Rock the Cause News:
Rock the Cause joins the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits!
Rock the Cause is proud to announce that we've joined the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits informs, promotes, connects and strengthens individual nonprofits and the nonprofit sector. Founded in 1987, MNCN strives to meet the increasing information needs of nonprofits and to convene nonprofits to address issues facing the sector. MCN is the statewide association of more than 2,000 member nonprofit organizations.
Glitter Ball 3 results are in!
We want to thank everyone who made Glitter Ball 3 our most successful Glitter Ball to date! Big Brothers Big Sisters of the greater Twin Cities (BBBS) asked Rock the Cause to help them gain much needed male mentors and new donors aged 21 to 45.
Here is what we are able to accomplish as a community: Our marketing campaign reached an estimated 80,000 people in the Twin Cities region. This was made possible by donated advertising from Minnesota Monthly and The Twin Cities Onion. We also had excellent coverage in The City Pages, Metro Mix, The Minneapolis Star Tribune, and music blogs like Borangutan.com. In addition, we took to the airwaves with appearances KARE 11’s Showcase Minnesota, with additional coverage by 89.3 The Current, and Jason Matheson on 107.1 FM.
Rock the Cause would like to give huge props to the coolest Mayor in the nation, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak for declaring January 29, 2010 as Rock the Cause for Big Brothers Big Sisters Day in Minneapolis. Last but not least, The Minnesota Roller Girls helped to get the word out to a crowd of over 4,000 fans! Combining this level of PR and social media, BBBS saw a significant surge in their Facebook and Twitter accounts. This also led to a record number of people volunteering and attending mentor orientation.
Over 400 people attended a sold-out show at Glitter Ball 3. You can see the photos on line in another article on this page, or in both the March and April issues of Minnesota Monthly.
Together, we were able to also support the arts, by giving exposure to the artists who performed at Glitter Ball 3, creating a new generation of stewardship for BBBS and the Arts. After all expenses were paid, we delivered $4,520 to Big Brothers Big Sisters. (That is 25% of the Rock the Cause Annual Operating Budget!) We challenge any organization to deliver at the level we deliver at with the minimal budget we have to work with. There is still much work to be done for BBBS. We encourage of all you to continue to support the importance one on one child mentoring in our community.
Rock the Cause is very blessed to have the support of the volunteers, artists, corporations, the media and the fans. Please help us to continue to good work. In the words of Jackson Browne “People you have the power over what we do, you can sit there and wait or you can pull us through, come along, sing the song, you know you can’t go wrong.”
Rock the Cause Campus program presents "After School Special"
The After School Special Costumed Charity Ball will feature music from classic children’s programs and other activities that emphasize the value of a safe and positive childhood. There will be on-campus screenings of the award-winning Indie film, Ana’s Playground, on Friday, February 26 and Sunday, February 28, and a preview of the film during Saturday’s event.
Musical performances will include outlaw country national headliner, 32 Below, and Minneapolis-based Indie superstars, White Light Riot.
Saturday, February 27
Lion’s Pause, St. Olaf College
1500 St. Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN
Doors: 8:00 PM; the event starts immediately.
$8 Admission / All Ages Show and open to the public.
Tickets available at St. Olaf and the RTC Ticketing page
100% of all concert tickets sales will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota.
RTC presents Award-winning documentary
“Ana’s Playground” is an allegory about the moment when a child is forced to choose between ideology and humanity while living and playing in a dangerous war environment. Production of the film was made possible entirely through charitable donations processed through Independent Feature Project Minnesota. The filmmakers are offering the film as a publicity and fundraising tool to nongovernmental organizations working to improve the lives of children living in violent conditions.
The script won the 2006 “Best Screenplay Award” at the Los Angeles Short Film Festival, which is an Oscar nominating festival recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. This film will be shown at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN on Friday, February 26 and Sunday, February 28.
Ari Herstand recognizes RTC at upcoming DVD Release
Rock The Cause advocate and local musician, Ari Herstand, will be releasing his DVD and music video on Friday, February 26th at the Fine Line Music Cafe. RTC will be attending the event to promote the organization and to support our long-time patron, Ari Herstand.
