Due to a winter weather system that moved through Cleveland on Friday, Jan. 22, the “Gala for Gallaher” special concert event has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the Conn Center. The gala, hosted by Lee University, will honor the legacy of Cleveland’s Brian Gallaher.

A Lee alum who passed away in summer 2015, Gallaher devoted his life to mentoring young people through music education at Ocoee Middle School. In order to commemorate his work, the Lee School of Music hopes to raise funds for an endowed scholarship through the gala.

The event will feature the Ocoee Middle School Band, Walker Valley High School Band, Lee University Symphonic Band, the Eastern Tennessee Brass, the Lee University Brass Choir, and a special performance by Lee alum Clark Beckham, American Idol runner-up.

After earning his undergraduate degree from Lee, Gallaher served as a teacher at Ocoee Middle School for 14 years. He was assistant band director before being promoted to the top band position. According to Dr. William Green, dean of the School of Music, Gallaher enjoyed teaching middle school students and was fully invested in their growth and success.

Gallaher also maintained a partnership with Alan Hunt, the director of bands at Walker Valley High School, and was involved with Walker Valley’s marching band program.

Donations to the Brian Gallaher Memorial Scholarship can be made at any time by visiting donation or by cash or check. Checks must be made payable to Lee University. If sending a check, please designate the funds to the Brian Gallaher Scholarship Fund in the memo line. If you are mailing a check to Lee University, please send it to the Office of Central Gifts, P.O. Box 3450, Cleveland, TN 37320-3450.

The concert is free but tickets are required due to limited seating. Tickets are available in the Dixon Center box office weekdays 3-6 p.m. or by calling 423-614-8343. Tickets for the January concert will be honored at the February event.

VIP tickets are available for those interested in making a donation of $500 or more toward the Brian Gallaher scholarship. The VIP package includes a pre-concert reception, valet parking, and reserved seating for the evening’s concert. Contact Kristi Vanoy for more information at (423) 614-8243 or to purchase a VIP ticket.

For more information about the event, visit Gala.