I started Blankfest in Montreal years ago after being inspired by the original founder Kenn Rowell of NYC via friend Dave Chinner. It’s beautiful to see the expansion of hearts and musicians helping those in need! Thanks Leanne Harrison and Calgary 5 years strong! Thank you Calgary Herald for your support!
http://calgaryherald.com/entertainment/music/blank-fest-celebrating-five-years-of-passing-along-warm-feelings-from-calgary-music-lovers
Category: Blankfest Calgary
0 I started Blankfest in Montreal years ago after being inspired by the original founder Kenn Rowell of NYC via friend Dave Chinner. It’s beautiful to see the expansion of hearts and musicians helping those in need! Thanks Leanne Harrison and Calgary 5 years strong! Thank you Calgary Herald for your support!
0 Reminder – Nov 14th – Charity Concert Blankfest Calgary Celebrates 5 Years of Clothing The Cities Homeless
For Interview, Album Requests, Media List contact
Jon Asher – Music Publicist – ashermedia [AT] gmail.com
Radio Promotions – radiotrackingashermedia [AT] gmail.com
#514.581.5780 – www.ashermediarelations.com
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – November 2015
Reminder – Nov 14th – Charity Concert Blankfest Calgary Celebrates 5 Years of Clothing The Cities Homeless
It’s about the homeless, nothing more, nothing less, that is the slogan that has inspired multiple Blankfests across the world to aid those living on city streets to be clothed and fed during the cold Winter months. Calgary’s own charity concert has been helping those less fortunate for the last five years and has been spearheaded by Leanne Harrison of artist management and booking group SIN Agency along with aid of multiple volunteers.
Raising nearly $5,000 dollars and over 700 blankets since 2011, this year’s Blankfest Calgary is proud to return on November 14th at The Bling Beggar Pub to aid the Streetlight Mobile Drop-In by Youth Unlimited with support from X92.9 FM, Axes Music, Asher Media Relations and this year’s line up of local artists Adam Thibert, Septembryo, The Grounds, Mitch Belot Band, The Archon Prophecy plus support from Edmonton’s REND and Stone Iris along with more to be added. (full details below).
SIN Agency and Blankfest-Calgary organizer Leanne Harrison comments:
“We can’t believe it’s been 5 years already! It’s such an honour and privilege to work in such a supportive and giving music scene, with bands, artists and a venue as well as their fans, who are so willing to give back to our community where more support is needed. We can’t thank everyone enough, including our sponsors and volunteers, for making this event happen every year.”
Event Details:
Doors: 7 p.m.
18+
Admission is a Blanket, Winter Clothing or Cash Donation of Choice at the door.
PERFORMING ARTISTS
Adam Thibert
Septembryo
REND
The Grounds
Mitch Belot Band
Stone Iris
The Archon Prophecy
MORE TBA
Facebook Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1539319166309526/
About Blankfest Calgary:
Blankfest Calgary is just one of many events across North America inspired by founder Kenn Rowell, who has been organizing Blankfest in New York City since 1997 and has encouraged others to hold Blankfests in various parts of the USA, Canada (Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver) and Europe to help the homeless with the support from their music communities. (full Blankfest background info below.)
About Streetlight Mobile Drop-In/ Youth Unlimited: http://www.youthunlimitedcalgary.ca/programs/streetlight/
StreetLight’s vision was born in October 1992 with a goal to reach street orientated and sexually exploited youth (ages 12-24). Most of our youth are “throw-a-ways” and are deeply hurt. They are struggling to survive. Sadly, 98% of the youth who access our program come from abusive homes.
StreetLight’s purpose is to assist these youth in making the best decisions for their lives by building strong friendships with them and helping them in any way we can to better their lives. StreetLight works together with other street orientated agencies and the community to better assist our youth in a positive lifestyle change.
StreetLight has three programs that carry out its goal to reach out to street oriented & sexually exploited youth:
Drop-in
This mobile drop-in centre in Calgary’s downtown core and surrounding communities is unique since it is a custom built fifth-wheel trailer featuring a safe and friendly environment for street youth.
Trax
StreetLight Team Members and youth work together to keep Trax, our small mobile food vendor on the streets during the day. Through Trax we are able to continue to reach out to youth in area’s the Drop In can’t go, while also creating opportunities for youth to connect with and serve their peers.
Outreach
Nurtures safe and positive relationships with Calgary’s sexually exploited youth and assists with their physical needs.
—
About Blankfest:
BlankFest Documentary I – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_nZr7wZhjc
Blankfest Documentary II – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtUy2Oms2Cw
BlankFest Documentary III – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QNKJIPP21Y
Blank-Fest is an annual benefit concert, usually held one-to-two weeks before Christmas, which raises blankets for the homeless. It was founded in 1997 in Nyack, NY (a suburb approximately 20 miles outside of New York City) by Kenn Rowell who is the frontman for the NYC-based band, The Baghdaddios.
Rowell, in previous interviews detailed how he had always wanted to do “something charitable” on Christmas Eve. Among the many things he considered were keeping the disabled father of an old neighborhood friend company, singing in the children’s ward of a hospital and collecting blankets from friends to dispense amongst New York City’s homeless on Christmas Eve. Doing just that, for the first time in 1996, he enjoyed the experience so much that he decided to do the same thing again, next year. It was at that time that his friends told him that they had no more blankets to donate saying that Rowell had “cleaned them out” from the previous year.
Upon further reflection Rowell arrived at the idea of holding a benefit concert where people attending could contribute one blanket of any condition in lieu of a cover charge for admission to the show. These donations were intended to be delivered by Rowell and several volunteers, directly, to the City’s homeless on Christmas Eve. The first Blank-Fest was held at a local club in Nyack called Mai Place and netted 40 blankets. The next year saw 70 blankets donated at the same club, since renamed The Loft. After that local entrepreneur Chuck Debruyn convinced Rowell to move the show up the road to Bruxelles a bar-restaurant that he had recently bought into. Debruyn reasoned that there would be more room for parking, plus a guaranteed walk-in crowd. The show has been held at this establishment ever since.
Since inception, nearly 20 years ago, Rowell estimates that Blank-Fest has collected over 10,000 total donations for the homeless. For the original flagship show out of Nyack, with the exception of one year (2001) donations in every year has increased. Much of this growth can be attributed to increased exposure through local radio, the internet and the press, including featured articles in the New York Daily News and mentions in the New York Post.[1] In addition there have been satellite shows that have been formed in other states, cities and countries. So numerous have donations been in recent years that volunteers have had to split the distribution/delivery of blankets to the less fortunate on multiple nights, starting on Christmas Eve. Often excess donations are distributed to homeless shelters as well.
MCed by Rowell’s long-time band, The Baghdaddios, the first Blank-Fest only featured a handful of local, Hudson Valley area-based groups including international touring act Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, The Wheel and future Bruxelles part-owner Debruyn who performed as a solo artist. While always priding itself on featuring local independent, or “homegrown” music acts, in addition the benefit has attracted likewise talented songwriters and bands which boast an impressive list of major recording label ties and a solid reputation for touring and recording including EMI artist Patti Rothberg, pedal steel guitar great Buddy Cage, former Misfits guitarist and founder of The Undead, Bobby Steele, Soulfly lead guitarist Marc Rizzo, Sirius Radio personality Meg Griffin, international jazz composer Mike McGinnis and the founder of the Anti-folk school of music, Lach.
Efforts to duplicate the successes of the early Nyack shows proved elusive at best until New Jersey-based independent artist activist, Richard Kubicz read about Blank-Fest’s efforts in the Daily News and proposed a “sister show” at a local club in Garwood, NJ. The first Blank-Fest-NJ, promoted extensively through Kubicz’s D.I.Y. music website Let’s Rock America [1] was a resounding success, netting 200 blankets which were donated directly to a neighboring homeless shelter in Cranford and garnered notice in the Bergen County press in 2006. Last year’s second annual Jersey show produced similar results. Similarly, Blank-Fest UK [2] was founded in Nottingham, England after a local recording studio owner heard an interview with The Baghdaddios on the British Armed Forces Radio Network, BFBS Radio One during the group’s Summer 2007 tour of England. Upon hearing about both the American and UK efforts Ontario-based photographer Gaynor Fletcher approached Rowell regarding the formation of a Blank-Fest Canada show. Also, debuting in 2007, in Guelph, ON, the inaugural Canadian event featured popular Canadian folk artist James Gordon and was covered extensively by the Canadian media,[2] raising well over 100 blankets.
