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Music is Art Announces 2nd Annual
Big Easy in Buffalo Mardi Gras Jam on Feb. 20, 2009
Marcia Ball, Papa Grows Funk & more to perform & conduct music education
Music is Art (MiA) founder and president Robby Takac today announced the 2nd Annual Music is Art Big Easy in Buffalo Mardi Gras Jam. The concert will take place on Friday February 20, 2009 (the Friday before Mardi Gras) at 6 p.m. at the Town Ballroom and will feature over six hours of music from New Orleans artists Marcia Ball, Papa Grows Funk, and Big Sam’s Funky Nation, as well as local opener Eric Crittenden & Ron Davis (Leeron Zydeco) and a student battle of the bands winner. Tickets are $25 advance ($28 at the door) and are available at the Town Ballroom box office, at 716-852-3900, and through tickets.com. Proceeds will benefit Music is Art’s programming.
“Buffalo and New Orleans are a lot alike,” Takac said. “They’re both great cities that keep going no matter what’s thrown at them, and both cities have incredible local music scenes. I’m happy we can give our community the chance to hear these great musicians. Anyone who comes to our annual Music is Art festival knows we showcase great music, so The Big Easy in Buffalo series fits perfectly with our mission.”
In addition to the concert, all the bands will take part in music education programs during the day at area high schools. “A big part of what Music is Art is about is getting students involved,” Takac explained. “The fact that these national artists will be providing instruction and sharing their experiences with the kids is just incredible.”
The Mardi Gras Jam is the latest event in The Big Easy in Buffalo series, which now also includes a radio show every other Tuesday at 8 p.m. – hosted by Music is Art Executive Coordinator Tod Kniazuk – as part of the WBFO 88.7 On The Border program. Past artists include Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Ellis Marsalis, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Grammy Award winner Terrance Simien, and Eric Lindell. The quality and diversity of the bands have gotten audiences buzzing about the series.
“The ’08 Mardi Gras Jam went for close to seven hours, and ended with about 20 musicians from all the bands on stage together performing traditional Mardi Gras music and jamming into the night,” Takac said. “This year’s lineup is just as strong and we know people are going to love it.”
Eat some chocolate, help Music is Art!
Thanks to the fine folks at Choco Logo Confectionary Design, you can help Music is Art in a very cool way.
They're currently selling Music is Art branded candy bars, nutcorn, and a special limited run concoction called "Pezzy Up The Bark" in honor of MiA founder Robby Takac and his love of all things Pez.
A portion of the proceeds on this MiA-branded product will be donated to us, so shop away!
Choco-Logo Confectionery Design is located at 141 Broadway between Elm and Michigan.
They're open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Always open online at www.chocologo.com!
You can get your MiA-branded product any time, but an especially good time to get it is this Saturday, December 13, which is Music is Art Day at Choco Logo, part of their "Chocolate is for Giving" week. That day only, a portion of ALL sales will be donated to us!
So whether it's Saturday or any day, get some good chocolate and help Music is Art!
Niagara University Named Featured Education Sponsor
of Music is Art Initiative
Niagara University has entered into a partnership with Music is Art (MiA) to be the featured educational sponsor for the 2008-2009 academic year. Founded by Robby Takac, bass guitarist of the Goo Goo Dolls, MiA seeks to enlighten and ignite a personal connection to the artistic merit and acceptance of all forms of music.
"Having Niagara University as a partner highlights the educational aspect of our mission,” said Takac. “The arts are a key to a fully realized education, and it’s great that Niagara University is teaming with us to bring music and the arts to our community.”
Niagara University will host several events on its Lewiston campus to benefit Music is Art. Among them are the February 13, 2009, Live Music Series show featuring the Beatles tribute band, BeatleMagic. Two other events involving Music is Art will be held on campus. That weekend that is being slated is Friday- Sunday, March 13, 14 and 15, 2009. All shows in the Live Music Series are from 8 to 11 p.m. in the "Under the Taps" club, Lower Level Gallagher Center. Admission is $5.00 at the door and includes free pizza and wings.
