In June 2012 a band called The New Seven held a benefit show for Wisconsin Foundation for School Music. They were joined by Myles Coyne & The Rusty Nickel Band, and Kevin Horrigan at Linnemans in Milwaukee.
These artists put together a night of music that was original, uplifting, explosive, nuanced and every note they played was in support of the young musicians of Wisconsin.
Read on to hear why Tony Smith and The New Seven thought that giving back was the thing to do:
The idea for putting on a benefit show was first tossed around between Jeff Purcell and I. He brought up the idea and everyone involved with the show thought it sounded great. We looked around and found plenty of worthy organizations, but I really wanted to keep it local.
I remember hearing Oscar Peterson’s “Night Train” in an early elementary school music class and was so into it that I stayed late into recess to listen to it more with my teacher. Positive early musical memories like these really pushed the reason why I wanted to give to WFSM. We want to help to keep music an important part of our schools because it might be the only place for a young mind to get exposure to anything worthwhile. Since most media outlets that children end up consuming provide little or no musical substance, we need good school programs and teachers like the one I had to advance their musical awareness.
I hope other’s will consider supporting WFSM because organizations like this help keep music an accessible positive influence on kids. Many of us have had a fundamental musical effect by a teacher or teachers in their young age whether we remember it or not, so think back on that and consider giving a bit to help other kids have that same experience.
Tony Smith and The New Seven