Originally published November 12, 2010
Bradley students and alumni are helping a new charity, Music is the Medicine, get started with a benefit concert Saturday.
“We really believe this charity’s goals are right in-line with our own,” senior music business major Pat Connolly said.
The concert, titled Bluesology, will take place 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Scottish Rite Cathedral downtown.
Bluesology will trace the history and genres of blues music through time. The concert will consist of music from a large spectrum of influences including delta
blues, blue grass and even reggae.
The list of musicians includes: Dave McDonald, Pat Connolly, Andrew Turney, Wes Sedrel, Roman Paul, Andy Hatfield, John Miller and the Romaniacs, Doug Ford, Brian Stear and Stephanie Toccata.
The concert will benefit three groups, the Academy of Fretted Instruments, a non-profit organization, the River City Blues Society and Music is Medicine.
Music is the Medicine is trying to become a full-blown charity in the eyes of the government, with a goal of giving music to underprivileged students and helping link poets with musicians to make music.
The Academy of Fretted Instruments is working with River City Blues Society to help bring music to schools. River City Blues Society participates in a program called “Blues in Schools,” where they educate students about the blues and their history in America.
The Academy also goes into schools to promote different types of music.
Connolly said students do not always see certain instruments in their music classes.
“Some instruments like guitars are instruments that do not always have a place in bands and orchestras in school programs,” he said.
Connolly also works at the Academy of Fretted Instruments, which teaches anyone who wants to learn the value of music and its fundamentals.
“Our program is modeled after the programs in schools, but instead of being closed-minded like most programs with a curriculum, where you have to learn certain things, we teach what students want to learn,” Connolly said. “Because if you can play what you want, then you will play more. Our program gives students a chance to meet other students at the same levels and of the same interests and play in front of an audience. It gives the whole music experience.”
Tickets are on sale at One World Cafe, starting at $10. For more information, contact Connolly at jconnolly@mail.bradley.edu.
