20 Nov 2010 Kris Allen concert benefits Blackbird Academy of Arts

Andy Davis, founder and director of the Music Empowers Foundation in New York became aware of Blackbird and its efforts to provide local music and arts education through Allen’s philanthropic efforts. The foundation provides funds to non-profit music education programs.

A VIP Sponsor Party was held prior to the concert with Allen and fellow band member Cale Mills performing a small, acoustic set. Allen also met party attendees for photos and autographs.

Allen performed a full concert set with his band at Reynolds Auditorium at the University of Central Arkansas to an audience of more than 1,000.  For the final song, more than 30 Blackbird music students joined the band on stage to sing “All You Need is Love.”

Through ticket sales, sponsorships and additional donations, organizers hit the $50,000 mark and the foundation presented Blackbird with an additional $50,000 check at the start of the concert, bringing the total amount raised to $100,000. The money earned from sponsors and tickets will go to help

Blackbird with day-to-day operating expenses, while the grant will be used for music supplies, classroom instruments and scholarships for music students.

Blackbird Academy, a not-for-profit organization, opened in 2009 to provide quality arts instruction to the Faulkner County area. For more information, please email [email protected] or visit www.blackbirdacademy.org.