Once upon a time, Chicago Public Schools taught a whole lot more than “reading, writing and arithmetic.” In that era, “talented tenth” had a different meaning than that which was ascribed to the term by W.E.B. DuBois. Although for most students, learning the arts was what motivated them to go to school every day, for that “talented tenth” those lessons uncovered or enhanced their hidden and not-so-hidden talents. Taking the arts out of the Chicago Public Schools has definitely left an undeniable void in the lives of our children.
Joan Collaso, accomplished Emmy Award winner, international vocalist, producer, and songwriter, has created a wonderful way to fill that void with the creation of Timeless Gifts.
The mission of Timeless Gifts is to “ensure and enhance our rich cultural and musical legacy by providing instruction, exposure, and professional performance opportunities for young aspiring artists, while promoting self-confidence, creativity, character, and professional etiquette in the presentation of their chosen crafts.”
Timeless Gifts is building community through the performing arts. They provide space and facilitate creative projects for their participants that encourage the children to work together in groups and as a unit. Friendships have been formed, a feeling of family prevails, and the participants of Timeless Gifts genuinely care about and look out for each other.
Encouragement makes a difference, and the Timeless Gift’s staff is a cheerleader for all of the participants, being careful to foster creativity and positive interactions with each of the students. They are open to listening to the participants’ ideas and suggestions, while they advise and encourage, and thoughtfully critique.
There’s fun to be had at Timeless Gifts, while at the same time, providing a safe space for creativity and self-expression.
Youth and Young Adults, from eight to twenty, are mentored and motivated by an impressive staff of world-class and professional instructors in all performing arts disciplines. Besides founder and instructor/facilitator, Joan Collaso, Rayzine Collaso has been an instructor and facilitator for eighteen years, with fourteen years as an instructor and assistant director with Timeless Gifts. Rayzine received her Bachelor of Arts degree in music from the University of Illinois at Chicago and her performance resume includes being a supporting vocalist for Joan Collaso and Grammy Award winning artist and songwriter, Michael Henderson.
Founder, Joan Collaso and Musical Director Larry Hanks.
Musical Director, Larry Hanks is an accomplished pianist, recording producer, orchestrator, conductor, and former college professor. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music and master’s degree in educational leadership at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Larry is a co-founder and has served as producer and Musical Director for Timeless Gifts since 2011.
His resume includes his songs on Billboard and touring and conducting the orchestra for the great R&B artist, Jerry “Ice Man” Butler. He’s also a 25-year church musician and one of the resident pianists at the famed Gibson’s Steakhouse on the Gold Coast in Chicago.
With such an amazing staff plus a fantastic and supportive board of directors, the youth and young adults of Timeless Gifts cannot help but feel loved, self-assured, and accomplished.
For over fifteen years, Timeless Gifts has attracted a loyal and enthusiastic audience who are mesmerized by the magical performances of these talented youth.
This year will mark the fifteenth year of the annual Christmas Concert and Fundraiser. The event, titled A Jazzy Christmas,” will be held on Sunday, December 8 at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, featuring their amazing and talented young students.
The special musical guests for “A Jazzy Christmas” will be The Eleven Jazzy Divas Reunion, featuring Frieda Lee, Maggie Brown, Bobbi Wilsyn, Margaret Murphy-Webb, Lynne Jordan, Yvonne Gage, Felena Buss, and Joan Collaso.
The honorees this year are two of Timeless Gifts’ most esteemed instructors who are well known and celebrated through Chicago and the world.
Master percussionist Tony “Baba Toca” Carpenter will receive the Juanita Passmore Legacy Award. Award-winning actor, director, and playwright Runako Jahi will receive the Timeless Gifts Lifetime Achievement Award. The event will be hosted by none other than Art “Chat Daddy” Sims.
Each year, Timeless Gifts recognizes those who have paved the way. In 2011, TG honored recording artist, songwriter, and poet, Oscar Brown, Jr., and international jazz pianist, Willie Pickens. Jerry “Iceman” Butler was the honoree in 2012. More recently, Val Gray Ward, founder of Kuumba Theater, and Jeff Morrow, film and vocal producer, Darius Brooks, Gospel Recording Artist, Radio Executive, Abe Thompson, and film director, Pemon Rami were recognized by Timeless Gifts.
In April of 2019, the Timeless Gifts Vocal Ensemble embarked on their very first international performance tour in Milan Italy, with an amazing send-off from two of Chicago’s prominent news stations, NBC Chicago Channel 5 News and WLS Channel 7 News. In December of that year, Timeless Gifts performed on the popular Chicago morning talk show, Windy City LIVE on WLS Channel 7.
The greatest gift that can be given to young adults is to become acquainted with their own talent and learn to appreciate, recognize, and love themselves. That is truly a Timeless Gift.
For more information or to make a donation to support continued programming
visit Timelessgifts.org.
