Rinn Self
Communications Associate
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Kids ranging in age from 10 to 17 years old unite with music to help impoverished children around the world.
Portland, OR- On April 10th, 2009 at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Oregon, four local all-kid rock groups will “band together” to raise money for Mercy Corps’ global Children’s Programmes. The young artists, moved by the tragic conditions endured by the children depicted in the hit film, Slumdog Millionaire, were inspired to take action. They dubbed the event, Kids Rock 4 Kids.
The bands - Still Pending, Blind Einstein, The Vibrations and Social Appetite – contacted Jimi Biron, director of special events and music for McMenamin’s Crystal Ballroom, with their fundraising idea. In an unprecedented move, Mr. Biron agreed to open the Crystal on a coveted Friday night to maximize the opportunity for the bands to raise money for this worthy cause.
Still Pending (Grant – 13, Reed – 13, Andrew – 12), the youngest of the four bands, hopes to leverage their huge YouTube following (the band’s videos have been viewed over 1.7 million times) and local fan-base to draw would-be concert-goers.
Blind Einstein, headed by energetic front-man Eli (age 14), along with the other two bands, hope their devoted throngs of young followers will turn out in support of this special event. Blind Einstein’s mission, states Eli, is to “save the world with music.” He urges everyone to view the video at kidsrock4kids.org.
The Vibrations are an all-brother band with the youngest member, drummer Akiva (age 10) and the eldest, brother Otneil (age 17). Social Appetite was founded by Grant High students Karsten Topelmann and Nate Martin.
Mercy Corps is thrilled to be the beneficiary of these inspired kids’ efforts. The first 150 tickets sold will cover the cost of the venue. After that, 100% of every ticket sold will go directly to Mercy Corps. Donations may be made at www.mercycorps.org/kidsrock4kids.
The event will take place on Friday, April 10th, 2009 at the Crystal Ballroom 1332 W. Burnside, Portland, Oregon, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets cost £6 and are available at the Crystal Ballroom box office, kidsrock4kids.org or Ticketmaster outlets.
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Mercy Corps works amid disasters, conflicts, chronic poverty and instability to unleash the potential of people who can win against nearly impossible odds. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided £1 billion in assistance to people in 107 nations. Supported by headquarters offices in North America and Europe, the agency's unified global programmes employ 3,600 staff worldwide and reach nearly 16.4 million people in 37 countries.
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