In addition to these shows former Baghdaddios bassist, John Sidoti joined forces with local internet radio personality Ron Purtee to develop the first-ever Blank-Fest Wisconsin, also in 2007, in the Milwaukee-area suburb of Racine.
Currently, there are 8 Blank-Fest shows serving 7 major metropolitan areas in three countries. In addition to those mentioned previously, 2008 has seen the addition of three additional shows: Blank-Fest Florida, which is hosted in Northern Florida (Lake City, near Gainesville, FL) and Blank-Fest VA, which is hosted in Richmond, VA.
In addition, promoters in Bridgeport, CT as well as Calgary and Ottawa, Canada have begun work for premiere Blank-Fest shows in December 2009. The first Blank-Fest Quebec (which was also the first “post-Holiday Season” Blank-Fest show), which took place on Saturday evening, February 21, 2009, garnered approximately 503 total donations.
Currently plans are in development to expand Blank-Fest even further. There has been talk of shows in Texas, Northeast Pennsylvania, Ohio and Atlanta, GA. Several additional popular artists have been approached regarding future such shows. Quoted in a newspaper interview in 2000, Rowell maintained that “as long as there is the issue of homelessness we will continue to have a Blank-Fest”, further adding that he wishes “we didn’t have to hold these shows” but that, until the situation dramatically improves, everyone involved understands that they really have no other choice.
– 30 –
0 Charity Concert Blankfest Calgary Celebrates 5 Years of Clothing The Cities Homeless
For Interview, Album Requests, Media List contact
Jon Asher – Music Publicist – ashermedia [AT] gmail.com
Radio Promotions – radiotrackingashermedia [AT] gmail.com
#514.581.5780 – www.ashermediarelations.com
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – October 8, 2015
Charity Concert Blankfest Calgary Celebrates 5 Years of Clothing The Cities Homeless
It’s about the homeless, nothing more, nothing less, that is the slogan that has inspired multiple Blankfests across the world to aid those living on city streets to be clothed and fed during the cold Winter months. Calgary’s own charity concert has been helping those less fortunate for the last five years and has been spearheaded by Leanne Harrison of artist management and booking group SIN Agency along with aid of multiple volunteers.
Raising nearly $5,000 dollars and over 700 blankets since 2011, this year’s Blankfest Calgary is proud to return on November 14th at The Bling Beggar Pub to aid the Streetlight Mobile Drop-In by Youth Unlimited with support from X92.9 FM, Axes Music, Asher Media Relations and this year’s line up of local artists Adam Thibert, Septembryo, The Grounds, Mitch Belot Band, The Archon Prophecy plus support from Edmonton’s REND and Stone Iris along with more to be added. (full details below).
SIN Agency and Blankfest-Calgary organizer Leanne Harrison comments:
“We can’t believe it’s been 5 years already! It’s such an honour and privilege to work in such a supportive and giving music scene, with bands, artists and a venue as well as their fans, who are so willing to give back to our community where more support is needed. We can’t thank everyone enough, including our sponsors and volunteers, for making this event happen every year.”
Event Details:
Doors: 7 p.m.
18+
Admission is a Blanket, Winter Clothing or Cash Donation of Choice at the door.
PERFORMING ARTISTS
Adam Thibert
Septembryo
REND
The Grounds
Mitch Belot Band
Stone Iris
The Archon Prophecy
MORE TBA
Facebook Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1539319166309526/
About Blankfest Calgary:
Blankfest Calgary is just one of many events across North America inspired by founder Kenn Rowell, who has been organizing Blankfest in New York City since 1997 and has encouraged others to hold Blankfests in various parts of the USA, Canada (Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver) and Europe to help the homeless with the support from their music communities. (full Blankfest background info below.)
About Streetlight Mobile Drop-In/ Youth Unlimited: http://www.youthunlimitedcalgary.ca/programs/streetlight/
StreetLight’s vision was born in October 1992 with a goal to reach street orientated and sexually exploited youth (ages 12-24). Most of our youth are “throw-a-ways” and are deeply hurt. They are struggling to survive. Sadly, 98% of the youth who access our program come from abusive homes.
StreetLight’s purpose is to assist these youth in making the best decisions for their lives by building strong friendships with them and helping them in any way we can to better their lives. StreetLight works together with other street orientated agencies and the community to better assist our youth in a positive lifestyle change.
StreetLight has three programs that carry out its goal to reach out to street oriented & sexually exploited youth:
Drop-in
This mobile drop-in centre in Calgary’s downtown core and surrounding communities is unique since it is a custom built fifth-wheel trailer featuring a safe and friendly environment for street youth.
Trax
StreetLight Team Members and youth work together to keep Trax, our small mobile food vendor on the streets during the day. Through Trax we are able to continue to reach out to youth in area’s the Drop In can’t go, while also creating opportunities for youth to connect with and serve their peers.
Outreach
Nurtures safe and positive relationships with Calgary’s sexually exploited youth and assists with their physical needs.
—
About Blankfest:
BlankFest Documentary I – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_nZr7wZhjc
Blankfest Documentary II – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtUy2Oms2Cw
BlankFest Documentary III – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QNKJIPP21Y
Blank-Fest is an annual benefit concert, usually held one-to-two weeks before Christmas, which raises blankets for the homeless. It was founded in 1997 in Nyack, NY (a suburb approximately 20 miles outside of New York City) by Kenn Rowell who is the frontman for the NYC-based band, The Baghdaddios.
Rowell, in previous interviews detailed how he had always wanted to do “something charitable” on Christmas Eve. Among the many things he considered were keeping the disabled father of an old neighborhood friend company, singing in the children’s ward of a hospital and collecting blankets from friends to dispense amongst New York City’s homeless on Christmas Eve. Doing just that, for the first time in 1996, he enjoyed the experience so much that he decided to do the same thing again, next year. It was at that time that his friends told him that they had no more blankets to donate saying that Rowell had “cleaned them out” from the previous year.
Upon further reflection Rowell arrived at the idea of holding a benefit concert where people attending could contribute one blanket of any condition in lieu of a cover charge for admission to the show. These donations were intended to be delivered by Rowell and several volunteers, directly, to the City’s homeless on Christmas Eve. The first Blank-Fest was held at a local club in Nyack called Mai Place and netted 40 blankets. The next year saw 70 blankets donated at the same club, since renamed The Loft. After that local entrepreneur Chuck Debruyn convinced Rowell to move the show up the road to Bruxelles a bar-restaurant that he had recently bought into. Debruyn reasoned that there would be more room for parking, plus a guaranteed walk-in crowd. The show has been held at this establishment ever since.
Since inception, nearly 20 years ago, Rowell estimates that Blank-Fest has collected over 10,000 total donations for the homeless. For the original flagship show out of Nyack, with the exception of one year (2001) donations in every year has increased. Much of this growth can be attributed to increased exposure through local radio, the internet and the press, including featured articles in the New York Daily News and mentions in the New York Post.[1] In addition there have been satellite shows that have been formed in other states, cities and countries. So numerous have donations been in recent years that volunteers have had to split the distribution/delivery of blankets to the less fortunate on multiple nights, starting on Christmas Eve. Often excess donations are distributed to homeless shelters as well.
MCed by Rowell’s long-time band, The Baghdaddios, the first Blank-Fest only featured a handful of local, Hudson Valley area-based groups including international touring act Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, The Wheel and future Bruxelles part-owner Debruyn who performed as a solo artist. While always priding itself on featuring local independent, or “homegrown” music acts, in addition the benefit has attracted likewise talented songwriters and bands which boast an impressive list of major recording label ties and a solid reputation for touring and recording including EMI artist Patti Rothberg, pedal steel guitar great Buddy Cage, former Misfits guitarist and founder of The Undead, Bobby Steele, Soulfly lead guitarist Marc Rizzo, Sirius Radio personality Meg Griffin, international jazz composer Mike McGinnis and the founder of the Anti-folk school of music, Lach.
