'American Idol' winner to perform, host dinner for local nonprofit

Fantasia

R&B soulstress Fantasia is coming to town for a two day-engagement: a VIP meet-and-greet at the Francis Marion Hotel and a concert at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center.

Fantasia won fame by claiming the "American Idol" title during the program's third season in 2004. A High Point, N.C., native, she's at work on her third album, out in 2009.

Fantasia, 24, also will play Celie in the film adaptation of "The Color Purple" musical, set to begin production following her third album's release. She played Celie in the Broadway musical as well.

Tickets cost $39.50, available at www.coliseumpac.com or Ticketmaster. Saturday's performance will include a fashion show from LaKarZan Fashions ATL.

On Friday, Fantasia will host a dinner, the proceeds from both evenings to benefit the nonprofit organization, Bailey's BASH, according to founder Joseph Bailey.

Bailey, raised in St. Stephen, is a passionate guy with big dreams. Just check the BASH title: It stands for Belief with Action Serves Humanity.

He wants to start a national humanitarian awards show in Charleston, reopen St. Stephen High School as a community center and build a Hope Center in Charleston County. The aim is to rebuild and strengthen communities, one family at a time.

"The vision," he says, "behind Bailey's BASH is this: If more people had an opportunity to change, they would probably change. Then the communities would change with them.

In March, he brought Rose Rock, the mother of actor/comedian Chris Rock, MTV2 VJ Amanda Diva, actress Vivica A. Fox and others to the area for a banquet.

Friday night at the reception, Bailey hopes to unite business leaders, city officials and others, and explain his organization's goals. Fantasia, he says, will discuss the project, her commitment and vision.

To get an invitation to Friday's reception, visit www.baileysbash.org or call Bailey at 354-0918.

Reach Rob Young at 937-5518 and ryoung@postandcourier.com.