So, we've made it past Labor Day weekend. It's been a summer jam packed full of music events from Abbey Road on the River to last weekend's Kentucky Country Jamboree. There's a new non-profit organization up the river in Madison, Indiana that is certainly hoping that the region has time for one more this summer, and there are kids all over that are hoping right along with them.
The River City Rock 'n Roll Festival (www.myspace.com/musiciansforall) is an all-day event featuring eight bands from Southern Indiana and Louisville that are playing for the simple cause to raise money with the aim of not only buying musical instruments for underprivileged youth, but providing them lessons from trained pros.
"A certain degree of creativity is born inside everybody," says Joe Devito, organizer of the event and head honcho at Musicians For All, "but not everybody has the chance to take it and do something productive with it. Being able to play music has made a difference in the lives of people throughout time. We're hoping to be the catalyst that gets the fire going with kids in our area."
The plans for MFA don't end on September 6 at the end of the festival. Devito says that the event itself is really just a jump start to something larger.
"Right now all we have is an idea, some plans, and some people. We have people signed up for helping us secure the instruments and we have people that can provide the lessons," Devito commented. "The missing element is money. And once we get rolling around here it shouldn't be too tough to roll it out nationwide. There are music stores, teachers, and underprivileged kids in every city in America."
The lineup of eight bands includes Devito's band Samesoul and seven others including Louisville favorite Zach Longoria. Also on the bill are Slick River Rockets, Danny Lee Graig, Bodhi and the Kung Fu Buddhists, Assorted Flavors, Local Villains, and Shaggy Wonda.
Other stuff going on includes The Dickerson Roofing "Kings of Cornhole" tournament and the RKO Enterprises Kidzone featuring rides, games and other contests.
"We call it a Rock 'n Roll Festival and music is the central theme, of course," said Devito. "But it IS a festival so we want to have something going on for anybody that is looking for some fun on a Saturday.
The festival is this Saturday, September 6 at Fireman's Park in Madison, Indiana (a scant 50 minute drive from Louisville). Tickets are $15 at the gate.
Get more scoop at www.myspace.com/musiciansforall and www.myspace.com/samesoul
