Bands that JAM for Africa

Bands that JAM for Africa

Submitted by BandsthatJAMfor... on Fri, 10/31/2008 - 22:56.
Last updated on Mon, 08/03/2009 - 21:10.

Vital Stats

Project Type: ongoing project

Start Date: 03/31/2008

People Impacted: 6000
People Involved: 10
Money Raised: Provided education and food for a village in Panga Panga for an entire year.

Project Photos

Project Video

The Problem

Bands that JAM for Africa is the only benefit concert showcasing the musicians of tomorrow and saving the lives of children in Africa today. My focus for Bands that JAM for Africa is to provide food and education for the children of Africa who are suffering. More than half of the world is living on less than two dollars a day. This is unacceptable. A child in Africa dies every 8 seconds. This is my motivation. Families are losing their loved ones because they are not capable of providing for their family. However, we have the power to make a difference. JAM is feeding and educating 430,000 children in Africa every day. If this 430,000 can be replicated, by the year 2012, that would be one million lives saved. Bono once said, “ I truly believe that when the history books are written, our age will be remembered for three things: The war on terror, the digital revolution, and what we did-or did not do- to put the fire out in Africa." Through music and Bands that JAM for Africa teenagers can have a voice in the movement for Africa.

Why It's Important

Buy a ticket, enjoy the show, and change a life. When attending a concert to see an upcoming musician, you have been waiting for to get on the road; Do you ever question where your money is going? A majority of people are too excited to care where their money is going. However, wouldn't you enjoy walking away from a concert not only knowing that you had a good time, but a child in Africa now has food and an education just because you simply enjoyed a concert. Bands that JAM for Africa gives 100% of their profit toward JAM. JAM is an organization with over 23 years of experience in Africa with 94 cents of every dollar going directly toward the children. Just by buying a ticket, you are providing food and an education for a child in Africa. Bands that JAM for Africa allows you to listen to upcoming musicians in an intimate venue. Attendees who come to listen to their favorite bands walk away with a new friends, an appreciation for charity and feel inspired to get out and do something!

The Plan Of Action

The evening of the event Bands that JAM for Africa raised $5,500, which is enough funding to feed and educate the entire village of Panga Panga in Angola, Africa for an entire year. Not only are the people of Panga Panga provided with food and education from the work of Bands that JAM for Africa. Furthermore, the teenagers of America become educated about the cycle of poverty and become inspired to get out and do something. As the night of the first concert came to a conclusion, I began to think of new ideas and plans for the future. Since my July event, I have been busy planning the next Bands that JAM for Africa concert in 2009. I am arranging it to become a semi annual event. I am seeking corporate sponsors and musicians who are passionate about the cause.

How Can Others Get Involved?

Link: www.myspace.com/bandsthatjamforafrica

Spread the word & Come out to a show!

Project Updates

08/3/09

Update: On Sunday July 26th, 2009 we hosted our 3rd benefit show for JAM! While constructing this show we ran into many road blocks such as cancellations , venue changes, and lack of sponsors. However, as it came close to the day of the show everything fell into place. We found a great venue( The Factory in Rochester, Michigan) and touring musicians Secret Secret Dino Club, LEO( sponsored by compassion international), and Hello Control. These acts were supported by local acts Stereophage, Th? Unknowns, and P2dahi. We had the pleasure of Magician Michael Rogerson to perform as the musicians changed sets. Our story was featured on USA Today, Music Business, Yahoo Finances, and more. The show was sold out and we rose $3,000 for the children of Africa! We educated a full room of teenagers on the problems kids ,similar to themselves, have to face everyday. We are so blessed and thankful to accept the Key Change Grant from DoSomething.org. Without them this experience would not have been possible.

Additional hours volunteered: 400
Additional people impacted: 2000
Additional people involved: 10

Final Grant Update

08/3/09

Morgan Fisher

Number of people in the organization: 10
Number of people impacted: 2,000
Describe the impact the grant had: Winning a Key Change grant from DoSomething made it easier for us to book more successful musicians to participate.It encouraged performers to approach Bands that JAM for Africa as an opportunity for them. These more successful bands attracted local teenagers and helped us accomplish the sold out show that we had set as our goal.
Project highlights: 1. National media recognition including an article in USA today. 2. I was able to visually incorporate the village in Africa we are supporting through video and photos while the musicians performed. 3. I was able to establish a team of teen aged volunteers to help promote the event.
How did the project unfold and develop? I ran into a few road blocks that I have not had to deal with in previous events. I had scheduling conflicts on more than one occasion with the musicians. These scheduling conflicts and cancellations made it necessary for us to use more funds on promotion as we were forced to redesign fliers and promotional materials for each new line up. Once we had a secure line up, corrected promotional materials, and local volunteers we began to get recognition from local and national press. We were featured on USA Today the week of the event. On Sunday July 26th we walked away from a sold out show!