Professional musicians and student performers will come together for a cause this weekend.

 The Stamford-based performing arts school, The Pop Music Academy, is hosting a showcase featuring the professional and student artists to raise money for Stamford Hospital's Bennett Cancer Center's Music Therapy Department.

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 "We are so grateful for [their] support in raising awareness about how music therapy uses the power of music not just to heal, but to bring communities together," said Dr. Amy Zabin, a  board certified Music Therapist for the hospital's program.  Zabin will be a guest speaker at the event and will be available to answer questions about the hospital's Music Therapy Department.

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The program is offered to patients of the Bennett Cancer Center on an ongoing basis. Dr. Amy Zabin, in practice for 30 years, is at the Bennett Cancer Center weekly and works with patients individually and in groups. Patients get the chance to express their feelings through music as she plays live music, often using flute and guitar.  

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Music Therapy dramatically alters the environment by focusing on wellness and strength and helps patients find immediate coping tools that are already familiar to them. Dr. Zabin is often present as patients receive chemotherapy or are hospitalized. The music therapy she provides helps to decrease fears, pain, and feelings of isolation. Dr. Zabin also helps patients communicate in deep and heartfelt ways the profound feelings of their life-changing journey with cancer.  

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Christine Occhino, the Academy's owner and artistic director, said she will donate a portion of the show's proceeds to the Music Therapy program as well as scholarships for underprivileged students who want to enroll at the performing arts school.

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 "I am so delighted to be able to have this showcase and donate funds to a music therapy program in my own community while also doing my part to keep our performing arts culture alive," said Occhino.  "Fundraised scholarship dollars will provide low-income students with access to a quality performing arts education and expose students to various professional opportunities in the music industry."

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The event will be hosted by esteemed jazz vocalist Richard "Cookie" Thomas and will have live music accompaniment by “Last Call,” a professional Top 40 band that includes instructors from the Academy. 

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The show will take place at Rippowam Middle School's Auditorium, 381 High Ridge Road, Stamford, on January 12th, 2013, at 7:00 pm.  Doors open at 6:30 pm.  Tickets are $10 for kids (under 18) and seniors, $15 for adults, and $25 for VIP seating and can be purchased at The Pop Music Academy at 1200 High Ridge Road in Stamford. For details, call 203-322-4767, visit ThePopMusicAcademy.com, or email info@thepopmusicacademy.com.