A musician in poor health is unable to work while bills stack up. Another can’t afford prescriptions. Still another needs to replace a car quickly in order to make it to gigs. Moving expenses, deposit and rent for a more accessible living space are the goals of a lifetime area performer.
Play It Forward, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit dedicated to helping musicians in times of critical need has provided financial assistance to the artists described above and many others since its inception in early 2008. As the nonprofit builds, more musicians can be helped.. Primary sources of income include private donations, proceeds from benefit concerts and collections from “PIF” Jars – tip jars that musicians take to their performances.
“We have been very well-received in the local club and concert-venue community” states Play It Forward board president Tom Kaper. “Whether it’s a small bar that’s willing to give us the cover charge or a large concert venue where we can present national shows, we’ve been able to benefit from many performances over the last few years”.
One such facility is the Madison Theater in Covington Kentucky. This historic landmark has hosted several shows for the nonprofit, including the sold-out March 2009 show featuring 14 acts from the Play It Forward compilation CD, including rock legend Peter Frampton.
With the Madison’s help once again, Play It Forward will be presenting Blues, Blues and More Blues featuring the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band on Friday, July 23rd. This performance represents a musical homecoming of sorts for Noah Hunt, lead vocalist for the Kenny Wayne Shepherd band. “Kenny and I are extremely excited to be able to perform for the people of Cincinnati in July” claims Noah. “It’ll be the first time The KWS Band has played here in about 5 years. We’ll be doing some stuff from our upcoming live and studio records, as well as a lot of old favorites.”
“I’m really excited about this show, being a native Cincinnatian and a founding member of Play It Forward” Hunt continues. “PIF is an organization dedicated to supplying aid to one of our greatest natural resources – the local musician. I hope everyone comes out and enjoys a great show that supports an even greater cause. You’ll be glad you did!”
Blues guitar fans are in for a treat as the show features two additional fire-breathing six-stringers from the Cincinnati area – Sonny Moorman and his band, the award-winning Intrepid Artists Sonny Moorman Group and Marcos Sastre with the Bluebirds Big Band – winners of the 2010 Cincinnati Blues Challenge.
Tickets are $20 in advance and on the day of show. Doors open at 6pm and music starts at 7pm. All proceeds benefit Play It Forward.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.madisontheateronline.com or call 859.491.2444. To donate or find out more about Play It Forward, visit www.pifcincy.org.
