“Singing’ and Swingin’ Broadway” Fundraiser for Breast Cancer

Renowned entertainer and Marco Island resident Charlie Blum is bringing his “Singin’ and Swingin’ Broadway” show to JCMI on November 2 at 7:00 PM. The event is a charitable fundraiser benefiting Little Pink Houses of Hope, the national nonprofit that provides free, weeklong vacation retreats for families battling breast cancer. Little Pink has held weeklong retreats in Marco Island for the past two years and will be holding its third Marco retreat for 12 deserving families June 1-7, 2025.

Blum will be joined onstage by long-term collaborators Kristyn Estes and JJ Boylan, who will perform show-stopping tunes from “Phantom of the Opera,” “Hamilton,” “Guys & Dolls” and “42nd Street,” among many other shows. All three vocalists are waiving their performance fees for the evening, with all proceeds from ticket sales going to Little Pink Houses of Hope.

For Blum, the cause is personal. 

“JJ, Kristyn and I have all had relatives with breast cancer, so we’ve seen firsthand how this disease can devastate a family,” Blum said. “We’re thrilled to contribute to this great cause and help any way we can.”

The evening’s stroll down “The Great White Way” will include a special segment that encourages the audience to follow the “bouncing ball” in a sing-along to “Lullaby of Broadway,” as well as a moment that tests audience members’ Broadway knowledge for prizes. Blum will also offer behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes about some of Broadway’s award-winning productions during the show. Breast cancer survivors in attendance will be entered into a raffle to win floral arrangements provided by The Calusa Garden Club.

Blum has performed with the Bill Porter Orchestra (Frank Sinatra’s orchestra) in the Chicagoland area, along with the Northwest Indiana Symphony with 86 musicians, the Glen Miller Orchestra, at Summerfest in Milwaukee and various casinos in Chicago. He has performed the Great American Songbook at JCMI and Arts Center Theater, both to sold-out shows and wide acclaim. Blum has mixed that show with Broadway tunes to provide a different experience with “Singin’ and Swingin’ Broadway.”

In addition to his talents as a vocalist, Blum has had a storied career as an entertainment executive with over 40 years of experience as a major concert promoter, talent buyer, theater executive, television producer and artist manager. He’s worked with virtually every major artist in show business, presenting thousands of concerts featuring performers like Jerry Seinfeld, Garth Brooks, Frank Sinatra, The Jackson Five and The Grateful Dead.

Little Pink Houses of Hope was founded in 2009 by Jeanine Patten-Coble shortly after her own breast cancer diagnosis. The organization now holds more than 20 retreats a year in resort locations across the country, helping hundreds of families find strength and rejuvenation amidst the battle of their lives.

Patten-Coble, who will be attending the event, said Marco Island has quickly become one of the most vibrant retreat destinations in its constellation of locations, thanks largely to the unique generosity of the Marco community.

“Marco Island is a special community,” Patten-Coble said. “The outpouring of love and support from Marco’s businesses, residents, and nonprofit organizations, in just two years, is on par with our retreats that have been around for ten years and more. We’re so grateful to Charlie, Kristyn, JJ and JCMI for creating what will surely be a special night, and I’m looking forward to thanking our supporters and donors in person once again for their generosity.”

“Singin’ and Swingin’ Broadway” is a one-night-only event at JCMI. Reserved seating is $40 and can be purchased online at www.littlepink.org/tickets. The JCMI is located at 9901 Winterberry Drive, with ample parking nearby. 

Individuals and organizations interested in supporting the 2025 Little Pink Marco Island retreat should contact local volunteer coordinator Brad Shaw at brad@littlepink.org or 404-274-4834.