“We should make it home in November,” local legend Mae “Lady Jazz’ Wheeler joked when discussing the expanded lineup of Professional and Amateur Artists Recognized (P.A.A.R)“Unforgettable Legends” show this Sunday night at the Sheldon.
The event will be the grand finale of more than 35 years of producing shows for the sake of scholarship funds for students and features more than 15 performers in a host of tributes ranging from Elvis (Steve Davis) to Etta James (Kim Massie).
“These are people that I’ve met over the years,” Wheeler said. “The legends show is much bigger than the usual.”
Oliver Johnson, Miguel Russell, AJ Sr., Nicole Thomas, Mark Gladney, Satin , DeAndre Perryman, Crystal Haywood, Heather Huelskamp, Wendy Gordon, Gregg “Happy Guitar” Haynes, Donnie Brown, Ric Louis, Jason Coleman, Lee Fountain, Bryan Keith Hamilton and more are scheduled to perform.
Wheeler will highlight established artists in the area as well as some of the rising stars.
“I want St. Louisans to honor the talent that’s here more,” Wheeler said. “When we put on shows, come out and support us.”
Health issues are the primary reason that Wheeler came to the painful decision to make the “Unforgettable” show the final chapter.
She was diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer in 2006 and leukemia earlier this year and has decided to put the production element of her 58-year career must give way for the sake of aggressively working towards wellness.
“This is the last show I will be presenting,” Wheeler said. “But I’ll sing until the Lord takes me home.”
The days leading up to the big event seem to be a bittersweet experience for Wheeler. As she talked about the show, Wheeler sat in the midst of dutiful volunteers putting the finishing touches on the silent auction element of the show.
“You should see these baskets,” Wheeler exclaimed. “They’re beautiful. I’m just sitting here as people work around me. God has sent me so many beautiful people over the years. I never could have done this by myself. It is only with the people that come to help me that all of this happens – and it fills my heart every time.”
The show will most certainly stunning farewell for Wheeler’s nearly 40 years of presenting shows to raise funds for students to pursue higher learning.
The total amount she has given to help students over the years has more than likely reached six-figures, but she can say concretely that since 1996 eighteen young people have been awarded $1000 scholarships.
“I sing for those children’s supper,” Wheeler said.
In her opinion, among the most memorable productions to Wheeler’s credit was hosting late jazz legend Dakota Staton for a 2000 performance at the Westport playhouse.
But the musical offerings over the years pale in comparison to the joy that she feels knowing that each of the students awarded scholarships through her philanthropy have used the awards wisely.
Kim Thompson would easily be included as one of the poster children with respect to tangible evidence of Wheeler’s success.
“She wanted to go to the Manhattan School of Music so badly,” Wheeler said. “So I worked with Thomas Person of Person Heating and Cooling and we got her there.”
Thompson not only went on to become the first African American woman to graduate as a drummer, but she’s been a part of music superstar Beyonce’s all-girl band for the past several years.
“Maybe now, she’ll reach back,” Wheeler said. “In doing all of this I just want people to know that we need to help one another.
Plus, I want these children to know to always reach for the sky and don’t ever stop trying to be a winner.”
P.A.A.R.’s Unforgettable Legends show will take place at 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 31 at the Sheldon Concert Hall (3648 Washington). The silent auction will begin at 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.
