Concerts for a Cause: Offering Unique Live Music Experiences and Funds for Deserving Charities
December 2019
Concerts for a Cause has announced the headline performer for its Jan. 25 concert will be Willy Porter. Also appearing in the fabulous and intimate Lucas Estate concert venue setup will be Ryan M. Brewer. “We are excited to kick off our fifth season of concerts with two really talented singer songwriters. If you like musical storytellers, you will love Ryan Brewer and Willy Porter,” stated Concerts for a Cause co-founder Steve Neely. Remember, all proceeds for each concert supports a local charity. The Jan. 25 concert supports the Little Red Door’s Summer Camp for kids with cancer.
Willy Porter
For those unfamiliar with him, Willy Porter has been turning first-time listeners into die-hard fans for more than two decades. Willy blurs the line between indie-folk and rock with his searing signature fingerpicking guitar sound, absorbing lyrics and playful, high-energy live performance style. He has shared world stages with music icons Jeff Beck, Tori Amos and Paul Simon, carving out a successful solo career as an artist who makes music that resonates long after the last guitar chord fades.
From the release of his breakthrough album, 1994’s “Dog Eared Dream,” to the launch of his own record label, Weasel Records, in 2005, Willy is an artist dedicated to delivering high-test, original musical experiences. His 2015 album, “Human Kindness,” featured the songs “Train” and “Chippewa Boots,” performed live on NPR’s “A Prairie Home Companion” by Willy and his singing/songwriting partner Carmen Nickerson. The pair teamed up again in 2016 to make “Bonfire to Ash,” a record of co-writes produced by Grammy award-winner Ben Wisch (Marc Cohn, Jonatha Brooke).
Willy’s most recent project is the EP “mnemonic,” which features several new songs, including the instrumental “Bears Ears & The Great Law,” along with several catalog classics revisited and reimagined.
Equally accomplished as a guitarist, singer and songwriter, his songs weave a universal perspective about the questions, struggles and triumphs of human existence. His live shows are guitar-driven events—equal parts grit, soul and muscle—that are electrifying, dynamic and wholly original in the way that Willy’s voice blends and fuses with his dizzying fretwork.
Whether in the studio or on stage, Willy Porter gifts listeners with an unforgettable ride, embodying the very best of what live music has to offer.
Porter’s Accolades:
“If you need another flat-top guitar hero, look no further than Willy Porter, a blindingly fleet and maddeningly nimble player. If you’re trying to get the hang of fingerstyle picking, you’ll either curse the dude or forsake all and follow him.”
—Riverfront Times
“I found Willy on iTunes six years ago. Went to see him live and joined the converted.”
—Al Kooper (Bob Dylan/Blood, Sweat & Tears)
“Porter is a dazzling acoustic guitarist with a moody baritone…”
—The Washington Post
“Porter accentuates well-rendered tales with spitfire-percussive acoustic guitar strumming and fiery color-chord picking.”
—Billboard
Concerts for a Cause Makes a Difference for Local Charities
According to Bruce Kidd, Concerts for a Cause co-founder, “The first four years of concerts have far exceeded our thoughts for the number of people (3,200) who might attend and the amount of dollars ($200,000) we would be able to donate. Our sincere thanks to everyone who supported us by attending our concerts. I really believe our 2020 concerts will be our biggest and best to date—I hope many more people will join us for great live music and a chance to impact hundreds of kids’ and adults’ lives.”
2019 Concerts Contributions to Local Charities:
January 2019 concert: School on Wheels received $18,000
April 2019 concert: Brooke’s Place received $20,000
July 2019 concert: Agape received $17,000
October 2019 concert: A Kid Again received $14,000
Date – Jan. 25
Lucas Estate, 1143 W 116th St
6–7 p.m. is a reception with lots of food and drinks—all included in a ticket purchase
7 p.m. will be Ryan M. Brewer, a talented local singer songwriter
8 p.m. is Willy Porter, a gifted acoustic guitar player and folk-pop songwriter
The concert will support the Little Red Door’s Summer Camp for kids with cancer.
Writer:
Neil Lucas
Photography:
Submitted