Efforts to duplicate the successes of the early Nyack shows proved elusive at best until New Jersey-based independent artist activist, Richard Kubicz read about Blank-Fest’s efforts in the Daily News and proposed a “sister show” at a local club in Garwood, NJ. The first Blank-Fest-NJ, promoted extensively through Kubicz’s D.I.Y. music website Let’s Rock America [1] was a resounding success, netting 200 blankets which were donated directly to a neighboring homeless shelter in Cranford and garnered notice in the Bergen County press in 2006. Last year’s second annual Jersey show produced similar results. Similarly, Blank-Fest UK [2] was founded in Nottingham, England after a local recording studio owner heard an interview with The Baghdaddios on the British Armed Forces Radio Network, BFBS Radio One during the group’s Summer 2007 tour of England. Upon hearing about both the American and UK efforts Ontario-based photographer Gaynor Fletcher approached Rowell regarding the formation of a Blank-Fest Canada show. Also, debuting in 2007, in Guelph, ON, the inaugural Canadian event featured popular Canadian folk artist James Gordon and was covered extensively by the Canadian media,[2] raising well over 100 blankets.
In addition to these shows former Baghdaddios bassist, John Sidoti joined forces with local internet radio personality Ron Purtee to develop the first-ever Blank-Fest Wisconsin, also in 2007, in the Milwaukee-area suburb of Racine.
Currently, there are 8 Blank-Fest shows serving 7 major metropolitan areas in three countries. In addition to those mentioned previously, 2008 has seen the addition of three additional shows: Blank-Fest Florida, which is hosted in Northern Florida (Lake City, near Gainesville, FL) and Blank-Fest VA, which is hosted in Richmond, VA.
In addition, promoters in Bridgeport, CT as well as Calgary and Ottawa, Canada have begun work for premiere Blank-Fest shows in December 2009. The first Blank-Fest Quebec (which was also the first “post-Holiday Season” Blank-Fest show), which took place on Saturday evening, February 21, 2009, garnered approximately 503 total donations.
Currently plans are in development to expand Blank-Fest even further. There has been talk of shows in Texas, Northeast Pennsylvania, Ohio and Atlanta, GA. Several additional popular artists have been approached regarding future such shows. Quoted in a newspaper interview in 2000, Rowell maintained that “as long as there is the issue of homelessness we will continue to have a Blank-Fest”, further adding that he wishes “we didn’t have to hold these shows” but that, until the situation dramatically improves, everyone involved understands that they really have no other choice.
– 30 –
0 NEWS: 4th Annual BLANKFEST CALGARY Raises Over $800 and 200 Clothing Items For Streetlights Mobile Drop-In / Youth Unlimited – ‘It’s About The Homeless, Nothing More, Nothing Less’
For Interview, Album Requests, Media List contact
Jon Asher – Music Publicist – ashermedia [AT] gmail.com
Radio Promotions – radiotrackingashermedia [AT] gmail.com
C#.514.581.5780 – www.ashermediarelations.com
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – October 28, 2014
4th Annual BLANKFEST CALGARY Raises Over $800 and 200 Clothing Items For Streetlights Mobile Drop-In / Youth Unlimited
‘It’s About The Homeless, Nothing More, Nothing Less’
Blankfest Calgary is proud to announce its fourth annual clothing / fund raising event that was held on October 25th at Blind Beggar Pub in support of the city’s homeless and the Streetlight Mobile Drop-In/ Youth Unlimited has raised over $800 dollars and over 200 clothing items to add to the nearly $4,000 and over 500 blankets it has raised over the last three years.
SIN Agency and Blankfest-Calgary organizer Leanne Harrison comments:
“It was an honor to work on behalf of Streetlight Mobile Drop In this year. We had a great turn out, and Youth Unlimited sent us a group of people to speak about the program. Many thanks going out to all our sponsors, volunteers and bands that helped make this event successful. And to the community of Calgary who continue to come out and support our cause and our live music scene. It’s humbling each year seeing how many people come together to give back.”
Total amount raised:
Cash – $874
Blankets – 21
Coats – 26
Misc Clothing – 136
Winter Clothing – 16
Miscellaneous items – 30
This year’s event saw local Calgary bands and artists come together performing to raise awareness, funds and clothing for the city’s homeless.
As the event slogan goes, ‘It’s About The Homeless, Nothing More, Nothing Less.’.
Blankfest Calgary was sponsored by SIN Agency, Asher Media Relations, Axe Music Calgary, The Blind Beggar Pub.
Performers:
FEDELE (The Rising) & JASON (Thrill of Falling) – Acoustic
MIKE FERRARO ( Candelora Music) – Solo
NEXT DAY HEROES
TEN MINUTE DETOUR
THE GROUNDS
THE PATH LESS TRAVELED
LEAVE THE LIVING
MIKE FERRARO ( Candelora Music) – Solo
NEXT DAY HEROES
TEN MINUTE DETOUR
THE GROUNDS
THE PATH LESS TRAVELED
LEAVE THE LIVING
Blankfest Calgary is just one of many events across North America inspired by founder Kenn Rowell, who has been organizing Blankfest in New York City since 1997 and has encouraged others to hold Blankfests in various parts of the USA, Canada (Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver) and Europe to help the homeless with the support from their music communities. (full Blankfest background info below.)
About Streetlight Mobile Drop-In/ Youth Unlimited:
StreetLight’s vision was born in October 1992 with a goal to reach street orientated and sexually exploited youth (ages 12-24). Most of our youth are “throw-a-ways” and are deeply hurt. They are struggling to survive. Sadly, 98% of the youth who access our program come from abusive homes.
StreetLight’s purpose is to assist these youth in making the best decisions for their lives by building strong friendships with them and helping them in any way we can to better their lives. StreetLight works together with other street orientated agencies and the community to better assist our youth in a positive lifestyle change.
“StreetLight is excited to partner with SIN Agency and be a part of Blank-Fest Calgary IV. Since our very first conversations with the team at SIN Agency we have been looking forward to taking part in an event that not only is a huge benefit for some of the most vulnerable youth of our city, but also one that advocates for youth entrenched in homelessness here in Calgary.” Allan Peters, Streetlight Mobile Drop-In/ Youth Unlimited Calgary
StreetLight has three programs that carry out its goal to reach out to street oriented & sexually exploited youth:
Drop-in
This mobile drop-in centre in Calgary’s downtown core and surrounding communities is unique since it is a custom built fifth-wheel trailer featuring a safe and friendly environment for street youth.
Trax
StreetLight Team Members and youth work together to keep Trax, our small mobile food vendor on the streets during the day. Through Trax we are able to continue to reach out to youth in area’s the Drop In can’t go, while also creating opportunities for youth to connect with and serve their peers.
Outreach
Nurtures safe and positive relationships with Calgary’s sexually exploited youth and assists with their physical needs.
—
About Blankfest:
BlankFest Documentary I – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_nZr7wZhjc
Blankfest Documentary II – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtUy2Oms2Cw
BlankFest Documentary III – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QNKJIPP21Y
Blank-Fest is an annual benefit concert, usually held one-to-two weeks before Christmas, which raises blankets for the homeless. It was founded in 1997 in Nyack, NY (a suburb approximately 20 miles outside of New York City) by Kenn Rowell who is the frontman for the NYC-based band, The Baghdaddios.
Rowell, in previous interviews detailed how he had always wanted to do “something charitable” on Christmas Eve. Among the many things he considered were keeping the disabled father of an old neighborhood friend company, singing in the children’s ward of a hospital and collecting blankets from friends to dispense amongst New York City’s homeless on Christmas Eve. Doing just that, for the first time in 1996, he enjoyed the experience so much that he decided to do the same thing again, next year. It was at that time that his friends told him that they had no more blankets to donate saying that Rowell had “cleaned them out” from the previous year.
