As the composer and performer of several breathtaking melodic and evocative piano compositions, musician and songwriter Matthew Zachary has released two hit albums independently, reaching more than 70,000 fans to date. But he is also a popular speaker, bringing his own successful battle against cancer to audiences, patients, and corporate and general interest audiences alike. Now Matthew announces a key appearance which will showcase both his formidable speaking and musical talents, as well as showcasing some of the most popular and moving melodies in his collections.

Matthew will be the guest speaker and performer for the distinguished Van Andel Institute (333 Bostwick Ave N.E.) in Grand Rapids, MI, at the 3rd Annual Celebration of Hope dinner. For more information on the Celebration of Hope event, please visit www.hopeonthehill.org.

About the Music of Matthew Zachary
The music of Matthew Zachary is a lush blend of musical styles and influences that nevertheless always results in lyrical melodies and unforgettable soundscapes. From fresh, jazzy, and lightfooted improvs, to meditative lullabies, to classically inspired compositions, his albums bridge the gaps between New Age, Light Jazz, and Adult Contemporary – representing a unique, fresh, and always radio-friendly sound that is unmistakably his own. Through his albums, and their assortment of beautiful, emotionally-charged compositions, Matthew convincingly communicates his tale of triumph over tragedy – and inspires others to keep fighting, hoping, and living.

About the Van Andel Institute
The Van Andel Institute (VAI) was founded in 1996in Grand Rapids, MI by Jay and Betty Van Andel with the mission, “To improve and enrich the quality of life and enhance the health of generations to come.” Through medical and educational research at the Van Andel Institute, this is rapidly becoming a reality. The Van Andel Institute (VAI) serves as the supporting organization for two additional institutes: The Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), a biomedical research institute presently focused on cancer research; and The Van Andel Education Institute (VAEI), whose mission is to achieve educational excellence in P-12 by probing the fundamental issues of education through a creative, hands-on learning process. For more information on the Institute, visit http://www.vai.org.

About Matthew Zachary
A rising star in the world music, new age and adult contemporary genres, Matthew has met with unprecedented success as an independent recording artist who has challenged convention – and succeeded. Tracks from first solo release Scribblings ranked high on the independent music charts and have garnered radio play at over 50 stations and 10 streaming radio websites worldwide, while his newest release, Every Step of the Way, has already achieved sales numbering in the thousands.

A passionate and dedicated public speaker on patients’ rights and cancer recovery, Matthew is also the creator of the ‘Be Authentic’ organization, where he has quickly become one of the country’s most popular and inspirational guests and entertainers, traveling the country and working to inspire hope in others battling catastrophic illness. These acclaimed appearances also often involve the performance of Matthew’s own music and compositions, offering direct relevance and additional significance to the stories he relates. This utterly unique combination of music and message means that Matthew’s appearances are consistently memorable, highly original and truly compelling.

In addition to his role as an Ambassador for The American Cancer Society, Matthew is also a Founding Board Member of the Education Advisory Committee, at the National Foundation for Alternative Medicine in Washington, D.C. Having appeared at dozens of venues worldwide, Matthew's presence and his music have been embraced at well over 100 hospitals, wellness centers, and cancer clinics to date. He is also clinically-endorsed by leading physicians, surgeons, health organizations and music therapists, including such distinguished experts as bestselling author Dr. Bernie Siegel (Love, Medicine & Miracles) and many others. His audiences have included physicians, oncologists, nurses, social workers, researchers, therapists, practitioners, hospital administrators, pharmaceutical marketing and sales divisions, pediatric and adult cancer patients and their families, corporate executives, performing arts enthusiasts, and of course, the general public.

In addition to Bristol-Myers Squibb and The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, Matthew’s corporate clients and sponsors also include Apple Computer, Lucent Technologies, Merck, Schering-Plough, Novartis, Pharmacia, Roche, The Mayo Clinic, The American Cancer Society, and many more. More than 70,000 copies of Matthew's albums have been distributed since 2002 – all are available for easy and secure purchase online, exclusively at www.MatthewZachary.com.

To promote these appearances, as well as his newest album Every Step of the Way, Matthew Zachary is currently available for interviews, in-studio or phone-in guest appearances.