Music events raise funds for charities
Written by Christine Senack | | christine@senackandassociates.comFor music lovers the allure of a multi-stage, weekend-long music festival is hard to refuse. Often these outdoor events take place in great summertime weather, in scenic locations and feature music than one can listen to during the course of a day. However, the enchantment often ends when one discovers the ticket price. Single day tickets to these events are often more than $80 and a weekend pass is usually $200 or more.
In Toledo two music festivals have been established that bring in well-known national acts for a modest admission fee or no fee at all enabling families to enjoy great music, spend time together outdoors and the company of fellow music fans.
Tim Yenrick, left, and Chris Kozak.
Recently the Toledo-area chapter of the American Red Cross hosted its annual event, “Smoke on the Water-Ribs for the Red Cross” featuring local bands Empire Drift, Haywire and Buck 69. The festival also headlined two national artists: the rock band,Presidents of the United States and country music singer Chuck Wicks.
Red Cross Communications Manager, Jodie Tienvieri said families enjoy the concert and supporting the work of the Red Cross.
“People are looking for something to do as a family,” said Tienvieri. “And events like this that support charities make people feel good about helping their neighbor and the community.”
Among the sponsors providing underwriting support for the event were Columbia Gas of Ohio, HCR ManorCare, Regency Hospital Company, Costco Wholesale and Crown Plaza. Media sponsors included Cumulus Radio, FoxToledo and Toledo Free Press. Corporate support enabled the Red Cross to keep the admission at three dollars for adults. In addition to providing an affordable outdoor music concert for the community, Red Cross expects to exceed last year’s proceeds for the event which totaled more than $30,000.
Attracting more than 10,000 attendees, the “Bash at the Bay” has become the region’s biggest weekend-long music festival for hiphop and R&B music. While some of the events had an admission charge, most of the festival events were free.
Hosting the main concert at Maumee Bay State Park on Sunday afternoon encouraged people get out of the city and travel to an event venue that is less than 30 miles away yet more than 50 percent of the attendees have not visited, said Hutch Daddy Dolla Bash at the Bay founder.
“This is an opportunity for me to show them that their world isn’t just pothole-filled streets and abandoned buildings,” said Hutch.
Like the Red Cross’ Smoke on the Water, this event has a purpose beyond the concert stage. As a radio personality Hutch knows he can reach some kids that parents and teachers cannot reach. He also uses his industry contacts to get celebrities to join him in giving a positive message for teens at a special meet and greet session where youth listen to the performers, meet them and get their photo taken with the celebrities.
Members of Pretty Ricky and Hutch Daddy Dolla with Myrhonda Kelly, Shantel Gray and Jasmine Gray at the Positive Peers Meet and Greet.
“Although the Bash at the Bay attracts more than 10,000 attendees, dealing with the few hundreds of kids during the Bash at the Bay Positive Peers Meet and Greet is the best part of the weekend,” Hutch said
Christine Senack is a Toledo-based consultant helping non-profit organizations, businesses and individuals work smarter for the greater good of our community. On occasion she also presents the TMZ Report on FOX Toledo News First at 4. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
Upcoming Events: Aug 15: Barefoot at the Beach. This is the annual beach party to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs. The sandy shore of Lake Erie is transformed into a tropical beach with tiki bars and palm trees. Enjoy food from local restaurants prepared beachside. Casual attire. Tickets are $100. Find out more by calling (419)241-4258 or visit barefootatthebeach.org.