Upon further reflection Rowell arrived at the idea of holding a benefit concert where people attending could contribute one blanket of any condition in lieu of a cover charge for admission to the show. These donations were intended to be delivered by Rowell and several volunteers, directly, to the City’s homeless on Christmas Eve. The first Blank-Fest was held at a local club in Nyack called Mai Place and netted 40 blankets. The next year saw 70 blankets donated at the same club, since renamed The Loft. After that local entrepreneur Chuck Debruyn convinced Rowell to move the show up the road to Bruxelles a bar-restaurant that he had recently bought into. Debruyn reasoned that there would be more room for parking, plus a guaranteed walk-in crowd. The show has been held at this establishment ever since.
Since inception, over 15 years ago, Rowell estimates that Blank-Fest has collected over 10,000 total donations for the homeless. For the original flagship show out of Nyack, with the exception of one year (2001) donations in every year has increased. Much of this growth can be attributed to increased exposure through local radio, the internet and the press, including featured articles in the New York Daily News and mentions in the New York Post.[1] In addition there have been satellite shows that have been formed in other states, cities and countries. So numerous have donations been in recent years that volunteers have had to split the distribution/delivery of blankets to the less fortunate on multiple nights, starting on Christmas Eve. Often excess donations are distributed to homeless shelters as well.
MCed by Rowell’s long-time band, The Baghdaddios, the first Blank-Fest only featured a handful of local, Hudson Valley area-based groups including international touring act Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, The Wheel and future Bruxelles part-owner Debruyn who performed as a solo artist. While always priding itself on featuring local independent, or “homegrown” music acts, in addition the benefit has attracted likewise talented songwriters and bands which boast an impressive list of major recording label ties and a solid reputation for touring and recording including EMI artist Patti Rothberg, pedal steel guitar great Buddy Cage, former Misfits guitarist and founder of The Undead, Bobby Steele, Soulfly lead guitarist Marc Rizzo, Sirius Radio personality Meg Griffin, international jazz composer Mike McGinnis and the founder of the Anti-folk school of music, Lach.
Efforts to duplicate the successes of the early Nyack shows proved elusive at best until New Jersey-based independent artist activist, Richard Kubicz read about Blank-Fest’s efforts in the Daily News and proposed a “sister show” at a local club in Garwood, NJ. The first Blank-Fest-NJ, promoted extensively through Kubicz’s D.I.Y. music website Let’s Rock America [1] was a resounding success, netting 200 blankets which were donated directly to a neighboring homeless shelter in Cranford and garnered notice in the Bergen County press in 2006. Last year’s second annual Jersey show produced similar results. Similarly, Blank-Fest UK [2] was founded in Nottingham, England after a local recording studio owner heard an interview with The Baghdaddios on the British Armed Forces Radio Network, BFBS Radio One during the group’s Summer 2007 tour of England. Upon hearing about both the American and UK efforts Ontario-based photographer Gaynor Fletcher approached Rowell regarding the formation of a Blank-Fest Canada show. Also, debuting in 2007, in Guelph, ON, the inaugural Canadian event featured popular Canadian folk artist James Gordon and was covered extensively by the Canadian media,[2] raising well over 100 blankets.
In addition to these shows former Baghdaddios bassist, John Sidoti joined forces with local internet radio personality Ron Purtee to develop the first-ever Blank-Fest Wisconsin, also in 2007, in the Milwaukee-area suburb of Racine.
Currently, there are 8 Blank-Fest shows serving 7 major metropolitan areas in three countries. In addition to those mentioned previously, 2008 has seen the addition of three additional shows: Blank-Fest Florida, which is hosted in Northern Florida (Lake City, near Gainesville, FL) and Blank-Fest VA, which is hosted in Richmond, VA.
In addition, promoters in Bridgeport, CT as well as Calgary and Ottawa, Canada have begun work for premiere Blank-Fest shows in December 2009. The first Blank-Fest Quebec (which was also the first “post-Holiday Season” Blank-Fest show), which took place on Saturday evening, February 21, 2009, garnered approximately 503 total donations.
Currently plans are in development to expand Blank-Fest even further. There has been talk of shows in Texas, Northeast Pennsylvania, Ohio and Atlanta, GA. Several additional popular artists have been approached regarding future such shows. Quoted in a newspaper interview in 2000, Rowell maintained that “as long as there is the issue of homelessness we will continue to have a Blank-Fest”, further adding that he wishes “we didn’t have to hold these shows” but that, until the situation dramatically improves, everyone involved understands that they really have no other choice.
– 30 –
0 4th ANNUAL BLANKFEST CALGARY ‘It’s About The Homeless, Nothing More, Nothing Less’
For Interview, Album Requests, Media List contact
Jon Asher – Music Publicist – ashermedia [AT] gmail.com
Radio Promotions – radiotrackingashermedia [AT] gmail.com
C#.514.581.5780 – www.ashermediarelations.com
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – October 2, 2014
4th ANNUAL BLANKFEST CALGARY ‘It’s About The Homeless, Nothing More, Nothing Less’
Blankfest Calgary is proud to announce its fourth annual clothing / fund raising event onOctober 25th at Bling Beggar Pub in support of the city’s homeless with proceeds going this year to aid the Streetlight Mobile Drop-In/ Youth Unlimited. Over the last three years, the music charity event has created awareness and collected nearly $4,000 and over 500 blankets / winter clothing items for Calgary’s homeless.
SIN Agency and Blankfest-Calgary organizer Leanne Harrison comments:
“Going into our 4th year in Calgary with Blank-Fest we are excited to be supporting a program for street youth who have no where else to turn. Homelessness is a hard enough situation, but when it comes coupled with the issues of being a teen that has no place else to turn and is often homeless due to intolerable situations we can’t even imagine at home is unimaginable. We’d like to be a part of helping Streetlight program grow and develop in its efforts to give a safe haven to the youth on our streets.”
StreetLight’s vision was born in October 1992 with a goal to reach street orientated and sexually exploited youth (ages 12-24). Most of our youth are “throw-a-ways” and are deeply hurt. They are struggling to survive. Sadly, 98% of the youth who access our program come from abusive homes.
StreetLight’s purpose is to assist these youth in making the best decisions for their lives by building strong friendships with them and helping them in any way we can to better their lives. StreetLight works together with other street orientated agencies and the community to better assist our youth in a positive lifestyle change.
“StreetLight is excited to partner with SIN Agency and be a part of Blank-Fest Calgary IV. Since our very first conversations with the team at SIN Agency we have been looking forward to taking part in an event that not only is a huge benefit for some of the most vulnerable youth of our city, but also one that advocates for youth entrenched in homelessness here in Calgary.” Allan Peters, Streetlight Mobile Drop-In/ Youth Unlimited Calgary
StreetLight has three programs that carry out its goal to reach out to street oriented & sexually exploited youth:
Drop-in
This mobile drop-in centre in Calgary’s downtown core and surrounding communities is unique since it is a custom built fifth-wheel trailer featuring a safe and friendly environment for street youth.
Trax
StreetLight Team Members and youth work together to keep Trax, our small mobile food vendor on the streets during the day. Through Trax we are able to continue to reach out to youth in area’s the Drop In can’t go, while also creating opportunities for youth to connect with and serve their peers.
Outreach
Nurtures safe and positive relationships with Calgary’s sexually exploited youth and assists with their physical needs.
—
This year’s event will see local Calgary bands and artists come together performing to raise awareness, funds and clothing for the city’s homeless.
As the event slogan goes, ‘It’s About The Homeless, Nothing More, Nothing Less.’.
Blankfest Calgary is just one of many events across North America inspired by founder Kenn Rowell, who has been organizing Blankfest in New York City since 1997 and has encouraged others to hold Blankfests in various parts of the USA, Canada (Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver) and Europe to help the homeless with the support from their music communities. (full Blankfest background info below.)
BLANK-FEST CALGARY IV
Saturday October 25th
Blind Beggar Pub
106 – 5211 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary AB
Doors @ 7 p.m.
