Supremes singer to perform at Edgerton Center

Sacred Heart University's Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts will open its Retro Concert Series with "Mary Wilson of the Supremes -- Live in Concert!" at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, on the center's stage, 5151 Park Ave.

An original member of the Supremes, Wilson has been on dozens of hit records, written an autobiography, performed on stage and screen and lectured and toured the world. Still performing, she uses her fame to promote humanitarian efforts to end hunger, raise AIDS awareness and encourage world peace, according to a release.

Wilson, an author, motivational speaker, businesswoman and former U.S. Cultural Ambassador, received an associate degree from New York University in 2001 and an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Paine College in Augusta, Ga. In 2007, she was named international spokeswoman for the Humpty Dumpty Institute, a platform she uses to condemn the death and destruction caused by hidden landmines and unexploded ordinances in less-developed countries.

Her "Dare to Dream" lecture, which she presents to young people, emphasizes the need for personal perseverance to achieve their goals, despite obstacles and adversities in their lives. The topic is the foundation of her autobiography, "Dreamgirl -- My Life as a Supreme."

She later authored its sequel, "Supreme Faith -- Someday We'll Be Together." In 2000, the two books, with updated chapters, were combined to complete her third book. She is working on a fourth book on the Supremes.

As an official "goodwill" ambassador, Wilson visited poverty-stricken areas in Bangladesh and spoke in Pakistan at Fatima Jinnah Woman University about pursuing goals and "Daring to Dream." In Mozambique and Botswana, she addressed young people about the dangers of HIV and AIDS and her quest for world peace.

Tickets are $40, $25 for students, faculty, staff and senior citizens. They are available at the center's

box office from noon to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, at 203-371-7908 or at the box office in the center's lobby two hours before the show or at EdgertonCenter.org.