LAST week the Halesowen News launched its new fundraising campaign, backing A Fusion of Music and Dance 2017.

This week reporter Adam Smith interviews the woman behind one of the longest-running charity concerts in the Midlands.

Leigh Perry first held A Fusion of Music and Dance in a shop nearly two decades ago, and 30 people turned up.

Next May’s concert will have nearly 10 times that number in the cast alone, and more than 1,000 people are expected to turn up to the Symphony Hall to watch the show.

Miss Perry said: “It is a real labour of love staging A Fusion of Dance and Music, as soon as the curtain comes down on one, I am thinking about staging the next concert.

“This is the seventh Fusion of Music and Dance to be held in Birmingham’s Symphony Hall and the place is a really special venue for the cast to perform in.”

She added: “The concerts have raised thousands of pounds for charities over the years so I am happy to have multiple roles including ticket seller, promoter and musical director.”

Halesowen-born Leigh is a principal and trustee of the Dorridge Music School (DMS), where she has been in some capacity since she was 16 years old.

Now her pupils provide the backbone of the cast along with some very special guests.

This year’s star performers include European Voice competition winner Hercules Smith, Britain’s Got Talent finalists Beau Dermott and Richard and Adam, rising young opera starlet Faith Tucker and the Town Hall Gospel Choir, among many others.

Legendary ELO drummer and Birmingham Walk of Stars inductee Bev Bevan will be also be taking to the stage.

Leigh said: “We are honoured to have so many big names on board this year.

“May 7 will be an incredible night at the Symphony Hall.”

Fusion of Music and Dance 2017 is raising cash for Birmingham Dogs Home and the MS Society this year.

Leigh, who won a businesswoman of the year accolade at the Birmingham Awards, added: “Both charities do so much good work in the Midlands and they need all the cash they can get so I was delighted to have them as this year’s chosen charities.”

In previous years, each raised up to £1,500 for charities including The Acorns Trust, RSPCA Birmingham and Marie Curie.

It also runs an awareness campaign for Delete Blood Cancer, urging members of the public to become donors, in memory of tragic DMS pupil Riya Dandekar, who died from the disease aged just 21.

This year’s star-studded line-up is ready to take the stage. includes Britain’s Got Talent finalists Beau Dermott and Richard and Adam, rising opera starlet Faith Tucker and the Town Hall Gospel Choir, among many others.

But we need YOU to help us make it a record-breaking success – by making donations, arranging fundraising events of your own or buying tickets for the show itself.

You can call our reporter Adam Smith on 01384 358258 or email him at adam.smith@halesowennews.co.uk.

We will feature articles on any groups or individuals who get involved, both in the paper and on our website.

Donations of cash, or cheques, made payable to “DMS Knowle”, with “Halesowen News” written on the back, can be posted or dropped off in person to our offices at: Halesowen News, St John’s House, St John’s Road, Stourbridge DY8 1EH.

Businesses can also inquire about corporate packages, or advertising in the glossy event programme by emailing leighperry@sky.com.

For tickets to the event, call DMS on 01564 772831, email dorridgemusic school.com or visit the website www.dmsfusionlive.com.

Halesowen News assistant editor Pete Wallace said: “We’re both proud and delighted to throw our weight behind A Fusion of Music and Dance 2017.

“Now, we need as many people as possible to support our campaign and make May 7 a night to remember.”

Leigh said: “I’m delighted that the Halesowen News is supporting A Fusion of Music and Dance.

“DMS Heart of England music academy has raised more than £8,000 for charities by donating all profits from the sales of programmes at the concert over the years.

“We appreciate all support and urge everyone to get involved.”