18+
Admission is a Blanket, Winter Clothing or Cash Donation @ the Door
Supporting Streetlight Mobile Drop-In by Youth Unlimited
FB Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/933200963362787/
Sponsored by SIN Agency, Asher Media Relations, Axe Music Calgary, The Blind Beggar Pub
FEDELE (The Rising) & JASON (Thrill of Falling) – Acoustic
MIKE FERRARO ( Candelora Music) – Solo
NEXT DAY HEROES
THE GROUNDS
MORE TBA
About Blankfest:
BlankFest Documentary I – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_nZr7wZhjc
Blankfest Documentary II – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtUy2Oms2Cw
BlankFest Documentary III – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QNKJIPP21Y
Blank-Fest is an annual benefit concert, usually held one-to-two weeks before Christmas, which raises blankets for the homeless. It was founded in 1997 in Nyack, NY (a suburb approximately 20 miles outside of New York City) by Kenn Rowell who is the frontman for the NYC-based band, The Baghdaddios.
Rowell, in previous interviews detailed how he had always wanted to do “something charitable” on Christmas Eve. Among the many things he considered were keeping the disabled father of an old neighborhood friend company, singing in the children’s ward of a hospital and collecting blankets from friends to dispense amongst New York City’s homeless on Christmas Eve. Doing just that, for the first time in 1996, he enjoyed the experience so much that he decided to do the same thing again, next year. It was at that time that his friends told him that they had no more blankets to donate saying that Rowell had “cleaned them out” from the previous year.
Upon further reflection Rowell arrived at the idea of holding a benefit concert where people attending could contribute one blanket of any condition in lieu of a cover charge for admission to the show. These donations were intended to be delivered by Rowell and several volunteers, directly, to the City’s homeless on Christmas Eve. The first Blank-Fest was held at a local club in Nyack called Mai Place and netted 40 blankets. The next year saw 70 blankets donated at the same club, since renamed The Loft. After that local entrepreneur Chuck Debruyn convinced Rowell to move the show up the road to Bruxelles a bar-restaurant that he had recently bought into. Debruyn reasoned that there would be more room for parking, plus a guaranteed walk-in crowd. The show has been held at this establishment ever since.
Since inception, over 15 years ago, Rowell estimates that Blank-Fest has collected over 10,000 total donations for the homeless. For the original flagship show out of Nyack, with the exception of one year (2001) donations in every year has increased. Much of this growth can be attributed to increased exposure through local radio, the internet and the press, including featured articles in the New York Daily News and mentions in the New York Post.[1] In addition there have been satellite shows that have been formed in other states, cities and countries. So numerous have donations been in recent years that volunteers have had to split the distribution/delivery of blankets to the less fortunate on multiple nights, starting on Christmas Eve. Often excess donations are distributed to homeless shelters as well.
MCed by Rowell’s long-time band, The Baghdaddios, the first Blank-Fest only featured a handful of local, Hudson Valley area-based groups including international touring act Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, The Wheel and future Bruxelles part-owner Debruyn who performed as a solo artist. While always priding itself on featuring local independent, or “homegrown” music acts, in addition the benefit has attracted likewise talented songwriters and bands which boast an impressive list of major recording label ties and a solid reputation for touring and recording including EMI artist Patti Rothberg, pedal steel guitar great Buddy Cage, former Misfits guitarist and founder of The Undead, Bobby Steele, Soulfly lead guitarist Marc Rizzo, Sirius Radio personality Meg Griffin, international jazz composer Mike McGinnis and the founder of the Anti-folk school of music, Lach.
Efforts to duplicate the successes of the early Nyack shows proved elusive at best until New Jersey-based independent artist activist, Richard Kubicz read about Blank-Fest’s efforts in the Daily News and proposed a “sister show” at a local club in Garwood, NJ. The first Blank-Fest-NJ, promoted extensively through Kubicz’s D.I.Y. music website Let’s Rock America [1] was a resounding success, netting 200 blankets which were donated directly to a neighboring homeless shelter in Cranford and garnered notice in the Bergen County press in 2006. Last year’s second annual Jersey show produced similar results. Similarly, Blank-Fest UK [2] was founded in Nottingham, England after a local recording studio owner heard an interview with The Baghdaddios on the British Armed Forces Radio Network, BFBS Radio One during the group’s Summer 2007 tour of England. Upon hearing about both the American and UK efforts Ontario-based photographer Gaynor Fletcher approached Rowell regarding the formation of a Blank-Fest Canada show. Also, debuting in 2007, in Guelph, ON, the inaugural Canadian event featured popular Canadian folk artist James Gordon and was covered extensively by the Canadian media,[2] raising well over 100 blankets.
In addition to these shows former Baghdaddios bassist, John Sidoti joined forces with local internet radio personality Ron Purtee to develop the first-ever Blank-Fest Wisconsin, also in 2007, in the Milwaukee-area suburb of Racine.
Currently, there are 8 Blank-Fest shows serving 7 major metropolitan areas in three countries. In addition to those mentioned previously, 2008 has seen the addition of three additional shows: Blank-Fest Florida, which is hosted in Northern Florida (Lake City, near Gainesville, FL) and Blank-Fest VA, which is hosted in Richmond, VA.
In addition, promoters in Bridgeport, CT as well as Calgary and Ottawa, Canada have begun work for premiere Blank-Fest shows in December 2009. The first Blank-Fest Quebec (which was also the first “post-Holiday Season” Blank-Fest show), which took place on Saturday evening, February 21, 2009, garnered approximately 503 total donations.
Currently plans are in development to expand Blank-Fest even further. There has been talk of shows in Texas, Northeast Pennsylvania, Ohio and Atlanta, GA. Several additional popular artists have been approached regarding future such shows. Quoted in a newspaper interview in 2000, Rowell maintained that “as long as there is the issue of homelessness we will continue to have a Blank-Fest”, further adding that he wishes “we didn’t have to hold these shows” but that, until the situation dramatically improves, everyone involved understands that they really have no other choice.
– 30 –
0 Blankfest Calgary III Raises Over $1500 And 100 Plus In Winter Clothing For City’s Homeless
Blankfest Calgary III Raises Over $1500 And 100 Plus In Winter Clothing For City’s Homeless
‘It’s About The Homeless, Nothing More, Nothing Less’
This year’s third annual Blankfest Calgary that was held on Saturday, Nov 16 at The Blind Beggar Pub (5211 Macleod Trail) and supported by bands Same Monkey, Wellington Folk, Mike Ferraro, King Dylan, Abbie Thurgood & The Hired Guns, Atacama Republic, Matt Blais, Leave The Living raised over $1500 in proceeds along with collecting 100 plus winter clothing items bringing their overall total during the last three years to over $3,000 and over 500 winter clothing items for the city’s shelter The Mustard Seed.
Leanne Harrison, event organizer and founder of artist management and booking SIN Agency comments:
“We are so proud of the city of Calgary, its bands and its fans for coming out on a blustery snowy night when it would have been so easy to stay home. We appreciate all the support for this year’s Blank-Fest Calgary III, the venue was full from start to finish and the overall feeling was wonderful! The bands kept it rocking all night long, and our supporters are amazing. We’d like to thank the bands and sponsors who gave so generously this year. Without them, we are nothing.”
The final counts for donations were as follows.
Blankets – 21
Winter coats – 19
Misc Clothing – approx. 63 items
Misc Winter items – 15
Cash donations at the door – $731.15
Silent auction for the Dallas Green signed guitar – $780.00
(Cash total raised $1511.15)
Axe Music Partner, Director of Operations Brian M. Cymbaluk also comments on behalf of their silent auction donation of a signed Dallas Green (City & Colour, Alexisonfire) guitar.
“AXE MUSIC and myself are proud to have been given the opportunity to partner in Blankfest CalgaryIII this year. This is such a great initiative and with the tremendous partners we are keeping company with on this event, we just knew it would be a major success!!! I just wish we could do more, and more, and more, and more!!! Next year… I want AXE to be the official drop off for WINTER CLOTHING ITEMS… for the months of OCTOBER, NOVEMBER and DECEMBER, so that we can really kick this wonderful program into high gear!!!”
