Legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow's non-profit organization, the Manilow Music Project, will put tens of thousands of dollars of musical instruments into the hands of fifteen Clark County School District middle schools and high schools at a celebratory delivery and distribution event on Thursday, October 7th, 2010 at Valley High School in Clark County, Nevada. Reinvigorating the school system's music program at a critical time of need, and credited with putting instruments in the hands of 600 students who would otherwise be unable to participate; this is the single largest donation of its kind in Clark County history for a music program.
Following the presentation, five semi-trucks brimming with musical instruments will be launched from the site to deliver the instruments to middle and high schools throughout Clark County. Manilow, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, district officials and hundreds of music teachers and students from the Clark County School District will be in attendance for the presentation, which will be hosted by Deejay Melanie from KSNE Sunny 106.5's "Melanie and Michael in the Morning." A portion of the instruments were collected through the Paris Théâtre box office, where fans can bring new and gently used musical instruments to receive a voucher for the Barry Manilow performance date of their choice.
Manilow credits his own secondary school music program as the genesis of his devotion to a legendary career in music, and considers the Manilow Music Project his chance to share that love of music with thousands of aspiring young musicians. In response to the needs of the local public schools and their severely depleted music programs, Barry Manilow gathered some friends and formed The Manilow Music Project (MMP) as part of his nonprofit Manilow Health and Hope Fund. The mission statement of the Manilow Music Project highlights the importance of music programs in our schools and donates instruments and materials to school music programs. The Manilow Music Project is also funded by the Manilow Paris Platinum Experience Tickets.
"The Las Vegas Community has been so kind to me; it is a pleasure to be bringing instruments to these kids. With public school music programs so severely depleted, it's more important than ever to do what we can to keep the music alive," says Manilow.
"The incredible generosity of the Manilow Music Project is an outstanding example of community support that enriches students," said Superintendent Walt Rulffes. "Thanks to Barry Manilow and his staff, thousands of Clark County School District students will have the opportunity to open their worlds and share their talents through music and the performing arts."
Manilow is currently performing more than 78 shows a year for two years at the Paris Théâtre at Paris Las Vegas. The shows are produced by STILETTO Entertainment in conjunction with AEG Live and Paris Las Vegas. The Platinum Experience Ticket (which funds the MMP to make these opportunities possible), includes a front row seat, pre-show champagne reception, meet & greet and photo with Barry Manilow, and an autographed show program. Fans can book online at www.starz.bz/manilowfund or by calling 310.957.5788.
Tickets for performances through January 16, 2011 are available on-line at Vegas.com or Ticketmaster.com, in person at the Paris Théâtre box office, or by calling 1.800.745.3000. Ticket prices are $250, $175, $125, $95 and $65. Front Row tickets for these dates are available now at www.FrontRowManilow.com. Visit www.parislasvegas.com for room and ticket packages. For more information on Barry Manilow at Paris Las Vegas visit www.ManilowParis.com.