"We are very excited to be partnering with Music is Art," said Fred Heuer, assistant vice president for marketing at NU. "The program is a perfect fit with Niagara's mission in developing the whole person."
Music is Art Festival ’08 Announced for Saturday September 13
at Albright Knox Art Gallery
All day event to feature music, dance, art, dj performance and more
Music is Art Founder and President Robby Takac today announced that the annual Music is Art Festival will take place Saturday, September 13 on the grounds of the Albright Knox Art Gallery. The event is absolutely free.
“I founded Music is Art in 2003 to bring together all genres of music and to link them to the other art forms in our area,” Takac said. “What better way to show that music is art than to bring our festival to the world famous Albright Knox Art Gallery.”
The all day festival – kicking off at 11 a.m. – will take place outdoors (rain or shine) on the Lincoln Parkway side of the gallery on three stages featuring live music, dance and theatre performance. The event will also feature live art creation, displayed art and photography, a kids village, a not for profit row, and a dj performance area. The Music is Art Student Battle of the Bands winners will play on the main stage, and this year the other finalists and winner of The Big Easy in Buffalo battle will also perform.
"I am excited that Music is Art continues to do good work in the community, and I would like to congratulate Robby Takac and the entire Music is Art team for continuing this great tradition of bringing all the arts together in this festival," Albright Knox Director Louis Grachos added.
Now in its sixth year the Festival has entertained thousands and again takes its place as one of the most innovative and anticipated cultural events of the year. The festival is one of seven core programs of Music is Art, including a music instrument drive currently taking place at 18 Starbucks locations until August 17. Information on Music is Art and its programs can be found at www.musicisart.org.
“We’re happy to be partnering with the Albright Knox and we’re thrilled to have the festival back in Buffalo,” Takac concluded. “Everyone in invited to come out and join me on September 13!”
Bands
Agent ME Maria Aurigema
Bev-Beverley Chylde
Crittenden Image Performance Dali’s Ghost
Ron Davis Acid Funk Duo Family FUNKtion & The Sitar Jams
FreshGuac Gamalon
Handsome Jack A Hotel Nourishing
Inlite (student Battle of the Bands winner) Johnny Nobody
Juxtaposse Klear
Last Conservative Lazlo Hollyfeld
Mandy K The Mom And Dad Love Parade
Peanut Brittle Satellite Psuedo Intellectuals
Rhyson Hall Rhubarb
Terry Sullivan Those Idiots
Type:Relevant Wisp
ALSO AT MiA ’08. . . . . . . gEt FrAcTaLs beat gallery
11 DJs including Jubei, Marc V, Tweak Nasty, dharmalab, DJ Brandon Chase and amungus . . . w/ special guest MCs and Vocalists throughout the day . . . .
w/ Dance Exhibitions featuring:
Amy Lynn's Dance Studio Bella Dea Bellydancing
Center for Dance Motivation Future Dance Center
Hamburg Performing Arts Ilya's Bellydancing
Janet Dunstan's School of Dance Rince Na Tiarna School of Irish Dance
Stacy Zawadski's ECNAD Dance
…And More!
