AMERICA'S GOT TALENT's Branden James, LION KING's Jelani Remy and More Set for FIGHT SONG Charity Concert

FIGHT SONG, the first annual charity cabaret concert presented by BLOWN by bocaj, will be held on January 24, 2016 at 7:00 pm at the Uptown Underground lounge in Chicago, Ill.

The concert hopes to raise awareness and money for the #needyourlove campaign in addition to select charities BLOWNback, BLOWN's division focused on giving back to the community, has partnered with throughout 2015, specifically Special Olympics Chicago, About Face Theatre and Fight Against LGBTQ Youth Homelessness.

FIGHT SONG is a musical celebration of life -- the struggle, the love, the heartbreak, the joy and the strength to know we can make it with the support of friends and family, and the triumph of coming out on the other side.

This concert will include performance by America's Got Talent Finalist, Branden James; Broadway's Simba from the Lion King, Jelani Remy; Chicago artists Jess Godwin and Meghan Murphy, Chicago native and Broadway veteran Darrian Ford, as well as many other special guest performances.

Tickets are $50 and include a host bar. There will also be a raffle with spectacular gifts from our sponsors and many others. Tickets can be bought at the door or online at www.BLOWNchicago.com (pre-order online for table seating guarantee by 1/22).

BLOWN by bocaj is Chicago's newest premier blow-dry beauty bar and now full service salon. BLOWN offers an array of services for those looking to be BLOWN away by their experience when a little Glam is added to their life. When BLOWN by bocaj first opened, owner Jacob Leatherman knew that he wanted to put a focus on giving back to the community. With the hope of someday starting a non-profit that focuses on just that, he introduced BLOWNback, the portion of his business devoted to giving back to the community. In 2015 the BLOWNback campaign has donated in various ways by giving a portion of every blowdry service to various charities, offering monthly discounted blowdry packages in which a specific cause or charity receives 30%-40% of that package (see: dnain.fo/1KsFn8G); and donating time and services to performances, photo shoots and videos benefiting the campaign for the Fight Against LGBTQ Youth Homeless in Chicago.

Before devoting himself to all things style and opening his first salon, Jacob worked in the entertainment industry as an actor and dancer for over 12 years. Having shared the stage with many great artists, he promised himself to never lose his passion for the stage and more importantly the arts. By creating the stage for his friends to share their talents while at the same time using the profits to give back to causes he cares about is how he is keeping that promise. When the idea of a cabaret style show was born he knew this was how he was going to create something to carry on and hopes this concert is only the beginning. According to Leatherman, "2015 began with some pretty devastating life moments and I wasn't sure what was happening to the life I had known for 10 years... BUT in February, with the help of friends and family I decided it was time to take back control and FIGHT like hell to create the life I had always dreamed of. We are all faced with 'life', the good and the bad, it's our choice to FIGHT for who we are and what we want that determines ultimately the life we live and the legacy we leave behind. As a fighter I think it's my duty to do all I can to make sure those who do not have the means to FIGHT for themselves are given the same chance." This conviction served as the inspiration for the title of this year's concert.

Visit www.blownchicago.com or on Facebook.com/BLOWNchicago to find out more information about BLOWN and the event, or to book your next blowout, makeup, cut, color, or one of their many other services.

Some information on BLOWN's owner and featured artists:

