Dress Up, Dance and Donate – Local Artists Host Benefit Saturday

In January, readers learned a little about local musician Bryan Morris and the Fare Thee Well Foundation, an organization “committed to spreading the spirit of 'philanthromusicality' - the fusion of philanthropy and music,” cites the charity's website.

Jamie Hood, another local musician and active Fare Thee Well member had this to say about the organization: “The mission of Fare Thee Well is pretty simple - to do good things through music...[This] past year, Fare Thee Well supported the Pepperland Music Camp for Kids, as well as several other charities. We also played a part in raising a significant amount of money for a Stone Mountain child who was badly burned in an accident back in June of 2010.”

Many local artists support Fare Thee Well, working collectively to promote their charitable philosophy and raise funds for those in need. One of the organization's major fundraiser events is on the calendar at Tucker's Moonshadow Tavern for this Saturday – March 5, 2010.

“The Mardi Gras Ball is a perfect example [of the good we strive to do through music],” Hood says; “three bands get to have a great time playing music while raising a good bit of money. We probably average one of these types of events a quarter, and we're always so happy with outcome.”

The shindig kicks off at 9:00 p.m. with musician Kate Morrissey. Electric Codpiece plays at 10:15 and The Squirrelheads at midnight. It's only $5 dollars at the door (although Fare Thee Well would welcome any and all additional contributions), and “costumery, buffoonery, great music and an awesome time [can be expected],” says Hood.

He continues, “Proceeds from the Mardi Gras ball will help fund the 2011 Fare Thee Well Foundation Pepperland Music Camp Scholarship. The Scholarship will send a child to the two-week music and nature camp who might not otherwise be afforded the incredible opportunity.”

The Pepperland Music Camp is happening July 10 – 22, 2011; “One primary focus for this year's camp will be how music moves through our bodies. We will offer young people an opportunity to tune in to their own inner musician through a variety of activities that will enhance every camper's skills, whether they have previous experience or are looking for new horizons. Our inspiration comes from tuning into the song of our environment,” cites the nonprofit's website. Other activities, such as creative dance, yoga, arts and swimming are on the schedule, as well. “Instructors plan to lead the kids through a unique experience in music by helping them tune in to their own inner musician and learn to freely express themselves through music, movement, and art,” notes the website.

Help send a child to this wonderful camp by attending the upcoming benefit show, but if you can't get out this weekend and want to support, you can donate here. 

Fare Thee Well's annual Mardi Gras benefit recap:

When: Saturday - March 5, 2011

Where: Tucker's Moonshadow Tavern

Who's playing: Kate Morrissey, Electric Codpiece and The Squirrelheads

Why attend: proceeds from the event help send a child to the Pepperland Music Camp, plus, it's a wonderful excuse to dress up and dance!

How much: $5 dollars at the door

“To be able to put on events like this, have a great time with wonderful people, hear some fantastic music and at the end of the day, do something good for the community - that's the meaning of blessed in my book,” Hood concluded.