2008 Music is Art Instrument Drive Concert Series
Hamburg 8/2 8-10 p.m. TJ Zindle of Last Conservative
3540 McKinley Parkway Blasdell, NY 14219
Lockport 8/5 7-9 p.m. Davey O of 53 Days
5774 South Transit Rd Lockport, NY 14094
Galleria Palms 8/6 7-9 p.m. Anatara
Galleria Mall (2nd floor) Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Delaware & Kenmore 8/8 6-7 a.m. Donna Andreef & Winney Bergner
2730 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14217
Elmwood 8/8 7-9 p.m. Still Fighting It
933 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo, NY 14222
East Aurora 8/9 3-5 p.m. Alison Pipitone
160 Main Street E. Aurora, NY 14052
Eastview Plaza 8/9 8:30-10 p.m. Doug Yeomans
8250 Transit Rd. Williamsville, NY 14221
Transit & French 8/10 2-4 p.m. Ellen West
4770 Transit Road Depew, NY 14043
Delaware & Chippewa 8/12 8-10 p.m. Ali Critelli w/Frank Grizanti
235 Delaware Ave Buffalo, NY 14202
Transit Commons 8/14 7-9 p.m. Grace Stumberg
9660 Transit Road E. Amherst, NY 14051
Main Street 8/15 8-10 p.m. TBA
5429 Main Street Williamsville, NY 14221
Jamestown 8/17 1-3 p.m. Dee Adams
944 Fairmont Avenue Jamestown, NY 14701
Sites not hosting concerts (but still participating in the drive)
Walden & Anderson - 1775 Walden Avenue Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Galleria Kiosk - Galleria Mall (1st floor)
Williamsville Place - 5395-5495 Sheridan Drive Williamsville, NY 14221
University Plaza - 3500 Main Street Amherst, NY 14226
UB Commons - 520 Lee Entrance Amherst, NY 14228
Niagara Falls Blvd. - 1703 Niagara Falls Boulevard Amherst, NY 14228
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2008 Music is Art Instrument Drive Concert Series Announced
August 2-17 at 18 Starbucks locations
Starbucks and Music is Art (MiA) today announced the concert lineup for the 2008 Music is Art instrument drive taking place August 2 through August 17 at 18 Starbucks locations in Erie, Niagara, and Chautauqua Counties. The drive collects gently used and new music instruments that will be cleaned, refurbished, and placed in area schools.
“We just couldn’t do a Music is Art event without the music,” MiA Founder and President Robby Takac said. “So at 12 Starbucks locations during the drive you’ll be able to hear some great acoustic music in a variety of genres.”
The series will include several Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductees including Alison Pipitone, Anatara, and Doug Yeomans. Other performers include TJ Zindle of Last Conservative, Davey O of 53 Days, Donna Andreef & Winney Bergner, Still Fighting It, Ali Critelli w/Frank Grizanti, Ellen West, Grace Stumberg, and Dee Adams.
While there will be concerts at 12 area Starbucks, the instrument drive will take place at a total of 18 stores. “We’re proud to team up with Robby and Music is Art for this important effort,” Starbucks District Manager Joe Rizzo added. “Starbucks works to have a positive effect on our community, and the instrument drive is a great way to do that.”
Gently used and new instruments can be dropped off at the Starbucks locations for the duration of the drive, and donations are tax deductible. Music is Art will clean and refurbish the instruments with help from a donation from the Starbucks Make Your Mark Foundation. Instruments will then be donated to area public, private, parochial, and charter schools.
A full list of locations and concerts can be found at www.musicisart.org.
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Music is Art & Starbucks announce 2008 Instrument Drive
August 2-17 at 18 Starbucks locations
Starbucks and Music is Art (MiA) today announced the 2008 Music is Art instrument drive will take place August 2 through August 17 at 18 Starbucks locations in Erie, Niagara, and Chautauqua Counties. The drive collects gently used and new music instruments that will be cleaned, refurbished, and placed in area schools.
“This is the third time Music is Art had done an instrument drive, but the first time we’ve made it a two week event in so many locations,” MiA Founder and President Robby Takac said. “Thanks to Starbucks, people from all over Western New York will be able to take part in the drive and help their area schools.”
“We’re proud to team up with Robby and Music is Art for this important effort,” Starbucks District Manager Joe Rizzo added. “Starbucks works to have a positive effect on our community, and the instrument drive is a great way to do that.”
Gently used and new instruments can be dropped off at the Starbucks locations for the duration of the drive, and donations are tax deductible. Music is Art will clean and refurbish the instruments with help from a donation from the Starbucks Make Your Mark Foundation. Instruments will then be donated to area public, private, parochial, and charter schools.
