Classical music and local talent meet at the annual Evening of Excellence concert of the Andrews Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church to be held on May 2 at the University of the West Indies Chapel, Mona.

Jessica Yap, Dwight McBean and the Andrews choirs lead a stellar group of talent for this event, titled Surely Goodness. It is being held under the patronage of Marcia Bennett, custos rotulorum, St Thomas.

The Evening of Excellence — an annual benefit concert generally held on Mother’s Day — provides a feast of classical music and performances by noted local talent. Now in its 11th year, the event is being held a week early but remains true to its purpose of providing music to entertain, inspire and uplift.

The complete list of performers confirmed for the event includes Filicia Morris, Yanique Leiba-Ebanks, Franklyn Haliburton, Kester Reid and The Jamaica Military Band.

Each year the proceeds from the concert provide assistance for several identified groups and charities. This year, the concert is slated to provide funds for two main charities, the Maxfield Park Children’s Home and the Good Samaritan Inn, among others.

The concert has, in the past, provided funds for the Musgrave Children’s Home, Jamaica Cancer Society, Mona Rehabilitation Centre, Jamaica Society for the Blind, Best Care Foundation, Kingsway High School, The Good Samaritan Inn, Mustard Seed Communities, Jamaica AIDS Support and The Street Boys Programme sponsored by the St Andrew Parish Church. Many scholarships have been provided for needy students as well as start- up capital for small businesses.