Contact: Bruce Conley, News Information Director
Phone: (605) 274-5526
Fax: (605) 274-4903
e-mail: bruce_conley@augie.edu
www.augie.edu

February 19, 2004

James Hersch and 'REACH Program Coming to Augustana

SIOUX FALLS, SD - James Hersch, whose outreach residencies have become a favorite program among colleges and communities, is coming to Augustana College and Sioux Falls.

Hersch's appearance March 5-7 in Sioux Falls and Augustana is sponsored by Augustana College's Union Board of Governors (UBG) Coffeehouse and Service and Learning Together (S.A.L.T.). A concert scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Friday, March 5, in the Morrison Commons Back Alley at Augustana is open to the public. Admission is $3 for the public and is free with a valid Augustana ID.

On Saturday, March 6, Hersch will be traveling throughout the community for a 'REACH service day. The music and artistry of Hersch provide the structure for the project. Accompanied by Augustana students, he tentatively plans to visit Luther Manor, Berakhah House, and Children's Care Hospital and school.

Hersch and his 'REACH program received the Harry Chapin Award for Contributions to Humanity from the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA). 'REACH has become a unique model for outreach programming. It offers an effective avenue for colleges, civic groups and corporations to become more involved with their local communities. The music and artistry of Hersch provide the structure for the project.

'REACH does not assume any political or religious posture but simply provides an opportunity for groups and institutions to positively impact those most immediately surrounding them.

Hersch travels extensively as a performing musician, songwriter and educator. His recording and published works include children's music, guitar instrumental pieces, and eight albums of original songs.

Hersch, a native Minnesotan, has been nominated NACA Coffeehouse Entertainer of the Year several times and has been a finalist at the International Kerrville Folk Festival. From elementary school assemblies to elderly care facility concerts, the special challenge of touching multigenerational audiences suits Hersch well.