In addition, there will be special concerts at 12 of the locations, and those donating instruments will get a coupon for a future purchase at Starbucks.
“So far Music is Art has collected and placed over $200,000 in refurbished instruments into the schools, and teaming up with Starbucks we’re looking forward to adding significantly to that number,” Instrument Drive Coordinator and Music is Art Board member Bob Mussell concluded.
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FESTIVAL 2008
06/12/2008
Saturday, September 13 - Albright Knox Art Gallery - Buffalo!
11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
(more to come, stay tuned)
We're back...
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Battle of the Bands Winner chosen
04/11/2008
As the winner, Inlite gets a mainstage performace at the 2008 Music Is Art Festival, as well as a professional photo shoot by national music photographer Bob Mussell and an autograped Goo Goo Dolls guitar.
The other five finalists also received good news. For making it to the finals they will get side stage slots at the MiA festival.
Thanks to the Buffalo Sabres, the bands, their teachers and schools, and all our volunteers for making this year's Battle a success.
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Bands for April 10 Battle Chosen
04/07/2008
The six finalists competing for a mainstage spot at the 2008 Music Is Art Festival are:
Amberwood - Sweet Home Senior High School
Inlite - Grand Island High School
Letterset - St. Mary's High School
Reaction - St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute
Rock.Ed - West Seneca West
The Sleepless City – Grand Island High School
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Hard Rock MiA Concert a huge success!
03/23/2008
On March 20 the Hard Rock Cafe in Niagara Falls hosted the "March on Stage" concert to benefit Music Is Art. At the end of the night, Hard Rock General Manager Dominic Verni presented MiA with a check for $3,000.
On behalf of Robby and everyone at MiA, thanks to Dominic and the whole Hard Rock crew for their hospitality.
Thanks to the performers - Agent Me, Wenzday Atemz, Klear, and Son of Sons.
Thanks to 103.3 The Edge for helping to get the word out.
Most of all, a special thanks to everyone who came to the show and supported us and had a great time.
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WE'VE MOVED!
03/12/2008
New info:
Music Is Art
450 Masten Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14209
716.816.4224 phone
716.888.7136 fax
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MiA Receives PTA Award
10/08/2007
Music Is Art will receive the annual Comunity Service Award from the New York State Western Region PTA.
Each year, the Western Region PTA forms a committee representing 65 schools, working in cooperation with PTA presidents and school principals. This committee meets to nominate an organization which they believe shares a mission statement similar to that of the PTA - "Every child deserves excellence in education and in quality of life; the PTA will maintain its commitment and service to all children through increased parent and community awareness, advocacy, education and involvement."
On October 11, 2007, the Community Service Award will be presented at their annual Presidents and Principals Dinner. Those attending will be school superintendents, principals, educators and parents from PTA units from Buffalo and its suburban school districts throughout Western New York. This year, the dinner will be held at Samuel's Grande Manor in Williamsville at 6:00 p.m.
Music Is Art is honored to be recognized for our efforts in trying to make a real difference in the lives of children and the community.
Buffalo Alliance for Education Honors MiA
10/08/2007
The Buffalo Alliance for Education has honored Music Is Art as part of their 14th Annual Mayor's Commitment to Education "Community Gold Award."
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown is presenting Music Is Art with the award at their luncheon on October 22, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency.
According to the Alliance, this annual event allows us to highlight outstanding partnerships and students in the Buffalo Public schools. Held in the Fall, this event helps to jump-start excitement in the schools and invigorate all who work with our children.
Music Is Art is proud to be recognized for our work in the Buffalo schools through Music In Action, the High School Awareness Tour, our instrument drives, and The Big Easy in Buffalo.
Thanks to the Alliance and the Mayor for this honor!
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Music is Art 2nd Annual
Big Easy in Buffalo Mardi Gras Jam
Click here for details!
