Band Together and Kidznotes Partnership Raises $1 Million

Concert marks more than $6.5 Million raised for community through live music

Raleigh, N.C., May 17, 2016 — Under a clear blue sky on Saturday, Band Together kicked off one of its most successful concert events to date, featuring Trampled By Turtles, The Devil Makes Three and Dr. Bacon. And at the end of the night, more than 4,500 concertgoers at Red Hat Amphitheater watched as the nonprofit presented a check for their yearlong partnership with Kidznotes for more than $1 million.Band Together NC, a Triangle-based organization that uses live music as a platform for social change, has become the largest charitable music event in the Southeast since its inception in 2001. Including this weekend’s event, the organization has more than $6.5 million for the Triangle community to date.Progressive bluegrass band Trampled By Turtles headlined the show, joined by the Americana band The Devil Makes Three. Dr. Bacon, winner of the 2016 Last Band Standing event, opened the concert – a highlight for the rising band from Western North Carolina.“Saturday was a beautiful night for music, fun and friends and a great celebration of our yearlong partnership with Kidznotes,” said Matt Strickland, executive director for Band Together. “We’ve raised a million dollars to positively change students’ lives in Raleigh and Durham. And I am grateful for the hard work of our dedicated volunteers, the generosity of our donors and sponsors, and the support of a music-loving community.”Proceeds raised this year will go towards expanding Kidznotes programs in Raleigh and Durham. Kidznotes introduces children to classical music by providing 10 hours of music instruction each week free of charge to all participants.  But more than that, Kidznotes uses music as a catalyst for change.“We are honored to have spent the last year in partnership with Band Together,” said Katie Wyatt, executive director and co-founder of Kidznotes, “and to have exceeded our shared goal. Thanks to the event, volunteers and our amazing fundraisers, we will double the number of students enrolled next year. Kidznotes and our system of El Sistema-inspired orchestras, choirs and bands will be able to change the life trajectory of 600 students annually by 2018.”The concert, one of Band Together’s largest in recent years, hosted a packed crowd at Red Hat Amphitheater and a bustling VIP sponsor section just outside the venue. This year VIPs were treated to expanded food offerings and more fun, activities and games than ever before.Band Together would not be able to raise substantial funds or host events of this scale without the generous support of corporate partners in the community such as their Title Sponsor, First Citizens Bank. Included among the hundreds of additional sponsors are VIP Party Sponsors Atlantic BT, the Michael and Laura Brader-Araje Foundation, Cargill, S&A Communications, the Ann C. & C. Hamilton Sloan Family Foundation, and Eschelon Experiences. For a full list, visit our 2015-16 sponsor listing.“We owe a debt of gratitude to the hard work of our Band Together volunteers and leaders,” said Strickland, “especially our event co-chairs Cari Swann, Christina Coffey and Bo Heath. Our board of directors and advisory board were also instrumental in helping us meet our fundraising goal and for providing the support we need to organize such a successful event.”In 2017, Band Together will partner with the YMCA of the Triangle on at least three signature live music events in the Triangle, all in support of the transformative Southeast Raleigh Promise Project. To learn more about Band Together’s previous nonprofit partners or their events, visit www.bandtogethernc.org, become a fan on Facebook, join their LinkedIn group or follow @bandtogethernc on Twitter.###About Band Together NCBand Together NC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates under one mission: using live music as a platform for social change. Since its inception in 2001, the organization has grown to become the largest annual charitable music event in the Southeast, donating more than $6.5 million to philanthropic organizations. Band Together’s annual concert event is organized and led by a team of more than 500 volunteers from across the Triangle.About KidznotesKidznotes is inspired by “El Sistema,” the international movement of music for social change hailing from Venezuela. Kidznotes changes the life trajectory of underserved K-12 students through orchestral training. Kidznotes provides 10 hours of music instruction a week free of charge to participants in grades K-7. Launched in 2010, the program now serves nearly 300 students in Durham and Raleigh. For more information, visit www.kidznotes.org.