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Friday December 5th, 2003

Diane Schuur performs for breast cancer benefit celebrating the life of Linda McCartney

Jazz vocalist Diane Schuur, backed by an acoustic combo, performed on a Baldwin SF10 Concert Grand for The Garland Appeal's annual fundraising gala and auction supporting early breast cancer detection and the healing power of music at Christie's Auction House in New York. Schuur has a new album, Midnight on the Concord Jazz label with smoky, jazz noir songs written by Barry Manilow, who also coproduced the project. It features duets with Manilow, Brian McKnight and Karrin Allyson. Founded by Sir Paul McCartney in memory of his wife Linda, The Garland Appeal charity was created to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and early detection. Sir George Martin serves as the honorary chairman of music. A musical work titled "a Garland for Linda" honoring the memory of Linda McCartney is available on EMI classics and features compositions by eight British composers including McCartney, who contributed a piece entitled "Nova" to the project. Linda died Friday, April 17, 1998 of primary breast cancer and secondary liver cancer.

Schuur performs with musical director Scott Steed on bass

Schuur with saxophonist Mike MacArthur and Steed

In the United Kingdom, the goal is to raise 2 million pounds sterling, with funds being donated to Breakthrough Breast Cancer and The Ark Facility at the North Hampshire Hospital, as well as to support British Music. In the USA, the goal is to raise $2 million for MRI breast cancer research. For more information, go to www.garlandappeal.com.