John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts and Jim Brickman Share Image Album from Concert for Charity at The Tower Club in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts (www.jqhhotels.com) recently hosted many representatives from Springfield’s business, civic and arts communities at The Tower Club in Springfield at a black-tie concert for charity featuring two-time Grammy-nominated and platinum-selling artist Jim Brickman. To access the elegant event image album on John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts’ Facebook page, go to http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.212212838799862.51890.208635065824306.

“The Cleveland Institute of Music is the school where I found my sound. I want to thank John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts for their support in creating a scholarship in my name. My hope is that this scholarship opens doors and furthers the music education of another aspiring pianist”

Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts is the largest private, independent owner and manager of hotels in the United States and is the official hotel sponsor of the Jim Brickman concert tour.

Brickman, known as “America’s Romantic Piano Sensation,” donated his time and talent while on tour to provide a special performance at The Tower Club benefitting two causes:

• Convoy of Hope: A faith-based organization with a driving passion to feed the world, including having 88,000 children enrolled in the Convoy of Hope children’s feeding initiative; currently providing relief assistance to the victims of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami in Japan
• The Jim Brickman Scholarship for The Cleveland Institute of Music: Leading international conservatory that is distinguished by an exceptional degree of collaboration between students and teachers

Brickman performed a variety of his songs, such as “Love of My Life” and “The Gift,” spanning his successful 15-year recording career. John Trones, adult contemporary recording artist and actor, joined Brickman on stage as a special guest vocalist. While guests enjoyed desserts and premium cocktails after the concert, Brickman interacted with attendees, including photo opportunities and autographs.

Prior to Brickman’s performance, event guests walked the red carpet in style and sampled world-class culinary delights of The Tower Club set atop the highest point in Missouri, affording spectacular views of the Ozarks. Phill Burgess, vice president of sales and revenue management at John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, served as the evening’s master of ceremonies, while company CEO Jacqueline Dowdy recognized the John Q. Hammons’ executive leadership team, the company’s 9,000 associates nationwide, and the company’s more than 50-year legacy of giving back to the community. Rick Zorehkey, corporate relations director for Convoy of Hope, shared the Springfield-based relief aid organization’s mission and ways to get involved. Jeff Anderson, general manager of The Tower Club, welcomed guests throughout the evening and ensured an exceptional experience was had by all.

As a part of the concert for charity initiative, the John Q. Hammons Foundation made a $10,000 donation to Convoy of Hope to support relief efforts globally and a $10,000 contribution to The Jim Brickman Scholarship for The Cleveland Institute of Music to cultivate musicianship. “The Intimate Evening With Jim Brickman at The Tower Club complements John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts’ renowned hospitality legacy of seeing to the needs of others,” Dowdy said.

Brickman also reinforced his appreciation for community involvement and particularly cultivating musicianship. “The Cleveland Institute of Music is the school where I found my sound. I want to thank John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts for their support in creating a scholarship in my name. My hope is that this scholarship opens doors and furthers the music education of another aspiring pianist,” Brickman said.

About Jim Brickman

Jim Brickman has revolutionized the sound of solo piano with his pop-style instrumentals and star-studded vocal collaborations. Brickman’s lineup of collaborations with many gifted musical artists include: Martina McBride, Gerald Levert, Lady Antebellum, Michael W. Smith, Kenny Loggins, Carly Simon, Herb Alpert, Collin Raye, Pam Tillis, Michael Bolton, Sara Evans, Donny Osmond, and Olivia Newton-John.

Since the release of his debut album No Words in 1994, Jim Brickman’s romantic piano sound has defined him as a marquis among contemporary instrumental hit makers. His signature style of playing and songwriting has also brought him six gold and platinum-selling albums, the most charted Adult Contemporary hits of the decade (28), two Grammy nods (2003 and 2009), two SESAC “Songwriter of the Year” awards, a Canadian Country Music Award, and a Dove Award presented by the Gospel Music Association.

Other artistic endeavors include a weekly radio show, Your Weekend with Jim Brickman; two best selling books, Simple Things and Love Notes; debuts at Carnegie Hall and the White House; as well as international touring from Spain to Thailand. Brickman lends a hand to several charitable foundations for children including Autism Speaks, UNICEF, Camp Heartland, and The Jim Brickman Scholarship for The Cleveland Institute of Music.

About John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts

Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts is the largest private, independent owner and manager of hotels in the United States, representing brands such as: Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center; Courtyard by Marriott; Embassy Suites Hotels; Hampton Inn & Suites; Hilton; Holiday Inn; Homewood Suites by Hilton; Marriott; Plaza Hotels Collection; Radisson; Renaissance; Residence Inn by Marriott; and Sheraton. With a portfolio of 78 hotels representing nearly 19,000 guest rooms/suites in 24 states, John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts’ properties are dominant in their markets. Founded on the extraordinary vision of John Q. Hammons and built on his legacy of excellence spanning more than 50 years, John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts has become one of the most recognized and award-winning companies in the hospitality industry. Built to be the best, John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts continues to set the standard in hospitality management and hotel development. For more information about John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, please visit the company’s website at www.jqhhotels.com.