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Plans Underway for Second Annual “Sing to Stop” Domestic Violence Benefit Concert
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
James Buckley
724.882.0407
or jamesbuckley@lastbigthingproductions.com
Image 1: Sing to Stop Domestic Violence Benefit Poster; [Click image for larger view]
PLANS UNDERWAY FOR SECOND ANNUAL “SING TO STOP”
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BENEFIT CONCERT
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BENEFIT CONCERT
PITTSBURGH, PA (PittsburghNewsWire.com) — The excitement grows as preparations are underway for the second annual Sing to Stop Domestic Violence Concert on Saturday, July 14th, 2-10pm at Nied’s Hotel Outdoor Amphitheater, 5438 Butler St. The concert will raise public awareness of domestic violence, an issue affecting women from all socioeconomic and racial/ethnic backgrounds. Proceeds will benefit two local nonprofit organizations, Alle-Kiski Area Hope Center, and Center for Victims, along with a national nonprofit, Songbird Sings. This free event will also feature a silent auction. Nied’s Hotel will be taking food and drink orders from the menu. James Buckley, organizer and promoter of the event, feels strongly about the need to educate the public. He says, “Learning the warning signs are of the utmost importance, as well as knowing what to do next. This knowledge may save a life.”
In addition to six returning musical acts, rock music pioneer Robin Lane will join the lineup. Lane and her band, The Chartbusters, lit up the Boston music scene in the late 70’s and early 80’s, fueling their rise to national recognition. Their hit song, When Things Go Wrong, was the featured at the top of the second hour of MTV’s first day on air in 1981. Prior to forming the Chartbusters, the sultry-voiced Lane sang backup with Neil Young. “We are delighted to have this iconic performer joining us,” says Buckley.
Lane’s appearance at Sing to Stop Domestic Violence is not just another gig for the veteran rocker. Lane, a trauma survivor, is now reaching out to help others though her national nonprofit organization, Songbird Sings. Its mission is closely aligned to the other nonprofits benefitting from the event. Lane explains, “Music is a healing force. Songbird Sings is dedicated to helping people work through and recover from traumatic experiences. Our songwriting workshops help transform those who’ve been silenced by domestic violence, sexual exploitation, childhood abuse, and the horrors of war.”
“Sing to Stop” also welcomes the return of local musical favorites Donna O, Laurie Fox, Jessica Bitsura, Scheer Element featuring Rachel B., Told Ya So featuring Cathleen Ireland, and The Sisters of Song featuring Miss Freddye, Stevee Wellons, Cheryl Rinovato and Jeannie Shook. Many are performing for the second time at this annual event. Another local favorite, MOJO The Band featuring Mary Jane Smittle, will join the lineup.
An exciting new feature has been added to this year’s event. New York-based contemporary artist, Brendan Clancy, will be painting live during the concert. The artist will donate the painting to the silent auction. Clancy says helping stop domestic violence is important to him. At age sixteen, Clancy left a broken home situation and developed friendships with other kids and young adults that were on the streets, often because of domestic abuse. “It broke my heart that these most beautiful souls were completely undeserving of the punishment given to them, “Clancy explains. “The abuse does a lot more than physical damage, it changes the way people see themselves. Real support for victims can do a lot of good for some very deserving people.”
Clancy’s work has been compared to that of Ernst, Rauschenberg, and Rothko. Based in upstate New York, Clancy has spent the past several years building an art gallery that will also serve as a studio and retreat for artists. Clancy will also donate a portion of his proceeds from an exclusive one-day-only gallery exhibition in Pittsburgh. Details of the exhibition will be released soon.
Buckley says he is grateful for the work done by the all-volunteer planning committee, which includes a group of locals known as The Angels. According to The Angels’ Founder, Trisha Higgins, the volunteer group has a simple yet far-reaching mission, “We play a small part that makes a BIG difference to so many.” The Angels are responsible for preparing auction baskets, soliciting charitable contributions, and many other tasks involved in a successful fundraiser. “The Angels are true workhorses for great causes and benefits in the Pittsburgh area,” says Buckley. “When The Angels are involved, I never have to worry about the tasks that they manage. Their value is immeasurable”
Buckley is also grateful to announce that his year’s event will again be sponsored by local radio stations, WYEP and WESA and numerous community and other local Pittsburgh businesses. Buckley says, “We can only help others when we have support from the community.”
For information on donating, volunteering, or sponsoring this event, contact James Buckley 724.882.0407 or jamesbuckley@lastbigthingproductions.com
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