March 28, 2016, By Elissa Sanci - Dressed sharp in a royal blue blazer, Corey Staggers walked center stage, soprano saxophone in hand, to thunderous cheers. After thanking the audience, filled with family, friends and members of the New Haven community, he started his set with a gospel song dedicated to his late grandmother. On Saturday, the intimate Lyric Hall Theater was filled to capacity as nearly 60 people crowded into the small space to watch Staggers, a Westville native starting a music career, perform. Tickets for the show were $25 in advance and $30 at the door; all funds raised will go towards a new alto saxophone, which Staggers needs to further his career. “He really needs a new one,” said Carlton Staggers, the musician’s father. “He wanted to figure out a way to raise the money himself.” At 8:15 p.m., Dalia Matthews, Staggers’ sister’s basketball coach and family friend, took the stage to introduce Staggers. Accompanied by a slideshow of pictures, Matthews spoke about Staggers’ past accomplishments and his passion for a future in music..."

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