Hi and welcome to our ninth newsletter.
It has been a while since our last newsletter sent last August, 2001. So much has transpired in the world since then. My personal world certainly has been greatly affected as has, I'm sure, all of yours. In spite of all that has transpired, and the resulting turn of attention and focus, many of our '1 of 52' artists have been able to shift/keep their attention on the prevailing issues of hunger and poverty.
We had some remarkable CD release events (they're all posted up on the website to check out). The initial wave of CD sales at these events and from the resulting press we received, went very well, then dropped way off as soon as the events wrapped up. I then tested retail and Internet sales, but found there was not nearly enough of 'The Machine' behind making these sales happen. However, we have had some interesting new marketing ideas presented to us recently that we'll explore. The CD itself is remarkable and its life/potential has nowhere near been realized. Another wave of support is being rallied behind it now. Watch for upcoming details. If you don't already have 'The Time Is Now' CD, they can be purchased through our website as well as select retail outlets listed there.
On this note, we also have 1 of 52 artists producing new CD's to benefit hunger agencies including the Artist Hunger Network. Dave McLean of Skinny Devil Music in KY has produced a CD called 'Hunger'. Chuck Smith will be debuting a CD from his new label, Spirit of Bethel Records, entitled 'Chakulla'. Availability will be linked/posted on our site.
Also on the positive side - we have been slowly, but surely (and that is what this program is all about, slow, sure progress) gathering artists from around the country who have been finding our concept appealing and signing on as '1 of 52' in their sate. We now have 1 of 52 Chapters up and running in 17 states as well as DC. It is only a matter of time before we reach a major milestone of being up and running in all 50 states - then well on our way of 52 hunger artists/activist in every state. Can a continental jump be far behind?
True to form, we do have some great 1 of 52 Hunger Events coming up right through the holidays. (See Website for more details). If you have any upcoming '1 of 52' AHN Events that I'm not aware of/listed here, please email me with as many details as possible.
Thanks! Steve Maciel, Director.
PROVIDENCE, RI, 10/5 @ 2pm: Kancer Hed Presents Hed Fest Benefit! FREE with cans goods for AHN/RICFB. $5 otherwise! At AS220 in Providence, RI, AS220.org. Bands include Strait Laced, Come September, Useless, Bled, Carrion, Kancer Hed, and more!
BETHEL, NY, 10/13: At the original site of Woodstock, Chuck Smith and dozens of artists, local businesses, schools and officials are holding a 'Singing Out For Food' event. Sullivan County food pantries will benefit from this multi function event that will feature music, a farmers market and children's entertainment. Other Spirit of Bethel recording artists performing are EC Lorick, Gaia Wolf and Clint Partridge along with Chuck.
MONTCLAIR, NJ, 10/9 @ 7pm: Internationally renowned singer-songwriter Kasim Sulton, best known for his work with Todd Rundgren/Utopia, Meat Loaf, Joan Jett, and Hall & Oates has joined forces with the '1 of 52' Artist Hunger Network and Bloomfield Avenue Cafe & Stage to support local hunger agencies. Sulton will be performing along with 3 other bands at Bloomfield Avenue Cafe & Stage, 347 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, NJ. The lineup includes fellow '1 of 52' AHN member John Taglieri, a New Jersey-based pop/rock artist. A food drive will be held to benefit The Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Project Hospitality of Staten Island, and the New York City Food Bank. Admission is $10, plus non-perishable food items and/or clothing.
CLAYTON, MO, 10/25 @ 7pm: Concert to Benefit St. Louis Area Food Bank. 1 of 52 AHN Member Georgy Rock and her musical friends will be performing in concert to benefit the St. Louis Area Food Bank at Clayton United Methodist Church. Free admission, non-perishable food items or financial contributions accepted. Also performing: Singer Marianne Costello, trombonist Kurt Silver, jazz composer and musician Mr. Dill, and Native American flautist Marty Lippert.
FALL RIVER, MA, 11/22: The Narrows Center for the Arts presents Richie Havens. Center president and 1 of 52 AHN Member Bert Harlow is designating this a 1 of 52 Artist Hunger Network event and holding the first of an ongoing food drive at their location at 16 Anawan St.
12/7 (Location TBA) @7 pm: Annual L.U.N.C.H. (Local United
Network to Combat Hunger) Holiday Show. Bill Pere and the LUNCH Ensemble
with songs of the season and Harry Chapin favorites. All proceeds to benefit
local hunger agencies. 860-572-9285 for tix and details.