OWNER, Jacob Leatherman - As early as three years old Jacob was playing business owner. He recalls at age 5 convincing his cousins that he was a bank owner and they should apply for a job with him if they were going to spend the summer playing "business". When he was 6 years old, he recalls waking up on a sunny California Christmas morning to unwrap his first pair of dance shoes and a blow-dryer. He considers himself a good blend of artist and businessman having been drawn to both from an early age and explains that "being creative is serious business!" The artists leaped to the front when, after just 1 full year of college as a business major, he realized he wanted to pursue his dream of becoming a professional dancer. He went on to work professionally for 12 plus years sharing the stage with the likes of Donny and Marie Osmond, LeAnn Rimes, Mariah Carey, Boys II Men, Anastacia, Cheetah Girls, Deborah Cox, and Catherine Zeta-Jones among many others. He continued his education along the way including getting his cosmetology license. When his knees began to give him problems he realized his career as a dancer was coming to an end. Reluctant yet still excited for change, he decided it was time to make the transition backstage, and in 2010 began his career as a hair stylist. His seasoned past as a performing artist, his savvy business mind and his passion and natural talent for styling, hair and makeup, have all come together to make salon owner you see today. In June 2013 BOCAJ Beauty was created by Jacob and consisted exclusively of himself. He worked hard renting a chair and growing his business both in salon and outside polishing his onsite styling, hair and makeup services. He opened BLOWN by bocaj, which at first was primarily a blowdry beauty bar and has now moved into a full service salon, in March 2015. "Opening BLOWN is a dream come true, and I now have the outlet to do, create, inspire, and give back in so many different ways it's truly incredible," Jacob said of becoming a first time business owner.

Cathy Nathan - A Chicago based theatrical creator and producer. Cathy Nathan Unlimited LLC., and it's president, Cathy's Broadway credits as such include Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors (revival), High Fidelity, The Wedding Singer, White Christmas, Legally Blonde*, Young Frankenstein*, A Chorus Line*, A Little Night Music*, Leap of Faith*. Associate Producer - Off-Broadway, Mistakes Were Made at Barrow Street Theatre - Originating from The Red Orchid Theatre, Chicago, IL. An active supporter and advocate for the Chicago Theatre and Arts Community, Cathy has served as a Board Member for About Face Theatre, and currently is a Directors Circle Committee Member for Steppenwolf Theatre. She is the Creator, Conceiver, and Producer of EXPOSURE, a story of a Homeless Female Youth who identifies as James Dean, captures the eye of a despairing photographer. Meanwhile, over the course of one night, the spirit of James Dean pushes and prods them both to expose more about each other than either were willing or able to see in themselves, which is currently in production. She also works as Freelance Fashion Stylist specializing in Costume, Wardrobe, Set, Makeup, Wig, And hair Designer.

JELANI REMY - A native of New Jersey but a lover of Chicago! Jelani is currently playing the role of "Simba" is Disney's The Lion King on Broadway! Some past shows include High School Musical, Parade, and Cabaret! Jelani enjoys giving back and contributing to great causes and has created and directed benefits and events across the country for various organizations! Follow him on Instagram @itsjelaniremy or jelaniremy.com
"Be the change you wish to see in the world" - Ghandi

BRANDEN JAMES - is a Cello and Vocal duo that combines James on his cello and Branden's emotional and powerful vocals. Reminiscent for some as The Piano Guys meets Josh Groban, they weave familiar melodies of pop tunes in classical style with their own unique sound. Branden had a successful career on stage and in recording prior to his meeting the Australian cellist, James. Some of Branden's accolades include finishing as 2013 Finalist on America's Got Talent, residencies at The Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago and Los Angeles Opera, two world tours with the renowned Twelve Tenors and two solo releases worldwide. With a career in music education before discovering performance as his ultimate love, James has performed with some of the biggest stars from around the world. With artists ranging from Idina Menzel and Olivia Newton John to Van Dyke Parks and Lea Salonga. They both call Chicago a second home having lived here previously and continuing to come back whenever they can. Visit them at www.BrandenJames.com

DARRIAN FORD, A Chicago native, began his professional theater career at age 13 and by 15 was dancing with The Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theater. At 19, he moved to NYC to dance with Alvin Ailey Company, and then the Donald Byrd/The Group. He made his Broadway debut as Charlie in Rodgers & Hammerstein's STATE FAIR and also appeared in The Who's TOMMY (B'way/1st National), SMOKY JOE'S CAFE (1st National) and Oprah Winfrey's THE COLOR PURPLE He has appeared on TV as Halle Berry's co-star in HBO's INTRODUCING DOROTHY DANDRIDGE as well as dozens of appearances on daytime talk shows, and as guest artist on multiple albums of his Broadway colleagues. Darrian's first album, EVERYTHING was co-produced by industry mainstay, Bill Esses and he is currently in the last rounds of recording on his sophomore album, THE NEW STANDARD, which is scheduled for release in Spring 2016. His original concept concert, THE COOKE BOOK-The Music of Sam Cooke, debuted in 2008 and He continues to perform it around the country. Check him out at www.darrianford.com

