Judy Kaye - a beautiful talent and a beloved colleague."

Legendary singer and actress Judy Kaye will sing alongside Blier. Kaye's four-decade career has included two Tony Awards for her work in Phantom of the Opera andNice Work if You Can Get It.

"It's spectacular to see amazing talents like Judy and Steven come together," said Daniel Perez, President and CEO of The FSH Society. "We hope that the evening will be a magical experience for attendees and also raise much needed funds for research on FSHD."

Tickets for this unique event are limited and on sale now. Proceeds from the evening will benefit The FSH Society, which provides millions of dollars in seed grants to pioneering research worldwide, creating an international collaborative network of patients and researchers.