NEW ORLEANS – Seven local New Orleans recipients, chosen from thousands of kids throughout the U.S. as part of the House of Blues Music Forward Foundation’s Give Music initiative, will receive more than $8,000 in new instruments on stage at the House of Blues, 225 Decatur St., New Orleans, this Sunday, February 1, 2015, during the world-famous Gospel Brunch.
"Music has the power to create possibilities in young people's lives and we are dedicated to helping connect aspiring artists with resources that otherwise would not be available," Executive Director Marjorie Gilberg said. "Give Music is the perfect partnership between our supporters and young musicians in our local House of Blues communities."
Throughout the 2014 holiday season, Music Forward’s Give Music invited young musicians from around the country to send letters detailing what new instruments would mean for their lives. Music Forward received nearly 2,000 letters and will provide instruments valued at more than $60,000 to aspiring young musicians nationwide. All of the letter-writers will receive a special discount from Musician’s Friend towards the purchase of a new instrument.
“Each letter was unique and amazing, but so may told a similar story. Even if kids had access to an instrument, often times it was damaged, old, and shared among several students. They couldn’t take it home to practice or use it during summer and school breaks,” Gilberg said. “They weren’t able to do what they loved most: play music.”
In New Orleans, Give Music recipients will receive new instruments including a baritone saxophone, keyboards and a viola.
Give Music celebrations are being held at House of Blues venues in Anaheim, Las Vegas, Boston, San Diego, Chicago, Dallas, Houston Los Angeles, New Orleans and Orlando.
Since 1993, the House of Blues Music Forward Foundation (formerly the International House of Blues Foundation) has committed more than $20 million to support music and arts education. Music Forward is dedicated to fostering unity and creating opportunity for youth through music.
Founded in 1992, The 12 House of Blues are located throughout the United States.
