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Band Together and Kidznotes Partnership Raises $1 Million

Bookmark and Share Raleigh, N.C. - May 18, 2016

Under a clear blue sky on Saturday May 14, Band Together kicked off one of its most successful concerts to date, featuring Trampled By Turtles, The Devil Makes Three and Dr. Bacon. At the end of the night, more than 4,500 concertgoers at Red Hat Amphitheater watched as Band Together presented a check for more than $1 million for its yearlong partnership with Kidznotes.

Band Together NC, a Triangle-based organization that uses live music as a platform for social change, has become the largest charitable music event in the Southeast since its inception in 2001. Including this weekend’s event, the organization has raised more than $6.5 million for the Triangle community to date.

Progressive bluegrass band Trampled By Turtles headlined the show, joined by the Americana band The Devil Makes Three. Dr. Bacon, winner of the 2016 Last Band Standing event, opened the concert – a highlight for the rising band from Western North Carolina.

“Saturday was a beautiful night for music, fun, friends, and a great celebration of our yearlong partnership with Kidznotes,” said Matt Strickland, executive director of Band Together. “We’ve raised a million dollars to positively change students’ lives in Raleigh and Durham. And I am grateful for the hard work of our dedicated volunteers, the generosity of our donors and sponsors, and the support of a music-loving community.”

Proceeds raised this year will go towards expanding Kidznotes programs in Raleigh and Durham. Kidznotes introduces children to classical music by providing 10 hours of music instruction each week free of charge to all participants. But more than that, Kidznotes uses music as a catalyst for change.

“We are honored to have spent the last year in partnership with Band Together and to have exceeded our shared goal,” said Katie Wyatt, executive director and co-founder of Kidznotes. “Thanks to the event, volunteers and our amazing fundraisers, we will double the number of students enrolled next year. Kidznotes and our system of El Sistema-inspired orchestras, choirs and bands will be able to change the life trajectory of 450 students annually by the 2016-17 school year.”

Band Together would not be able to raise substantial funds or host events of this scale without the generous support of corporate partners in the community such as their Title Sponsor, First Citizens Bank. Included among the hundreds of additional sponsors are VIP Party Sponsors Atlantic BT, the Michael and Laura Brader-Araje Foundation, Cargill, S&A Communications, the Ann C. & C. Hamilton Sloan Family Foundation, and Eschelon Experiences. For a full list, go to https://www.bandtogethernc.org/ways-to-give/current-years-sponsor/.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to the hard work of our Band Together volunteers and leaders, especially our event co-chairs Cari Swann, Christina Coffey and Bo Heath,” said Strickland. “Our board of directors and advisory board were also instrumental in helping us meet our fundraising goal and for providing the support we need to organize such a successful event.”

In 2017, Band Together will partner with the YMCA of the Triangle on at least three signature live music events in the Triangle, all in support of the transformative Southeast Raleigh Promise Project. To learn more about Band Together’s previous nonprofit partners or their events, visit www.bandtogethernc.org, become a fan on Facebook or follow @bandtogethernc on Twitter.

Press Contact

Contact: Leah Brown
Email: leahbrown@sacommunications.com
Phone: 919-377-9566