AXE MUSIC is proud to be a driving force in the MUSIC CALGARY MAKES!
AXE MUSIC is proud to be a driving force in the CITY of CALGARY!!
AXE MUSIC is proud to have been a contributor to BLANKFEST III!!!
Merry AXEmas everyone!!!”
Blankfest Calgary is just one of many events across North America inspired by founder Kenn Rowell, who has been organizing Blankfest in New York City since 1997 and has encouraged others to hold Blankfests in various parts of the USA, Canada (Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver) and Europe to help the homeless with the support from their music communities. (full Blankfest background info below.)
Bands:
Same Monkey (Calgary) – Rock – https://www.facebook.com/samemonkeymusic
Wellington Folk (Calgary) – Folk/ Rock – https://www.facebook.com/thewellingtonfolk
Mike Ferraro (Calgary) – Acoustic – https://www.facebook.com/candeloramusic
King Dylan (Calgary) – Hip Hop/Rap – https://www.facebook.com/TheRealKingDyl
Abbie Thurgood & The Hired Guns (Calgary) – Country/ Rock – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Abbie-Thurgood/310544270227
Atacama Republic (Calgary) – Rock – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Atacama-Republic/103289433057261
Matt Blais (Calgary) – Blues Rock – https://www.facebook.com/mattblaismusic
The Heartwicks (Calgary) – Rock – https://www.facebook.com/theheartwicks
Leave the Living (Red Deer) – Metal – https://www.facebook.com/leavetheliving
For more info, please visit the following link:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlankFest.Calgary
About Blankfest:
BlankFest Documentary I – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_nZr7wZhjc
Blankfest Documentary II – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtUy2Oms2Cw
BlankFest Documentary III – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QNKJIPP21Y
Blank-Fest is an annual benefit concert, usually held one-to-two weeks before Christmas, which raises blankets for the homeless. It was founded in 1997 in Nyack, NY (a suburb approximately 20 miles outside of New York City) by Kenn Rowell who is the frontman for the NYC-based band, The Baghdaddios.
Rowell, in previous interviews detailed how he had always wanted to do “something charitable” on Christmas Eve. Among the many things he considered were keeping the disabled father of an old neighborhood friend company, singing in the children’s ward of a hospital and collecting blankets from friends to dispense amongst New York City’s homeless on Christmas Eve. Doing just that, for the first time in 1996, he enjoyed the experience so much that he decided to do the same thing again, next year. It was at that time that his friends told him that they had no more blankets to donate saying that Rowell had “cleaned them out” from the previous year.
Since inception, over 15 years ago, Rowell estimates that Blank-Fest has collected over 10,000 total donations for the homeless. For the original flagship show out of Nyack, with the exception of one year (2001) donations in every year has increased. Much of this growth can be attributed to increased exposure through local radio, the internet and the press, including featured articles in the New York Daily Newsand mentions in the New York Post.[1] In addition there have been satellite shows that have been formed in other states, cities and countries. So numerous have donations been in recent years that volunteers have had to split the distribution/delivery of blankets to the less fortunate on multiple nights, starting on Christmas Eve. Often excess donations are distributed to homeless shelters as well.
MCed by Rowell’s long-time band, The Baghdaddios, the first Blank-Fest only featured a handful of local, Hudson Valley area-based groups including international touring act Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, The Wheel and future Bruxelles part-owner Debruyn who performed as a solo artist. While always priding itself on featuring local independent, or “homegrown” music acts, in addition the benefit has attracted likewise talented songwiters and bands which boast an impressive list of major recording label ties and a solid reputation for touring and recording including EMI artist Patti Rothberg, pedal steel guitar greatBuddy Cage, former Misfits guitarist and founder of The Undead, Bobby Steele, Soulfly lead guitarist Marc Rizzo, Sirius Radio personality Meg Griffin, international jazz oomposer Mike McGinnis and the founder of the Anti-folk school of music, Lach.
Efforts to duplicate the successes of the early Nyack shows proved elusive at best until New Jersey-based independent artist activist, Richard Kubicz read about Blank-Fest’s efforts in the Daily News and proposed a “sister show” at a local club in Garwood, NJ. The first Blank-Fest-NJ, promoted extensively through Kubicz’s D.I.Y. music website Let’s Rock America [1] was a resounding success, netting 200 blankets which were donated directly to a neighboring homeless shelter in Cranford and garnered notice in the Bergen County press in 2006. Last year’s second annual Jersey show produced similar results. Similarly, Blank-Fest UK [2] was founded in Nottingham, England after a local recording studio owner heard an interview with The Baghdaddios on the British Armed Forces Radio Network, BFBS Radio One during the group’s Summer 2007 tour of England. Upon hearing about both the American and UK efforts Ontario-based photographer Gaynor Fletcher approached Rowell regarding the formation of a Blank-Fest Canada show. Also, debuting in 2007, in Guelph, ON, the inaugural Canadian event featured popular Canadian folk artist James Gordon and was covered extensively by the Canadian media,[2] raising well over 100 blankets.
In addition to these shows former Baghdaddios bassist, John Sidoti joined forces with local internet radio personality Ron Purtee to develop the first-ever Blank-Fest Wisconsin,[3] also in 2007, in theMilwaukee-area suburb of Racine.
Currently, there are 8 Blank-Fest shows serving 7 major metropolitan areas in three countries. In addition to those mentioned previously, 2008 has seen the addition of three additional shows: Blank-Fest Florida, which is hosted in Northern Florida (Lake City, near Gainesville, FL) and Blank-Fest VA, which is hosted in Richmond, VA (see links below).
In addition, promoters in Bridgeport, CT as well as Calgary and Ottawa, Canada have begun work for premiere Blank-Fest shows in December 2009. The first Blank-Fest Quebec (which was also the first “post-Holiday Season” Blank-Fest show) which took place on Saturday evening, February 21, 2009, garnered approximately 503 total donations.[4]
Currently plans are in development to expand Blank-Fest even further. There has been talk of shows in Texas, Northeast Pennsylvania, Ohio and Atlanta, GA. Several additional popular artists have been approached regarding future such shows. Quoted in a newspaper interview in 2000, Rowell maintained that “as long as there is the issue of homelessness we will continue to have a Blank-Fest”, further adding that he wishes “we didn’t have to hold these shows” but that, until the situation dramatically improves, everyone involved understands that they really have no other choice.
0 Calgary Herald – In the Clubs: Blank-Fest Calgary III Local musicians play for the price of a donation of warm clothes or blankets to the Mustard Seed
0 FREE Music Compilation Blankfest Vancouver (Nov 9) & Calgary (Nov 16)
FREE Music Compilation Blankfest Vancouver (Nov 9) & Calgary (Nov 16)
‘It’s About The Homeless, Nothing More, Nothing Less’
Organizers of Blankfest Vancouver and Calgary have put together two FREE music compilations of the bands performing at each city benefit show along with video playlists.
Blankfest Calgary – https://blankfest.bandcamp.com/album/blank-fest-calgary-iii
Video Playlist – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF-RmW4Cekk&feature=share&list=PLkgvwDrNqo4sgbvYNWcE02PV9rZ8Ah971
Blankfest Vancouver – https://blankfest.bandcamp.com/album/blankfest-vancouver-ii
Video Playlist – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYMH8hUsNrU&feature=share&list=PLkgvwDrNqo4tFF_Z-QzFNKmC5uSX5EZHv
Blanfkest Vancouver will be held on Saturday, Nov 9 at The Railway Club (579 Dunsmuir) to raise awareness, funds and winter clothing for the city’sCoveneant House. The following line up for the event will consist of local Vancouver bands plus guests from Alberta and Kelowna ranging in various genres of rock n’ roll, metal and hip hop, performing between 6:30pm to 2am. Last year, the full-to-capacity event raised over $1,000 and over 200 clothing items for the city’s less fortunate.