This is the official release of Ari's Live At The Pause DVD and the premiere of the "Rose Stained Red" Music Video. Ari will perform half of his set solo and half with a band. The event will also feature Casey Carlson (of American Idol), Ben Kyle (of Romantica) and Skyler Stonestreet.
Everyone who purchases advance tickets will receive a Swag Bag containing the official show poster and other band goodies.
Doors: 8:00 P.M.
Music: 9:00 P.M.
$7 for 21+ / $10 for 18+
Purchase or pre-order the DVD at:
www.ariherstand.com/dvdrelease
Glitter Ball 3: Photos of the Event
Photographer Cory Ryan was working the crowd at Glitter Ball, capturing all the pretty people and action during the evening. Cory was photographing the event for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities and has placed the images on his personal website. You can purchase Corey's photos online, with all proceeds benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Twin Cities.
The Metromix Street Team headed to the Music Box Theater in downtown Minneapolis to rock out with Rock the Cause and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities at Glitter Ball 3: Big Hair Big Hearts.
Photographer and RTC Board Member, David Wetzel, was on hand to capture more of the action at Glitter Ball. David also has a knack for adding special effects and fun elements to his photos. Check out David's photos of the event on Flickr.
Photographer and graphic designer, Mike Minehart, specializes in shooting live music and has been capturing concerts from the Twin Cities music scene and beyond for over 4 years. Mike has a talent for capturing musicians at their best and was onhand to get some great concert images at Glitter Ball. (Click on January 2009 on his website to access the images.)
(We'll post more photos / links as we receive them.)
RTC Board Member is profiled by the Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Each week, The Minneapolis Institute of Arts profiles a member of its staff through a series of artistic portraits and questions. Rurik Hover, RTC board member, artist, designer, and our version of Tyler Durden, is the latest subject. Rock the Cause is proud to have such a talented, creative and hard-working addition to our team.
Secrets of Millennial Philanthropy; Rock the Cause explains
Scott Herold and Kris Huson write about what it takes to tap into the activism vein of the most sought after generation in American history. Why do two Yuppie Gen Xers pushing 40 years of age think they have a clue about this much coveted, but much misunderstood demographic? Enter Rock the Cause, an innovative, volunteer driven grassroots nonprofit that they helped to create, whose mission is to develop a new generation of volunteerism and giving. Read the article and interview on the Sacre Bleu Wine website.
Visumm Media creates a new 'Introduction to RTC' mini-site
by Rurik
Visumm Media has generously donated their time and efforts to create a wonderful Who/What/How/Why introduction to Rock the Cause. This mini-site is a multi-media excursion into the wild, wonderful world of RTC, explaining who we are, what we do, and the impact we have on our community. Check out the videos, images, quotes and see how you can "Rock the Cause!"
Who Rocked in 2009
by Scott Herold
Here's our list of game changers in 2009 who reaffirmed our faith in Rock and Roll, humanity, and straight up awesomeness.... and of course our list goes to eleven!
11. The Arms Akimbo - The "You Want To" EP is like owning a Paul Weller imported 45. This year I am going to be a Rude Boy.
10. Strangelights - The Minneapolis based trio's Psychedelic Brit Pop is an Urban Hymn of faster crystal speed machines. If you love your Brit Pop black and metallic, you know what I am talking about.
9. Open Arms of Minnesota - In a down economy, they raised over $7 Million for a new facility that will accommodate delivering 250,000 nutritious meals to persons living with HIV. Now that takes real commitment!
8. The 4ontheFloor - Any band that can get a crowd of U of M students to call and request Son House "John the Revelator" is just alright with me. Tell me whose that writing?
7. The Alarmists - Eric Lovold is a risk taker. I admire that. He stays true to his vision. He has guts. He is truly one of the best people I know. "The Overhead Left" is a CD Minneapolis should be proud of.
6. The Minnesota RollerGirls - Bruised Angels skating their way to Heaven.... At every bout you can get a Black eye and help great local causes. These Ladies deserve sainthood. Saint Suzi Smashbox? How do I get a hold of the Vatican?
