Murfreesboro, TN - Local hip hop dance troupe “CAT CRU” will perform at the Business Education Partnership Foundation’s  and  presenting sponsor Nissan North America’s “Arts for Education: An Elegant Evening”, scheduled for Friday, February 24th from 6-9 pm at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, located at 3050 Medical Center Parkway in Murfreesboro.

Founded and choreographed by Craig Watkins and Todd Johnson, creators of CAT Choreography, CAT CRU is sure to mesmerize the event’s guests.  Members’ ages range from 11 to 18; they were chosen by Watkins and Johnson from among their elite students. CAT CRU’s predominant musical style is hip-hop, incorporating lyrical work as well. Watkins and Johnson said, “They have very good chemistry together as a crew, and are some of the most hard-working, dedicated and passionate performers around.”

“An Elegant Evening” will also showcase The Tennessee Valley Winds as well as jazz by singer Kristen Hubbard and guitarist Sam Frazee.  Event dining will be presented by Smyrna High school’s award-winning culinary arts program.

A silent auction will feature art and specialty services as well as travel and entertainment packages.  Artwork shown and auctioned at this event will include the winning pieces from an all-county juried student art competition, as well as the works of local artists.  Additionally, a limited number of raffle tickets will be sold at $50 each for a chance to win a $5000 cash prize.

Proceeds from “Arts for Education: An Elegant Evening” will provide funding for BEP programming such as teacher mini-grants and professional development training for teachers in curriculum/work relevance to help bring the real world into the classroom.

The BEP is a 22 year-old 501(c)(3) foundation with the mission to foster interest in and to promote and to support programs in the public schools of the city of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County that will prepare students for the business world.  Programming includes BEP/Nissan Teacher Mini-Grants, State Farm Summer Business Camp, and Youth Leadership Rutherford, among others.

Sponsors who are helping the Business Education Partnership make “An Elegant Evening” possible are, of course, presenting sponsor Nissan North America, Middle Tennessee Medical Center, Yates Services, Textile Fabric Consultants, Inc., Quality Industries, Ascend Federal Credit Union, Pinnacle Financial Partners, and WWL Vehicle Services Americas, Inc.

Sponsorships are still available at these levels: Rembrandt ($5000); Van Gogh ($2,500); Picasso ($1,000); and Warhol ($500).  Individual tickets to “An Elegant Evening” are $75, and tables of eight are $600.  Tickets must be purchased by February 20th.

Additional information on the Business Education Partnership can be found online at www.rutherfordbep.org. For tickets and sponsorships, contact Gabi Brockelsby at (615) 556-1949, or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  For information on the raffle, please call Jesse FitzGerald at (615) 278-2012.