(NNPA) -  Jazz singer Al Jarreau was still in critical condition at a hospital in France July 23, with breathing problems after collapsing on stage the night before, according to Eurweb.com.

The 70-year-old artist collapsed during a concert in Barcelonnette in the southeast of France, and was suffering from respiratory problems, according to multiple reports. He was rushed to the intensive care unit of a clinic in the southern Alpine town of Gap.

Janera Solomon wants to showcase the myriad of summer fun that exists in the community of East Liberty.

“East Liberty is very alive with people shopping. It is vibrant and strong and has a lot to offer,” said Solomon.

As executive director of the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater which is based in East Liberty, she is able to do just that.

GETTING TOGETHER—From left: Shakirah Stephens, 11th grade, CAPA; Shakara Wright, ninth grade, CAPA; Tyler Humphries-Randolph, eighth grade, Sterrett Classical Academy.

For the second consecutive year, the theater is presenting its summer series of dance, theater, music, film and visual arts in a celebration of East Liberty.

“Celebrate East Liberty represents what we do all year—fostering community, connecting diverse artists and audiences and opening our doors with programming that is interesting and affordable. This summer, we feature family-friendly activities and performances including free workshops with visual artists,” said Joseph Hall, programming manager at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater.

Gene Ludwig, a leading figure on the Pittsburgh jazz scene for half a century and one of the select few to master the Hammond organ, died in West Penn-Forbes Regional Campus July 14, at the age of 72.

GENE LUDWIG

AUGUSTA, Ga.—Earth Wind & Fire’s original fans from the Pittsburgh region may recall the group’s legendary 1970s performances, first at the Stanley Theater and later shows at the Civic Arena—retracted dome and all.

Recently, this reviewer witnessed the current version of this legendary act, days before they rocked the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. Needless to say, the EWF performance is just about as solid as it was during their heyday years in the ’70s and ’80s.

EARTH, WIND & FIRE

Their unforgettable July 1 performance at the James Brown Arena in downtown Augusta, proved that.