Health Department’s Just Say Yes Coalition to Host Showcase at the Grand

On Tuesday, November 4th at 6:30pm, the community is invited to the Grand Theatre to enjoy an unforgettable evening of performances by professional musicians and local youth at the second annual Just Say Yes Showcase event. Aviators, athletes and maybe a few four-legged friends will share the stage with violins, cellos, steel drums and more for this vibrant celebration of community, recreation and prevention. 

Cellist and composer Ben Sollee and Fayette County Public Schools Athletic Director Jackie Gordon Duvall will serve as Masters of Ceremony. 

The event is presented by the Franklin County Health Department’s Just Say Yes coalition in partnership with the Franklin County Agency for Substance Abuse Policy and Noise for Jordon, a charitable fund established in memory of beloved Frankfort drummer Jordon Ellis, who died by suicide in 2023. 

The Showcase will raise awareness about the Yes Card, an electronic gift card that can be used to pay for youth activities from a list of approved vendors in Franklin County. Currently, all 6th-8th grade students in Franklin County are eligible to receive a $300 Yes Card each year. The program supports participation in positive, healthy activities, which can help lower risk of substance use and mental health problems. 

Youth trained by Yes Card activity partners – including programs focused on dance, music, art, sports, martial arts and more – will share the stage with distinguished Kentucky musicians. Featured performers include: vocal and jazz ensembles from Kentucky State University, under the direction of Dr. Keith McCutchen; Stirfry Musette (Rob Barnes, Jaret Ellis, Jeff Ellis, Ben Griffith, Joanna Hay and Will Renshaw), with special musical guests Sollee on cello and singer-songwriter Jeri Katherine Howell on guitar and vocals; and jazz vocalist Mary Jackson. 

Recipients of two annual prevention awards – the Ed Councill Upstream Award and the Ed Powe Beloved Community Award – will also be announced at the event.

General Admission tickets can be reserved at bit.ly/jsyshowcase25, with a donation of $25 per ticket suggested at the time of booking to support the Yes Card program. 

More information about Just Say Yes and the Yes Card can be found at justsayyesky.org. 

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For more information, media requests or photos, please contact Rebecca Redding at info@justsayyesky.org.