Musicians Stepping Up to Help Americans in Need

All over America, musicians are stepping up to help out charitable causes.

In a time when people are hurting, homeless or needing food, it is the task of all of us to help each other. Musicians know this, and they are responding.

For instance, members of rock group Widespread Panic Todd Nance and Domingo "Suuny" Ortiz spent Monday at a music store in Savannah greeting fans and collecting canned goods for America's Second Harvest. The group has been helping out local food banks for about 10 years, according to Nance.

Last weekend (it is October 5, 2011 as I write this), Robin Hood, the largest private poverty-fighter in New York, raised over $7 million for New Yorkers in need. The proceeds were from a Blackeyed Peas concert in Central Park on Friday night and ticket proceeds from Sting's 25th anniversary/ 60th birthday concert at the Beacon Theatre on Saturday. Every penny will go to support homeless shelters, food banks, health clinics and job training programs, according to the press release by Robin Hood.

That same weekend, The Life is Good Festival in Canton, MA raised $1 million to help children overcome violence, and extreme poverty, and live healthier, more joyful lives. According to the official press release,

"Ray LaMontagne, The Avett Brothers, Michael Franti and Spearhead, The Levon Helm Band, Robert Randolph and the Family Band,Martin Sexton, Raphael Saadiq, Ingrid Michaelson and The
Hold Steady were among the many acts that delivered high-energy, crowd-pleasing performances. Brandi Carlile and The Levon Helm Band were joined by The Boston Pops for portions of their individual sets."

Still in that same batch of press releases in my email, there was an announcement for the upcoming Better Life Foundation with 3 Doors Down and Seether at The Horseshoe Casino in Tunica, MS on November 19th. The Better Life Foundation is 3 Doors Down's foundation and it supports children's charities. This is their 9th benefit concert to raise funds for the foundation. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.

All of this news came out of one email digest of music press releases except for the Widespread Panic story, which came from WSAV.com in Savannah via Google alert! Four stories about musicians doing good work for the needy in one day is inspiring and uplifting news in my book!

Kudos to all the musicians and other entertainers out there helping, and may they be role models us all.