Saturday, May 30, 2009
Buffalo Musicians Host 25 Hour Food Bank Event
On June 22, 2009 at 12 noon at the steps of City Hall, Niagara Square, Buffalo musicians are tackling hunger issues on a grassroots level by providing a 25 hour FREE concert titled: Tunes4food. This event, that runs 25 hours straight, is in direct support of The Food Bank of Western New York.
Everyone faces tough challenges today, yet there is hope with the formation of a growing alliance hosted by student graduates of ‘Music in Action’ (an educational program sponsored by the local nonprofit, Music is Art), mentored by members of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, and Bob James, Director of Student Voices (a state-certified student leadership trainer).
ANYONE can join the “alliance” to support the event. All you need to do is promise to help spread the word and bring food to get your organization’s link on the website.
"A main message in Music in Action’s training is – ‘If you want to distinguish yourself from the crowd, just do what you say you will do. Keep the promises you make’", said James. "President Obama addressed the nation in the same manner speaking of grassroots community based service projects." Bob James, veteran of local groups such as The Restless, The Rain, Third Floor Strangers, Big Happy Family, and Ministers of Love, has used music to reach people in creative ways. His past projects include: This Is It – Greater Buffalo's Greatest 1977-1984 compilation Cd's, War Is Over – musicians united for safe schools, Buffalo Classic Rock CD benefit for Music is Art, and Music In Action - a school based business curriculum co-authored with Robby Takac (Goo Goo Dolls & Music is Art).
Bob James went on to say that several Music In Action students have stayed connected to us since graduation, wanting more support and direction – like continuing education. “Students get inspired by our training module on ‘music activism’ and when I saw a recent news story on how the Food Bank is getting more calls these days, it all just clicked – ‘tunes4food’”, James continued. “And since I have been helping the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame develop an after-school program, their participation seemed a natural fit, knowing that veteran musicians would add decades of career skills and wisdom about activism – going back to the 1960’s.”
“We are overwhelmed by this generous offer to create a 25-hour awareness of hunger in our community through a live continuous music concert." said Marylou Borowiak, President and CEO of the Food Bank of WNY. "We hope people from throughout Western New York will come downtown during that time to enjoy some wonderful music while helping a great cause of feeding our hungry neighbors, especially the children and seniors. There will be a Food Bank truck on site throughout the 25 hours."
"The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame is happy to be involved in such a wonderful event that will bring awareness and food for people in need. This concert will feature Inductees and Veterans of The Hall of Fame and is a great use of music as the social vehicle that will bring the community together.", said Anthony Casuccio, Vice President, The Buffalo Music Hall Of Fame.
Tunes4food is an historic event where everyone can help regardless of financial status or time constraints. It is 25 hours straight beginning on Monday, June 22 at 12 noon continuous through the night until Tuesday, June 23rd at 1pm. This is a chance to give back, to help create positive change, and to model a direct plan of action for other communities and the world. In Western New York, we are most certainly the City of Good Neighbors. Distinguish yourself from the crowd. Make a difference.
Project website:
www.tunes4food.com
Alliance Leaders:
www.studentvoices.org
www.buffalomusic.org
www.musicisart.org
Everyone faces tough challenges today, yet there is hope with the formation of a growing alliance hosted by student graduates of ‘Music in Action’ (an educational program sponsored by the local nonprofit, Music is Art), mentored by members of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, and Bob James, Director of Student Voices (a state-certified student leadership trainer).
ANYONE can join the “alliance” to support the event. All you need to do is promise to help spread the word and bring food to get your organization’s link on the website.
"A main message in Music in Action’s training is – ‘If you want to distinguish yourself from the crowd, just do what you say you will do. Keep the promises you make’", said James. "President Obama addressed the nation in the same manner speaking of grassroots community based service projects." Bob James, veteran of local groups such as The Restless, The Rain, Third Floor Strangers, Big Happy Family, and Ministers of Love, has used music to reach people in creative ways. His past projects include: This Is It – Greater Buffalo's Greatest 1977-1984 compilation Cd's, War Is Over – musicians united for safe schools, Buffalo Classic Rock CD benefit for Music is Art, and Music In Action - a school based business curriculum co-authored with Robby Takac (Goo Goo Dolls & Music is Art).
Bob James went on to say that several Music In Action students have stayed connected to us since graduation, wanting more support and direction – like continuing education. “Students get inspired by our training module on ‘music activism’ and when I saw a recent news story on how the Food Bank is getting more calls these days, it all just clicked – ‘tunes4food’”, James continued. “And since I have been helping the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame develop an after-school program, their participation seemed a natural fit, knowing that veteran musicians would add decades of career skills and wisdom about activism – going back to the 1960’s.”
“We are overwhelmed by this generous offer to create a 25-hour awareness of hunger in our community through a live continuous music concert." said Marylou Borowiak, President and CEO of the Food Bank of WNY. "We hope people from throughout Western New York will come downtown during that time to enjoy some wonderful music while helping a great cause of feeding our hungry neighbors, especially the children and seniors. There will be a Food Bank truck on site throughout the 25 hours."
"The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame is happy to be involved in such a wonderful event that will bring awareness and food for people in need. This concert will feature Inductees and Veterans of The Hall of Fame and is a great use of music as the social vehicle that will bring the community together.", said Anthony Casuccio, Vice President, The Buffalo Music Hall Of Fame.
Tunes4food is an historic event where everyone can help regardless of financial status or time constraints. It is 25 hours straight beginning on Monday, June 22 at 12 noon continuous through the night until Tuesday, June 23rd at 1pm. This is a chance to give back, to help create positive change, and to model a direct plan of action for other communities and the world. In Western New York, we are most certainly the City of Good Neighbors. Distinguish yourself from the crowd. Make a difference.
Project website:
www.tunes4food.com
Alliance Leaders:
www.studentvoices.org
www.buffalomusic.org
www.musicisart.org