Event Details:
Blank-Fest Vancouver II
Saturday November 9th
The Railway Club
579 Dunsmuir, Vancouver BC
Doors 7:30 pm
19+
Supporting: Covenant House Vancouver
Admission: Blanket, Teen clothing or cash donation of choice at the door
Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/323803724432538/
Bands:
The Cut Losses (Vancouver) – Alternative – https://www.facebook.com/thecutlosses
King Dylan (Calgary) – Hip Hop/Rap – https://www.facebook.com/#!/TheRealKingDyl
The Coalition (Vancouver) – Rock – https://www.facebook.com/coalitionsound
Dracula Black (Kelowna) – Hard Rock – https://www.facebook.com/DraculaBlackMusic
SplitTRACT (Vancouver) – Alternative Hard Rock – https://www.facebook.com/splittract/
Versus the Nothing (Vancouver) – Alternative Rock – https://www.facebook.com/versusthenothing
Among The Betrayed (Vancouver) – Metal/ Hard Rock – https://www.facebook.com/amongthebetrayed
Tribune (Vancouver) – Metal – https://www.facebook.com/TribuneMetal
Over The Coals (Vancouver) – Metal https://www.facebook.com/overthecoals
For more info, please visit the following link:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlankFestVancouver
———
Blankfest Calgary will be held on Saturday, Nov 16 at The Blind Beggar Pub (5211 Macleod Trail) to raise awareness, funds and winter clothing for the city’s shelter The Mustard Seed. The following line up for the event will consist of nine Alberta bands ranging in various genres of rock n’ roll, metal and hip hop, performing between 6:30pm to 2am.
Over the last two years, the full-to-capacity event has raised nearly $2,000 and over 400 blankets including winter clothing items for the homeless whom live in one of Canada’s coldest cities. Blankfest Calgary is just one of many events across North America inspired by founder Kenn Rowell, who has been organizing Blankfest in New York City since 1997 and has encouraged others to hold Blankfests in various parts of the USA, Canada (Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver) and Europe to help the homeless with the support from their music communities. (full Blankfest background info below.)
Event Details:
Blank-Fest Calgary III
Saturday November 16th
Blind Beggar Pub, 5211 Macleod Trail, Calgary, AB
Doors 6:30 pm
18+
Supporting: The Mustard Seed
Admission: A blanket, warm clothing or monetary donation of choice at the door.
Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/225731990918093/
Bands:
Same Monkey (Calgary) – Rock – https://www.facebook.com/samemonkeymusic
Wellington Folk (Calgary) – Folk/ Rock – https://www.facebook.com/thewellingtonfolk
Mike Ferraro (Calgary) – Acoustic – https://www.facebook.com/candeloramusic
King Dylan (Calgary) – Hip Hop/Rap – https://www.facebook.com/TheRealKingDyl
Abbie Thurgood & The Hired Guns (Calgary) – Country/ Rock – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Abbie-Thurgood/310544270227
Atacama Republic (Calgary) – Rock – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Atacama-Republic/103289433057261
Matt Blais (Calgary) – Blues Rock – https://www.facebook.com/mattblaismusic
The Heartwicks (Calgary) – Rock – https://www.facebook.com/theheartwicks
Leave the Living (Red Deer) – Metal – https://www.facebook.com/leavetheliving
For more info, please visit the following link:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlankFest.Calgary
About Blankfest:
BlankFest Documentary I – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_nZr7wZhjc
Blankfest Documentary II – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtUy2Oms2Cw
BlankFest Documentary III – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QNKJIPP21Y
Blank-Fest is an annual benefit concert, usually held one-to-two weeks before Christmas, which raises blankets for the homeless. It was founded in 1997 in Nyack, NY (a suburb approximately 20 miles outside of New York City) by Kenn Rowell who is the frontman for the NYC-based band, The Baghdaddios.
Rowell, in previous interviews detailed how he had always wanted to do “something charitable” on Christmas Eve. Among the many things he considered were keeping the disabled father of an old neighborhood friend company, singing in the children’s ward of a hospital and collecting blankets from friends to dispense amongst New York City’s homeless on Christmas Eve. Doing just that, for the first time in 1996, he enjoyed the experience so much that he decided to do the same thing again, next year. It was at that time that his friends told him that they had no more blankets to donate saying that Rowell had “cleaned them out” from the previous year.
Since inception, over 15 years ago, Rowell estimates that Blank-Fest has collected over 10,000 total donations for the homeless. For the original flagship show out of Nyack, with the exception of one year (2001) donations in every year has increased. Much of this growth can be attributed to increased exposure through local radio, the internet and the press, including featured articles in the New York Daily Newsand mentions in the New York Post.[1] In addition there have been satellite shows that have been formed in other states, cities and countries. So numerous have donations been in recent years that volunteers have had to split the distribution/delivery of blankets to the less fortunate on multiple nights, starting on Christmas Eve. Often excess donations are distributed to homeless shelters as well.
MCed by Rowell’s long-time band, The Baghdaddios, the first Blank-Fest only featured a handful of local, Hudson Valley area-based groups including international touring act Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, The Wheel and future Bruxelles part-owner Debruyn who performed as a solo artist. While always priding itself on featuring local independent, or “homegrown” music acts, in addition the benefit has attracted likewise talented songwiters and bands which boast an impressive list of major recording label ties and a solid reputation for touring and recording including EMI artist Patti Rothberg, pedal steel guitar greatBuddy Cage, former Misfits guitarist and founder of The Undead, Bobby Steele, Soulfly lead guitarist Marc Rizzo, Sirius Radio personality Meg Griffin, international jazz oomposer Mike McGinnis and the founder of the Anti-folk school of music, Lach.
Efforts to duplicate the successes of the early Nyack shows proved elusive at best until New Jersey-based independent artist activist, Richard Kubicz read about Blank-Fest’s efforts in the Daily News and proposed a “sister show” at a local club in Garwood, NJ. The first Blank-Fest-NJ, promoted extensively through Kubicz’s D.I.Y. music website Let’s Rock America [1] was a resounding success, netting 200 blankets which were donated directly to a neighboring homeless shelter in Cranford and garnered notice in the Bergen County press in 2006. Last year’s second annual Jersey show produced similar results. Similarly, Blank-Fest UK [2] was founded in Nottingham, England after a local recording studio owner heard an interview with The Baghdaddios on the British Armed Forces Radio Network, BFBS Radio One during the group’s Summer 2007 tour of England. Upon hearing about both the American and UK efforts Ontario-based photographer Gaynor Fletcher approached Rowell regarding the formation of a Blank-Fest Canada show. Also, debuting in 2007, in Guelph, ON, the inaugural Canadian event featured popular Canadian folk artist James Gordon and was covered extensively by the Canadian media,[2] raising well over 100 blankets.
In addition to these shows former Baghdaddios bassist, John Sidoti joined forces with local internet radio personality Ron Purtee to develop the first-ever Blank-Fest Wisconsin,[3] also in 2007, in theMilwaukee-area suburb of Racine.
Currently, there are 8 Blank-Fest shows serving 7 major metropolitan areas in three countries. In addition to those mentioned previously, 2008 has seen the addition of three additional shows: Blank-Fest Florida, which is hosted in Northern Florida (Lake City, near Gainesville, FL) and Blank-Fest VA, which is hosted in Richmond, VA (see links below).
In addition, promoters in Bridgeport, CT as well as Calgary and Ottawa, Canada have begun work for premiere Blank-Fest shows in December 2009. The first Blank-Fest Quebec (which was also the first “post-Holiday Season” Blank-Fest show) which took place on Saturday evening, February 21, 2009, garnered approximately 503 total donations.[4]
Currently plans are in development to expand Blank-Fest even further. There has been talk of shows in Texas, Northeast Pennsylvania, Ohio and Atlanta, GA. Several additional popular artists have been approached regarding future such shows. Quoted in a newspaper interview in 2000, Rowell maintained that “as long as there is the issue of homelessness we will continue to have a Blank-Fest”, further adding that he wishes “we didn’t have to hold these shows” but that, until the situation dramatically improves, everyone involved understands that they really have no other choice.
