Film premiere event will help local student with college expenses

Community members are rallying beside Kofi R. Boakye, a 19- year-old award-winning keyboardist, songwriter, and producer on Thurs., Jan. 31, 2019, at The Tangier Event & Entertainment Center to support Kofi and his financial efforts as he prepares for college at Berklee College of Music.

The event will feature a VIP reception, documentary film screening of Kofi: Made in Akron, question and answer session with Kofi, followed by a cocktail hour and a special live performance by Kofi.

At the age of 15, Kofi was accepted into the University of Program, making him the youngest African American pianist to ever be accepted into a Akron School of Music’s Jazz collegiate-level jazz program at the University. And in Sept. of 2016, Kofi performed at the Akron Civic Theatre, making him the first teen pianist to ever headline a show at the iconic theatre.

Kofi found music as a way to growth and success. “I’m African-American and from a single- parent household. Statistically, I’m not supposed to achieve the feats of being accepted into a prestigious and competitive music college like Berklee. But you don’t let the past define you,” said Kofi. “You can create your own story, all you have to do is write it. This is an opportunity of a lifetime. I relish the change. I relish the college. Most importantly, I relish the challenge. I can’t wait to show Berklee what another kid from Akron is made of.”

Though many of his experiences stem from inside the United States, Kofi refined his talents on the world stage, as well, touring Germany and Prague with the Miller South Show Choir. While music remains at the core, Kofi’s accolades extend beyond the concert stage. In 2014, President Barack Obama and the White House awarded Kofi with the President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence.

“From growing up in the inner cities of Akron, seeing the yellow tape and police sirens all throughout my childhood, the hunger to strive for greatness and do something positive in my life has always been a motivating factor for myself,” Kofi shared.

Nicole Mullet, Executive Director of ArtsNow and Getta Kutuchief, Outreach and Education Coordinator for the Summit County Juvenile Court are thrilled to support Kofi in his efforts to continue his music education and were eager to co-host this concert in his honor.

“Kofi has been working very hard to ensure he is successful and representing Akron at Berklee,” Getta shared. “It is important for the community to rally around him and send our own ‘kid from Akron’ to Boston.”

The event will be held on Thurs., Jan. 31, 2019, at The Tangier Restaurant at 532 West Market Street, Akron, OH 44303, beginning at 5:00 p.m., and is sponsored in part by Pritt Entertainment Group.

5:00 p.m. – VIP Reception

6:00 p.m. – General Admission doors open

6:30 p.m. – Documentary screening followed by Q+A

7:00 p.m. – Performance + cocktail hour

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://kofib.eventbrite.com.

Tickets range in price from $50 for general admission to $85 for VIP and can be purchased by visiting https://kofib.eventbrite.com. Donations and sponsorships are also being accepted and can be purchased through the ticket link.