Music In Action: Be True - Be You June 22-23rd 2009 Niagara Square

In 2006, Bob James, Buffalo High School Students and Robby Takac of The Goo Goo Dolls began a program focused on youth leadership, music business skills and mentored training by industry professionals. The result of this program was the first Music Is Action CD, entitled: Be True, Be You.

Visiting professionals such as: Erin Roberts of The Juliet Dagger, Grammy - nominated producer, Anthony Casuccio, Biff Henrich and Grammy - winning designer from Brian Gunnert, teamed with Buffalo Public School #187 (Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts) to select artists out of 54 demos received to create a CD. The above team asked the submitting artists to fit the cause message: Be True, Be You.

Recording took place at Trackmaster Studios and Bob James' Cabin 5 Studio in Buffalo, NY. Several songs were selected and musical contributions were added by Robby Takac, Bob James, and Howard Wilson. The CD was released on GCR Records with a grassroots, anti - peer pressure call to action. Sales from this CD benefit H.E.A.R.T for Mental Health, serving Western New York Schools and features Grace Stumberg's original: Change The World.

The second Music In Action CD: Band: u pluribus unum, was released in 2008 featuring Buffalo Select Chorus. This CD was a collaboration with Buffalo Public Schools, Leadership Niagara and Lockport High School. Year two of Music is Action formed what is now - Music Is Art. The second CD proved to be successful and five common threads were discovered: Music is therapy before it becomes a career opportunity, loving and sharing music is simple; yet making music a business is complex and challenging, students and adults are looking for new ways to learn, everyone wishes to be included when it matters; but that is not always possible and the bigger vision survives when the little invisible details get covered.

Students featured on both CD's include: Grace Stumberg, Mar, Kev & Friends, Becca Montijo, Mar & Louch Productions, Ymaris Baez, Anthony Taylor, Vanessa Brown, Bethany Fonda, Miss.Interpretation, Jackie Perry, Dashuri, Marquez & Kalvin, Not Too Sure, Dan Covey, Annabelle & Zoe, and Buffalo Select Chorus.

On June 22 and 23rd, in Niagara Square, various students from both CD's, as well as many of the team members involved formed a new vision - Tunes4food. This is a 25 hour free event hosted by Buffalo musicians. This is continuous in Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY from 11am on June 22 to 1pm on June 23rd. The event is in support of The Food Bank of Western New York to aid hunger issues not only in Western New York, but all of America.

The mission statement behind this event is simple. Do what you say you will do. Please join our local artists, producers, students and community for two beautiful days in the city. A Food Bank truck will be on site for donations of canned goods and non perishable food items. Bring your pets, friends, family and children. Like the students and professionals above, the message behind both CD compilations is similar with Tunes4Food: It's a message of unity, but more a team or community sense than musical.

To perform, support, sponsor, become an alliance member (all you need to do is do what you say you will do) and simply enjoy some of our fine musicians while supporting those in need, get down to Niagara Square during two days and 25 hours.

We Can Help Stamp Out Hunger Together.

Tunes4Food: to perform, support, attend
Buffalo Rock Hall: to purchase the above CD's.
Food Bank of Western New York: to find out more about the Food Bank's involvement.
Buffalo Music Hall of Fame: to support our local musicians.

© Susan Marie
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com
New York USA 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.

Tunes4Food.com

Alliance Leaders:

StudentVoices.org
Buffalo Music Hall of Fame
MusicIsArt.org


Susan Marie
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com
New York USA 2009

Buffalo Select Chorus: Babeville: June 3, 2009

On June 3, 2009 7:30pm at Asbury Hall (Babeville), 341 Delaware Ave Buffalo, NY, Buffalo Select Chorus will host its 4th annual concert with a recording of their new CD. This is FREE and open to the public with a reception to follow.

Directed by Linda Appleby, Buffalo Select Chorus has been performing since 2005 for diverse Western New York audiences. The Chorus consists of Buffalo Public School students specializing in: gospel, jazz, classical, blues, baroque, chamber music and contemporary.

Linda Appleby, awarded "Linda Appleby Day" by City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown at the 2008 performance, is immensely dedicated to her students. Her vision began as having a dynamic chorus of students from all of the Buffalo Public High Schools to perform a mixed repertoire of music to provide professional recordings for the students college applications. She has gone far and beyond that vision with 4 CD's produced as of 2009. Linda has given the students opportunity to expand their vocal skills with certified music teachers and professional musicians.

This years special guest is Joseph Wooten, "The Hands of Soul." Wooten is the fourth brother of the quintet "The Wooten Brothers". He began organ at six and grew up playing music and opening for the likes of Curtis Mayfield, War and Stephanie Mills. Currently he tours with The Steve Miller Band, and his brother Victor Wooten.

Buffalo Select Chorus can be heard rehearsing at Babeville HERE: and HERE also, The 2008 International Youth For Human Rights Awards Ceremony HERE.

To contact Linda Appleby and purchase their music click HERE. Attend their 4th Annual Concert at Asbury Hall on June 3rd to witness the talent of our High School students. This is FREE and open to the public. Buffalo Select Chorus are undoubtedly, the most gifted teenagers I have come across.


© Susan Marie
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com
New York USA