5. The St. Olaf College MEC - The students helped Rock the Cause to develop its Campus Program. The passion of the students of Saint Olaf College to make a difference is awe-inspiring! The world is forever changed by the efforts of the Music Entertainment Committee to create a campus program that combines Rock and Roll and volunteerism.
4. Alison Scott - You don't have to travel to the Tennessee hills to hear great American Roots music. Alison is just another reason our local music scene is one of the best in the nation.
3. The Notties - Everyone knows I love this band. Buy the record. Go see them. They work hard and believe in making legitimate Rock and Roll. That is reason enough.
2. ReadyGoes - Not only did this band have a crowd of 400 college kids rocking out to their brand of power pop, but when their set was over, they helped sign up volunteers and gave the students glam rock makeovers.
1. Free Arts Minnesota - This agency is supported by a budget of less than $700,000 and a staff of 5 people. They delivered Art Programs to 10,000 children and managed over 2000 volunteers. Please support them. These people have dedication!
Honorable Mention - The Beatles Rock Band Edition - A new generation is introduced the most culturally significant music of the 20th century. Nothing is Beatle-proof!
Volunteerism, Philanthropy and Good Design
by Priscilla Priebe
As I was getting ready for the So it Goes farewell show at the Fineline Music café, I was so upset to think about how much I was going to miss playing shows with those goofballs and partying into the wee hours of the morning at our favorite eccentric’s house. If you had ever attended a So it Goes show, you know what an amazing performance they put on and it is no joke what great people they are. Because of this, I couldn’t help feel incredibly sad about losing such a great Rock the Cause supporting band, as well. So it Goes put so much into helping Rock the Cause, especially in the beginning. Even if it meant dressing up like their favorite glam babies for Glitter Ball, volunteering one-on-one in the community, or learning a plethora of new songs the week before a big RTC event they were up for it.
It is great performances like theirs that really give Rock the Cause a face. We struggle to properly express who we are as an organization and have to ask ourselves: “Who are we,” “Who likes us?” and, “Why do they like us?” If we can’t answer these questions, we can’t brand our selves properly and cannot reach the audiences that we desire to; our finished products will go unappreciated. Knowing these answers is where I feel that Rock the Cause has been so successful as non-profit supporters and as entertainers. Our goal with Rock the Cause has always been to bring philanthropy to audiences of all ages, to empower everyone with the courage to get out there and make a difference in the community, regardless of age, financial stature, or disability.... to pass on a spirit of giving to growing generations. We have a strong sense of self and this allows us to create a strong marketing campaign, but most importantly, we all share a deep-rooted love of music. This unique use of music and volunteering helps us attract the most needed younger generations and creative individuals.
Younger generations especially need to know that volunteering is simple, fun, and effective. We need design work that is eye catching, yet clean and easy to read, with an emphasis on Rock and Roll. This knowledge is what inspired the birth of Rock the Cause and it’s Rock n’ Roll gang of followers to put on some of the best events in town while bringing awareness to local charities. Everyone loves a good time and everyone wants to feel that they alone can make a difference. Punk Rockers and bands like So it Goes finally have an atmosphere where they can feel entirely free to be themselves and make a real difference where, under different circumstances, they might not have been so well received. Working with local artists and designers on visuals has really brought forth the vitality that Minnesota’s thriving art community shares with Rock the Cause and gives us an opportunity to communicate using relevant design.
The Doughboys Michael Scavone Acts His Rage
by Scott Herold
Scott Herold interviews The Doughboys leader and spokesperson, Michael Scavone, revealing an artist whose heart and passion are in the right place. Read the article and interview on the Sacre Bleu Wine website, where Mr. Herold contributes as a music writer and occasional blogger.
Alison Scott talks soul music, Kevin Bowe and the boys in her band
by Scott Herold
Scott Herold talks with Alison to talk about her music as well as her recent collaboration with Grammy Award winner Kevin Bowe. Read the article and interview on the Sacre Bleu Wine website, where Mr. Herold contributes as a music writer and occasional blogger.