JESS GODWIN - This singer/songwriter/pianist/actor calls Chicago home. She attended Vanderbilt University as a classical voice major and finished off at Columbia College as a Theatre major. Her theater credits include Wicked, Carousel, and a new musical in production based on her role. She is truly a star when presenting her own music her lyrics are, quirky, funny, and honest, and beautifully written. She just completed the Godwin Anthology which was a 12 month/12 chapter project where she released a new single and tied it to a different charity or service project. Coming off the success of presenting her anthology in a sold out concert, as well as sharing the stage with Kristin Chenoweth at the Chicago Theater and released an EP, Jess is currently focusing on writing. Follow her @godwinanthology

MEGHAN MURPHY- Otherwise known as "Big Red," Meghan is an actor, singer, dancer, songwriter, director, emcee, producer and collaborator living in Chicago. Most recently she has been bringing down the house in her monthly one-woman show "The Big Red Show," at the Uptown Underground. A "Jeff" nominee, her credits include City of Angels, The Who's Tommy, Rent and countless concerts in Chicago. She is the lead singer of her soul/blues band, Everybody Says Yes. Check out their original songs on iTunes or at everybodysaysyes.com

JULIE BUCK - A current resident of Chicago, Julie is an actor, voiceover artists and a classically-trained singer whose had the opportunity to perform on both the national and international stage. Some performance highlights include the Elgin Opera, Savoy Aires Operetta Company, Opera on Tap, Waukegan Symphony and Chorus, as well as performances at The White House, CBS Morning Show, Veterans Day ceremony at the Governor's Mansion in Annapolis, and the Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, Austria. She has sang the National Anthem for numerous professional teams and organizations. Julie is currently working as an actress for film and TV as well as being hired directly for different events. Check her out at JulieBuckSoprano.com

DONICA LYNN - A mother, wife-to-be, actor, singer, director, activist, and having survived a brain tumor 3 times and brain cancer, you can add SURVIVOR to the top of that list. She strongly advocates for the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) & American Cancer Society (ACS) by participating in numerous cancer fundraising events throughout the year and hosting her own benefit concert. Her annual concert, TODAY'S A GOOD DAY, which is held in May, donates all of its proceeds to the ABTA & ACS as well as helps those whose lives are affected by cancer. Donica the actress has appeared in Drury Lane's production of HAIRSPRAY and the Paramount production of HAIR. She continues to work with The Court Theater, Marriott Theater, Goodman Theater, About Face Theatre and Porchlight Theatre among many others and recently made her TV debut in season 4 of Chicago Fire. As a singer she has either recorded or shared the stage with such artists as Ramsey Lewis, Natalie Cole, New Kids on the Block, Aretha Franklin, Tammy McCann, Gladys Knight, Mariah Carey as well as Chicago's own Calvin Bridges, Justin Roberts, and Cory Goodrich. She couldn't think of better place to call home than Chicago and wants to encourage everyone to "live free - live proud - live loud!" To see more go to www.hope.abta.org/songbirdblu

RANDY CHISM - Originally from Southern Nevada, Randy now calls Chicago home. Post graduating with a degree in vocal performance Randy had the opportunity to tour the US and internationally with his college performance group. Still a lover and supporter of all things Broadway, his own musicals credits include A Chorus Line, Crazy For You, The Sound of Music and Guys and Dolls. A huge supporter of local theater and non-profits, Randy is excited to be a part of tonight's show. Randy now spends his time as a Sr. Recruiter by day, and a theatre music enthusiast by night. He is currently a soloist with the Lutheran Choir of Chicago.

....AND other special guests.

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