Toe-tapping chamber music will fill the sanctuary of St. John Fisher Church, 3227 Church Street in Newtown on Sunday, June 6 as Suzanne Bona and friends perform a concert to benefit The Literacy Council of Clermont and Brown Counties. Bona, a trained flutist and classical music broadcaster, has assembled a group of prominent area performers, all donating their talents and time, to raise money to combat adult illiteracy.

Joining Bona for the 3:00 p.m. concert are guitarist Richard Goering, flutist Margaret Fecker, violinist Nancy Illman and cellist Jennifer Higgins Wheatley. Also performing is the Cellar SaxBand, whose members are Paula Pease playing soprano and alto sax, Ken Poleyeff on alto sax, Ken Foltz playing tenor sax and Joe Phelps on baritone sax.

This year's concert - the 3rd annual benefit -- will feature the widest variety of music yet, from traditional classical music, to sultry Latin American dances, to upbeat jazz favorites.

An Anderson Township resident, Suzanne Bona is a board member of The Literacy Council of Clermont and Brown Counties and a veteran literacy tutor. She has recruited friends from Anderson, Wyoming, Deerfield Township and Fort Thomas to perform with her and raise funds needed to continue the vital work of The Literacy Council.

All proceeds of the event will go to the Literacy Council of Clermont & Brown Counties. There is no admission charge, but there is a suggested minimum donation of $15 per person.

According to Literacy Council Executive Director Susan Vilardo, "It's shocking, but approximately one out of four adults in Clermont and Brown Counties cannot read and write beyond a third grade level. If this were a health issue, it would be considered an 'epidemic.'" Vilardo continues, "Can you imagine being unable to read to your kids, fill out a job application, or comprehend the instructions and warnings on a prescription bottle?" Board President Jason Sims adds, "It takes great courage for adults to admit they can't read and ask for help. The Literacy Council helps people overcome their shame and improve their lives by matching them with one-on-one volunteer tutors. Their personal successes benefit our community as they develop skills to support their families."

The Literacy Council's mission is to enable adults to acquire basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills needed to participate fully in society, and to increase awareness of literacy needs in our community. The Literacy Council of Clermont & Brown Counties is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.

For more information please call Susan Vilardo at 513.943.3741 or email Suzanne Bona at sbona@wshu.org.