A "Keys for Cancer" musical performance at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 will raise money for a music and medicine initiative at Upstate. The inaugural event, held at Hendricks Chapel on the Syracuse University campus, is sponsored by the medical student group, Anastomosis, which  organizes cross-disciplinary conversations and events about healthcare in a broader setting.

“The initiative‘s goals include expanding our music therapy program that benefits patients at Upstate University Hospital and engages the community in the role that music can play in healing,” says Anastomosis president Chethan Sarabu.

Scheduled performers include classical pianist and native Central New Yorker Michael James Battle; the Upstate Vocal Club; and other members of the Upstate Medical University community. Presenters will include physician, musician and author Nimesh Nagarsheth, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive science at Mount Sinai Medical Center; and music therapist Joanne Loewy, director of the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center.

Students are admitted free with valid identification. General admission tickets are $20 (ages 12 and under free), with reserved premium seating available for $50. Order tickets on line at www.foundationforupstate.org

Read the news release.

Read about medical students who unwind with music.

Learn more about Keys for Cancer.

Hear Sarabu's interview on this subject: [audio http://www.upstate.edu/healthlinkonair/blog/sarabu_chethan.mp3]

Watch Harris' television interview.

Listen to Sarabu play piano.