Music Aid Northwest presents “Rockers, Suits, the Kids Jam”

EVENT NOTICE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Danille Turissini, Music Aid Northwest, danillet@gmail.com or 360-301-4134 (www.musicplates.org or www.musicaidnorthwest.org)

Music Aid Northwest presents “Rockers, Suits, the Kids Jam” featuring Mike Huckabee on Bass

Redmond Old Fire House Teen Center will host benefit concert in support of music program in schools

REDMOND – On Thursday, May 22, 2008, at 7pm, the Old Fire House Teen Center, 16510 NE 79th St., Redmond, will host “Rockers, Suits, the Kids Jam”, a cross-cultural benefit music event sponsored by Music Aid Northwest. The evening will mark the third in a series of community outreach and promotional concerts in support of “Music Plates”, a Music Aid Northwest Washington State specialty license plate project to fund music programs in schools. The event will also serve as the launching point for the Music Plates website at www.musicplates.org.

The headliner for the evening will be the former governor of Arkansas and former 2008 presidential primary contender Mike Huckabee. When asked why a politician, and why Huckabee, Music Aid Northwest (MAN) President Bob Tomberg was quick to point out that MAN is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and the event is not political in nature. However, he also noted the license plate endeavor will require legislative approval, as well as collecting 3500 signatures and raising $35,000 in Washington State Department of Licensing start-up fees before lawmakers will even consider the proposal. Signature sheets are available for download at www.musicplates.org.

According to Tomberg, “As Governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee successfully passed legislation guaranteeing a music and art education for all students. We hope to see the same thing happen here in Washington.” In 2007, Huckabee was presented with the Music for Life Award by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) for his commitment to music education.

Tomberg said, "Our goal in holding this event is to bring people from all walks of life together to make music. It’s truly going to be a cross-cultural event with national politicians, international rock stars, students, as well as journeyman musicians, melding their talents to promote music education in the schools. We are grateful that Mr. Huckabee has agreed to support our project." Tomberg is the guitarist and manager of the pop/rock band Shelley and the Curves. He is also a dentist with a private practice in Bellevue.

Huckabee has been playing bass since he was 12. He is so convinced about the benefits of music, he doesn’t think he would have made it to governor had it not been for music in his life.

According to Huckabee, “Music students do better at math, language studies, every other field of studies and they are better equipped for life. Music teaches the discipline to study and helps students gain self-confidence and learn about teamwork as they realize every piece of the band is important. Music kept me focused and provided me with the disciplines to be a successful governor. It’s something I’m very passionate about. It’s terrific that Music Aid Northwest is championing this cause in Washington State. I’m happy to endorse their efforts and I’m looking forward to an awesome event,” he said.

Huckabee formed his own rock band in 1996 called Capitol Offense. In addition to a line up of resident youth musicians, Huckabee will be joined on stage at the Redmond Teen Center by Tomberg; Alan White, MAN board member, best known for his legendary drumming for Yes, as well as his work with former Beatles, George Harrison and John Lennon; Shelly Tomberg, MAN board member, lead singer for Shelly and the Curves; Reek Havok, MAN board member, known for his pioneering work in electronic percussion and studio electronics, he will spin a mix of progressive house music on deck with recent University of Washington grad and Seattle club DJ Dave Airborne. The event is expected to draw the support of other local and national talent as well.

The public is invited. Music teachers, students and parents are encouraged to attend. Suggested donation $20 at the door. Music Aid Northwest is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. For more information, please visit www.musicplates.org or www.musicaidnorthwest.org, or call Ken Wong, Redmond Teen Programs Director, 425-556-2320.

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