Each and every day college students perform what is said to be a "normal routine." Roll out of bed at the crack of noon, decide not to shave, and then proceed to eat the leftover Fritos that have been sitting on the floor since Game One of the World Series. Even though to many people this is considered a satisfying day, there is much more to the college experience.
When attending college, there are so many bills to pay and not enough time to work for the money needed to pay them. A car is a definite necessity, and when many students do not have one, supporting good causes that take place in the outside community becomes a tough deed to accomplish. Time for volunteer work is even harder to find.
Starting this week and now each and every month things can be different. Broadway Joe's, located on Main Street is presenting "Concert for a Cause," a series of monthly benefit concerts. The admission charge goes directly to a specific charity. The three or four bands that will play for free get a chance to give back to the community that supports them. Most importantly, awareness about great charities will be raised.
Project founder and Broadway Joe's owner Sam Marabella wants everyone to know that this type of opportunity is rare in the city of Buffalo.
"When looking down Main Street, you see the same thing - underage kids going into bars, throwing up everywhere," he said. "Joe's is just a bus ride away so why not come out and hear music that will have a positive effect on this city. It's not often your admission to a bar can help give somebody a better life."
This Saturday at 10 p.m. Broadway Joe's will be raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is one of the most celebrated children's charities in the world. The foundation grants the wishes of children who suffer from life-threatening medical conditions. The charity has helped enrich the human experience since 1980 and, with the help of the Buffalo community, can continue to grant the wishes for many kids.
A good quorum of talent will be participating in this fundraiser as well. On Saturday four bands will be performing an hour set each. The variety of music performed by Gee Force, Mini Motor Punch, Left of Oblivion, and Middle Man should encourage people of all ages to come out and support this event.
The band Gee Force is filled with blues players. The group often mixes up its lineup.
"We may be a blues band, but that does not mean we won't rock the house with a crazy jam session for this special night," said Danny Granbino, who put together Gee Force.
"There are a lot of positives Concert for a Cause will bring to the community," says Doug Arber, drummer for Mini Motor Punch.
"The concert will attract anyone who wants to help a worthy cause and hear good music at the same time," he said. Arber's band will be playing what they like to call "acid soul," a mix of everything from rock to funk and R&B.
"My band members and I do not have a lot of money. When Sam asked me to help out for this event I jumped on it. This makes me feel good and it will definitely reflect when I am on stage. Now we can do what we love and help people out for a change as well."
Midway through the show, Marbella plans to get up on stage and tell everyone about the chosen charity. He will let everyone know how much was raised and leave the option for more donations. He will also present the charity for the following month's event.
Concert for a Cause is more then just a good idea. It is bound to help a community that lacks music venues and will offer a variety of cultures. Starting this Saturday, college kids will have more options for weekend fun.
