Organizers: Stacy DeHart, Jim Friscia
Gulfsongs Press Release #1 – 6/24/2010
Gulfsongs Press Release #2 – 7/12/2010
In times of need, musicians are always among the first to respond to provide support. Gulfsongs Oregon will be a series of music performance events to benefit selected non-profit organizations actively involved in recovery and assistance efforts. These concerts will provide not only financial support, but positive outlets for the frustration and feeling of helplessness many are trying to express.
Purpose
To raise money to help support the people of the coastal areas of the North Gulf region, particularly on the Louisiana coast, who are directly affected by the ongoing BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Every day we see the unfolding impact of the spill … from loss of wildlife and habitat, to jobs and income (and potentially an entire way of life) being lost due to the closing of coastal fisheries, to significant human health issues that result from both the oil and the cleanup efforts. The residents of the Gulf region are going to be struggling from this tragedy for a long time to come. The purpose of these “performance events” is to help financially support the established aid organizations already in place in that region and the ongoing relief efforts in the local communities, as well as show the rest of the country that the Pacific Northwest is concerned and supportive of those hurt by this disaster.
Goals
- Increase awareness of the human and environmental impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
- Engage and mobilize the broad spectrum of the Northwest musical community in an effort to show solidarity and support for the people of the Gulf Coast.
- Provide opportunity for the public to make a direct donation to effective relief organizations and to feel they are contributing to efforts that will address the dire effects of this disaster on the people of the Gulf Coast.
- Secure dates at as many venues in the Portland and Eugene markets as are willing to participate. (There are similar events being organized by others in Seattle)
- Garner sponsorship/underwriting from corporations and other organizations so that entertainers/performers would be compensated at least in part for their efforts.
Scope:
Multiple events (15+) will be scheduled with at 8-12 venues that span the musical genres of Folk/Americana, Jazz, Blues, Punk/Indie and Rock. In this way it is hoped that fans of performers in each genre will find an event to attend or in which they would want to be involved. The date range will be spread out over the course of the summer and into the fall as venue and performer schedules allow. An ongoing series will help to continually stress the devastation that is occurring to the environment, and thereby the local communities and economies. Money will be raised via suggested admission and opportunities to directly contribute to the selected organizations. Event costs will be kept to the minimum for venues and marketing. Though many musicians are willing to provide their services at no cost, underwriting will be sought to provide at least a minimal fee to the artists to acknowledge their contribution to the effort.
Organizers
Stacy L.DeHart is a long time Oregon resident, works for The University of Oregon Knight Library and owns Perfect Pitch Booking, LLC.
Jim Friscia writes Jim ’s Music Notes a blog about live music in Portland. He is also a communications studies instructor for the University of Phoenix and education technology consultant.
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