The music of African-American composers will be featured at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, at the Performing Arts Center of Eastside College Preparatory School, 1041 Myrtle St. in East Palo Alto.

This is the fourth year for the concert, a benefit for the Eastside school. The program includes songs and instrumental music in traditional and jazz styles by African-American composers, and will introduce two new songs by pianist Valerie Capers. Ms. Capers, performer, recording artist, composer and educator, was honored as a "Living Legend" recently by city officials in her hometown of the Bronx, New York.

Performers also include Yolanda Rhodes, soprano; LaDoris Cordell and Deanne Tucker, piano/vocal; Josephine Gandolphi, piano; Susan C. Brown, violin; Victoria Ehrlich, cello; Carol Somerville, clarinet; and special guests Ms. Capers, John Robinson III, bass, and John Neves, percussion. The Eastside Preparatory School choir will perform, directed by David Chaidez.

Eastside College Preparatory was founded in 1996 by Chris Bischof, with a class of eight students. The school has grown to 225 students in grades 6 through 12. To date, every Eastside Prep student has gone on to attend a four-year college.

Suggested donation for the concert is $20 for general admission and $5 for seniors and students. Tickets will available only at the door. For more information, call 688-0850.

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