REDDING, CT -- In response to Connecticut's budget crisis, which has severely impacted students' access and exposure to music education and the arts, Connecticut-based nonprofits SpreadMusicNow and Band Together CT have announced a benefit concert in support of music education on November 4th.
The concert, CT Rocks! A Rock N' Roll Party for Music Education, will feature arena rock hits from the 70's and 80's performed by the Band Together CT All-Stars and special guests. Concert-goers can party all night to classics from the Rolling Stones, The Eagles, Bon Jovi and more. A student ensemble will also perform - a truly special part of the evening - since the rock ensemble will be selected from local public schools in partnership with Little Kids Rock.
All proceeds from the event will go towards rebuilding specific music education programs that have been impacted by budget cuts as well as towards filling overall gaps in statewide music education funding.
In addition to raising funds through the concert, SpreadMusicNow and Band Together CT are calling on community members to rally awareness and financial support to the cause. They are also putting "their money where their music is" – ensuring that all funds raised will be matched by local philanthropists in conjunction with Fairfield County's Community Foundation.
"We can't sit by and let our kids feel the pain of these cuts," said Richard J. Wenning, SpreadMusicNow co-founder and director. "Music education is simply too important. If the state's not going to come through, then it's up to us as citizens and nonprofits to close these opportunity gaps."
"If you believe in the life-changing benefits of music education," added Rob Fried, Band Together CT's co-founder and musical director, "then get friends, family and everyone you know to support our cause here and help SpreadMusicNow and Band Together CT transform children's lives and build stronger, more vibrant communities."
Event Information:
WHAT: CT Rocks! SpreadMusicNow's Benefit Concert for Music Education featuring Band Together CT
WHEN: Saturday, November 4, 2017, 6:00 PM
WHERE: Fairfield Theatre Company, Stage One, 70 Sanford Street, Fairfield CT 06824
TICKETS: https://fairfieldtheatre.org/shows/stageone/ct-rocks-benefit-concert-music-education
DONATIONS: https://www.spreadmusicnow.org/donate/ or write a check payable to "SpreadMusicNow Fund" and mail it to: Fairfield County's Community Foundation, 40 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854. (We'll also be offering live text donations at the event! Visit our website and social channels for the latest information and special code.)
About SpreadMusicNow
SpreadMusicNow invests in music education for under-served youth, helping to shape their futures and build lifelong success. SpreadMusicNow has made nearly $1 million in grants to music education programs in Connecticut and beyond. The SpreadMusicNow Fund is administered by Fairfield County's Community Foundation.
About Band Together CT
Band Together CT unites a network of talented musicians and artists with nonprofit organizations to raise funds for children and families in need of a helping hand. Each benefit concert produced by Band Together CT is a unique and wonderful testament to the generosity of the human spirit. Band Together CT has helped raise over $2.6 million for local charities and families.
About Fairfield County's Community Foundation
Fairfield County's Community Foundation promotes philanthropy that creates change through innovative and collaborative solutions to critical issues impacting Fairfield County. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds or contribute to existing funds. The Community Foundation has awarded over $212 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond. As a trusted nonprofit partner and thought leader, Fairfield County's Community Foundation brings together community organizers, business experts and philanthropists to solve our region's challenges.
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Contact:
Richard Wenning
SpreadMusicNow
rich@spreadmusicnow.org
Websites: www.spreadmusicnow.org; www.bandtogetherct.com; www.fccfoundation.org