Internationally acclaimed Jose ‘Pepito’ Gomez will perform on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at a music and dance benefit for the Chester County Art Association.

Drawing on the allure of music and dance, the Chester County Art Association (CCAA) will present internationally renowned Cuban musician Jose “Pepito” Gomez for a one-night fund-raiser at Teca in West Chester on Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 7 to 10 p.m.

The spontaneous event kicks off the Chester County Art Association’s 2014 Capital Campaign Fund Drive to support major renovations of the art association building, and a “new” CCAA. Tickets are $30 online or $35 at the door, and space is limited.

For two years the Chester County Art Association has been working with architects, engineers, artists and a community of generous donors to establish a plan for the future of the association on 100 Bradford Avenue in West Chester.  Facility Development Director Darcie Goldberg jumped at the chance to have Gomez perform for this once-in-a-lifetime benefit, association officials said. Everyone is welcome; call 610-696-5600, ext. 13, to secure tickets.

Gomez is well-known internationally and performs to sold-out audiences of 5,000 or more all over the world.  The New York Times said “Pepito Gómez has taken the world by storm.  His soulful tenor voice, both beautiful and strong, has a unique timbre rarely found. His authentic Cuban sound has caught the attention of fans, critics and fellow musicians.” His brilliant music and energetic beat is the perfect, upbeat kickoff to the 2014 building campaign, according to CCAA  organizers.

The new building plan, developed by award-winning architects Bernardon Haber Holloway, includes extensive interior and exterior renovations to this 1952 structure, as well as an additional 4,200 square feet of space for classrooms and exhibition. Over 3,000 children ages 3 to 18 enroll in the CCAA Summer Art Programs each year. More than 400 classes are offered every year, with more than 5,000 adults and youth taking part, and many more visit CCAA for their exhibits and gallery openings at the association and offsite around West Chester and in Exton.

To continue its teaching program and exhibitions effectively, the Chester County Art Association must update and enlarge its current building. With over half the capital campaign funds already pledged, the Chester County Art Association is well poised to raise the remaining $1.5 million dollars to complete its dream of a new center for the arts in Chester County, officials said.

Teca, a popular restaurant and wine bar, is located at 38 E. Gay Street in downtown West Chester.