0 AXE Music Donate Signed Guitar By Dallas Green (City & Colour, Alexisonfire) To Blankfest-Calgary Auction
AXE Music Donate Signed Guitar By Dallas Green (City & Colour, Alexisonfire) To Blankfest-Calgary Auction
‘It’s About The Homeless, Nothing More, Nothing Less’
Calgary based music store AXE Music has donated a signed guitar from Dallas Green (City And Colour, Alexisonfire) to be auctioned off in support of local homeless benefit show Blankfest Calgary and their auction to raise funds for the city’s shelter The Mustard Seed.
Axe Music Partner, Director of Operations Brian M. Cymbaluk comments:
“AXE MUSIC CALGARY, a proud supporter of BLANKFEST III, is AXEceptionally AXEcited to donate a FENDER SQUIER M-80 guitar, autographed by the one and the only MR. DALLAS GREEN, from CITY AND COLOUR and ALEXISONFIRE fame, to help raise money during BLANKFEST III!!!
AXE MUSIC is proud to be a part of the business landscape of the city of Calgary, and even more proud to give back in small ways like the great initiative BLANKFEST, to help our great city thrive, insuring it continues to be one of the greatest places to live on this planet!
AXE MUSIC CALGARY… “the place to play!!!””
Bids for the silent online auction can be made at the following linkhttp://www.32auctions.com/organizations/10933/auctions/11972.
This year’s third annual Blankfest Calgary will be held on Saturday, Nov 16 at The Blind Beggar Pub (5211 Macleod Trail) to raise awareness, funds and winter clothing for the city’s shelter The Mustard Seed. The following line up for the event will consist of nine Alberta bands ranging in various genres of rock n’ roll, metal and hip hop, performing between 6:30pm to 2am.
Over the last two years, the full-to-capacity event has raised nearly $2,000 and over 400 blankets including winter clothing items for the homeless whom live in one of Canada’s coldest cities. Blankfest Calgary is just one of many events across North America inspired by founder Kenn Rowell, who has been organizing Blankfest in New York City since 1997 and has encouraged others to hold Blankfests in various parts of the USA, Canada (Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver) and Europe to help the homeless with the support from their music communities. (full Blankfest background info below.)
Event Details:
Blank-Fest Calgary III
Saturday November 16th
Blind Beggar Pub, 5211 Macleod Trail, Calgary, AB
Doors 6:30 pm
18+
Supporting: The Mustard Seed
Admission: A blanket, warm clothing or monetary donation of choice at the door.
Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/225731990918093/
Bands:
Same Monkey (Calgary) – Rock – https://www.facebook.com/samemonkeymusic
Wellington Folk (Calgary) – Folk/ Rock – https://www.facebook.com/thewellingtonfolk
Mike Ferraro (Calgary) – Acoustic – https://www.facebook.com/candeloramusic
King Dylan (Calgary) – Hip Hop/Rap – https://www.facebook.com/TheRealKingDyl
Abbie Thurgood & The Hired Guns (Calgary) – Country/ Rock – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Abbie-Thurgood/310544270227
Atacama Republic (Calgary) – Rock – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Atacama-Republic/103289433057261
Matt Blais (Calgary) – Blues Rock – https://www.facebook.com/mattblaismusic
The Heartwicks (Calgary) – Rock – https://www.facebook.com/theheartwicks
Leave the Living (Red Deer) – Metal – https://www.facebook.com/leavetheliving
For more info, please visit the following link:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlankFest.Calgary
About Blankfest:
BlankFest Documentary I – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_nZr7wZhjc
Blankfest Documentary II – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtUy2Oms2Cw
BlankFest Documentary III – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QNKJIPP21Y
Blank-Fest is an annual benefit concert, usually held one-to-two weeks before Christmas, which raises blankets for the homeless. It was founded in 1997 in Nyack, NY (a suburb approximately 20 miles outside of New York City) by Kenn Rowell who is the frontman for the NYC-based band, The Baghdaddios.
Rowell, in previous interviews detailed how he had always wanted to do “something charitable” on Christmas Eve. Among the many things he considered were keeping the disabled father of an old neighborhood friend company, singing in the children’s ward of a hospital and collecting blankets from friends to dispense amongst New York City’s homeless on Christmas Eve. Doing just that, for the first time in 1996, he enjoyed the experience so much that he decided to do the same thing again, next year. It was at that time that his friends told him that they had no more blankets to donate saying that Rowell had “cleaned them out” from the previous year.
Since inception, over 15 years ago, Rowell estimates that Blank-Fest has collected over 10,000 total donations for the homeless. For the original flagship show out of Nyack, with the exception of one year (2001) donations in every year has increased. Much of this growth can be attributed to increased exposure through local radio, the internet and the press, including featured articles in the New York Daily Newsand mentions in the New York Post.[1] In addition there have been satellite shows that have been formed in other states, cities and countries. So numerous have donations been in recent years that volunteers have had to split the distribution/delivery of blankets to the less fortunate on multiple nights, starting on Christmas Eve. Often excess donations are distributed to homeless shelters as well.
MCed by Rowell’s long-time band, The Baghdaddios, the first Blank-Fest only featured a handful of local, Hudson Valley area-based groups including international touring act Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, The Wheel and future Bruxelles part-owner Debruyn who performed as a solo artist. While always priding itself on featuring local independent, or “homegrown” music acts, in addition the benefit has attracted likewise talented songwiters and bands which boast an impressive list of major recording label ties and a solid reputation for touring and recording including EMI artist Patti Rothberg, pedal steel guitar greatBuddy Cage, former Misfits guitarist and founder of The Undead, Bobby Steele, Soulfly lead guitarist Marc Rizzo, Sirius Radio personality Meg Griffin, international jazz oomposer Mike McGinnis and the founder of the Anti-folk school of music, Lach.
Efforts to duplicate the successes of the early Nyack shows proved elusive at best until New Jersey-based independent artist activist, Richard Kubicz read about Blank-Fest’s efforts in the Daily News and proposed a “sister show” at a local club in Garwood, NJ. The first Blank-Fest-NJ, promoted extensively through Kubicz’s D.I.Y. music website Let’s Rock America [1] was a resounding success, netting 200 blankets which were donated directly to a neighboring homeless shelter in Cranford and garnered notice in the Bergen County press in 2006. Last year’s second annual Jersey show produced similar results. Similarly, Blank-Fest UK [2] was founded in Nottingham, England after a local recording studio owner heard an interview with The Baghdaddios on the British Armed Forces Radio Network, BFBS Radio One during the group’s Summer 2007 tour of England. Upon hearing about both the American and UK efforts Ontario-based photographer Gaynor Fletcher approached Rowell regarding the formation of a Blank-Fest Canada show. Also, debuting in 2007, in Guelph, ON, the inaugural Canadian event featured popular Canadian folk artist James Gordon and was covered extensively by the Canadian media,[2] raising well over 100 blankets.
In addition to these shows former Baghdaddios bassist, John Sidoti joined forces with local internet radio personality Ron Purtee to develop the first-ever Blank-Fest Wisconsin,[3] also in 2007, in theMilwaukee-area suburb of Racine.
Currently, there are 8 Blank-Fest shows serving 7 major metropolitan areas in three countries. In addition to those mentioned previously, 2008 has seen the addition of three additional shows: Blank-Fest Florida, which is hosted in Northern Florida (Lake City, near Gainesville, FL) and Blank-Fest VA, which is hosted in Richmond, VA (see links below).
In addition, promoters in Bridgeport, CT as well as Calgary and Ottawa, Canada have begun work for premiere Blank-Fest shows in December 2009. The first Blank-Fest Quebec (which was also the first “post-Holiday Season” Blank-Fest show) which took place on Saturday evening, February 21, 2009, garnered approximately 503 total donations.[4]
Currently plans are in development to expand Blank-Fest even further. There has been talk of shows in Texas, Northeast Pennsylvania, Ohio and Atlanta, GA. Several additional popular artists have been approached regarding future such shows. Quoted in a newspaper interview in 2000, Rowell maintained that “as long as there is the issue of homelessness we will continue to have a Blank-Fest”, further adding that he wishes “we didn’t have to hold these shows” but that, until the situation dramatically improves, everyone involved understands that they really have no other choice.
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