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Up With People invades Vail Valley this weekend

The 100-member strong Up with People cast will perform at Eagle Valley High School Friday and Saturday nights.
Special to the Enterprise |

GYPSUM — Entertaining the world — that could legitimately be Up With People’s tagline.

The official mission for the group is to deliver a common message of hope and goodwill to people around the world while members pursue their own global education and personal growth goals through service, music and travel. Young men and women ages 18-29 comprise the troupe.

The group will perform at Eagle Valley High School Friday and Saturday, beginning at 7 p.m. both nights. Presale ticket prices are $15 for adults, $10 for students/seniors, and $5 for kids younger than twelve. Tickets at the door are $20 for adults, $15 for students and $10 for kids younger than twelve. Tickets are available at the school, Bella’s Market Gypsum and at Alpine Bank locations. All proceeds benefit the Eagle Valley Youth Foundation.



GYPSUM IS TOUR’S FIRST STOP

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Gypsum residents Ross and Suzanne Morgan, who both are Up With People alumni, reached out to the group in hopes of a stop in the area. Turns out that the organization made Gypsum its first stop. The cast has been busy in helping out in the community, and before that, three advanced team members worked out of town of Gypsum offices for a few weeks.

“I enjoy their passion for what they do,” said town manager Jeff Shroll.

Up With People has been around for decades. Founded by J. Blanton Belk in 1965, the goal was to be a positive voice for young people during a turbulent period in the United States. Its historic path officially began in 1968 when it was incorporated as a international nonprofit. Many believe that over the years, Up With People has become known as a force in international relations, education and entertainment.

The group communicates with music and attempts to inspire people through their performances. The family-friendly stage show is vibrant and holds the attention of those who watch.

“Our ambassadors are great leaders and role models for everyone. A good amount of our time will be spent at Eagle Valley High School,” said promotion representative Isaiah McGregory. “With the fantastic leadership of Principal Greg Doan and Vice Principal Tami Payne, we will be encouraging students to think critically about the world around them.”

Recent alumna and Vail resident Bailey Garton will make special appearances in the local show.

Each international tour takes almost 100 performers with it, and those performers come from more than 15 different countries. Students who perform typically travel abroad with the group for one or two semesters. Some students take a gap year between high school and college to experience Up With People, while others take part during their college years or after college graduation. Students become global citizens while entertaining. Each cast of performers travels to around 20 communities across two or three continents per semester and spends about a week in each community. They live with host families and participate in 8-12 hours of service-learning projects in those communities, and college credit is available.

For more information, visit http://www.upwith people.org.


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