Like many other arts before the rise of modern technology, musical theater at the turn of the 20th century was fleeting. There's no way to catch an early Irving Berlin work without actually having been there. Enter Klea Blackhurst, a vocalist who focuses on musical works important to theatrical history. Blackhurst has performed renditions of the music of Hoagy Carmichael, Jule Styne, Irving Berlin, and Vernon Duke. As a benefit for School of the Arts, Blackhurst will perform a show dedicated to the songs of Ethel Merman. Merman is known for her distinctive, brassy voice and starring role as Annie Oakley in "Annie Get Your Gun." Blackhurst's homage to Merman will be followed by a dessert reception.

Klea Blackhurst in "Everything the Traffic Will Allow: The Songs and Sass of Ethel Merman" will take place at School of the Arts' Main Stage Theatre (45 Prince St) on Saturday, May 1, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $50, and are on sale at all Wegmans locations. For more information call 242-0290 or visit sotarochester.org.