“Grounded in Music” Benefit makes it a Musical Night to Remember at the Gibson Showroom

Wednesday night at the Gibson Guitar Showroom in South Austin, Grounded in Music’s 2012 Benefit Concert line-up brought us some big names in Country music. Jack Ingram headlining and co-headlining was Hayes Carll. Savannah Berry opened the show, which was then kicked off with a performance by Grounded in Music’s young students and beneficiaries. An inspiring night of music and a rare opportunity to see some of these performers in an intimate setting.

Photo by Christine Lucas

Jack and Hayes have a great rapport and shared some funny stories with us about growing up in the same suburb in north Houston.

Jack Ingram and Hayes Carll. Photo by Christine Lucas

Hayes Carll and Jack Ingram. Photo by Christine Lucas

Read more about these artists at: http://www.hayescarll.com  and  http://www.jackingram.net

Savannah Berry is just 17 years old and a native of Houston, Texas. A powerful and graceful performer, no doubt we will be hearing a lot more from her.

Savannah Berry. Photo by Christine Lucas

When I spoke with Savannah Berry about why she wanted to be a part of the Grounded in Music Benefit, she said “I wanted to do something good for kids and this benefit spoke to my heart”. “If she had not had music in her own life as a creative outlet, she wouldn’t have had the rich life experiences that come from this passion”. She believes “music brings a heart to heart connection to people and it is a great honor to be a part of this benefit”. Savannah Berry is a testament that music does shape lives.

See a video clip from her performance here. 

You can read more about Savannah Berry at http://savannahberrymusic.com

Blog by Lucas

“Grounded in Music” is transforming young lives through music

Sometimes something special comes along that strikes a chord within us. The other night, I had such an experience. All of us who love music, know how important it’s been in our lives. Now there is an organization that is using the universal language and power of music to transform lives.

Grounded in Music (GIM) is an organization that purposes to do just that. Founder,Joe Stallone, is bringing his vision to life in Austin, the heart of the nation’s vibrant music scene. He has comprised a group of music industry veterans who are on a mission to help transform lives of young children through music. These are children who might not otherwise have access to mentors, instruments or the beneficial effects of music. Launched in 2007, this non-profit is making a name for itself.

“These kids are learning that they can do anything they set their mind to and developing the confidence to push themselves to achieve things they never thought they could” – Joe Stallone

Joe is also a top entertainment lawyer and a professor at Austin Community College, teaching the Legal Aspects of the Music Industry. Having friends and clients in the industry, make him ideally suited to have spear-headed Grounded in Music. His enthusiasm is winning over the support of musicians and collaborators all the time. In the middle of successful fund raising event Wednesday evening at the Gibson Guitar Showroom, (forgive the room noise), I had a few moments to sit with Joe and talk about what motivates and inspires his work.

Grounded in Music is an organization of committed and compelling individuals doing good work. Proceeds from this benefit will be used to purchase musical instruments and provide mentoring for under-served youth at the Boys and Girls Club in Austin. For more information about Grounded in Music, please visit: www.groundedinmusic.org

Blog by Lucas