Barry Manilow to donate instruments to schools during Tulsa stop
BY JENNIFER CHANCELLOR World Scene Writer
Thursday, May 31, 2012
5/31/12 at 3:12 PM
Legendary pop and American songbook singer-songwriter Barry Manilow wants to make the whole world sing - and play music.
He’s kicking off an instrument drive for Tulsa Public Schools by donating a Yamaha piano, and hopes others will be inspired to give, too.
BOK Center officials announced that anyone who donates a gently used musical instrument to the BOK Center Box Office at Denver and Frisco avenues will also receive two free tickets to Manilow’s June 8 concert at the venue.
“I’m thrilled to be able to help bring the gift of music to these kids,” Manilow said in a press statement.
The drive runs through June 8. The drop-off location is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.
“Mr. Manilow’s gift could not come at a better time, as our school district, like many others in Oklahoma, continues to struggle with budget issues that all too often impact music, art and other critical programs,” said Dr. Keith Ballard, superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools.
“We place a high value on the contribution that music makes in the educational lives of our children. We are so grateful to Barry for helping to make a difference.”
With worldwide record sales exceeding 80 million, Barry Manilow is ranked as the top Adult Contemporary chart artist of all time with 47 top 40 hits. Manilow has produced, arranged, and released over 40 albums over the course of his career.
The drive is part of The Manilow Music Project, a segment of the nonprofit Manilow Fund for Health and Hope. It was formed as a grass roots organization to assist local charities and programs. Its primary focus is to provide musical instruments to high schools and middle schools and to provide music scholarships at universities throughout the US, Canada, and the UK. More information on the Manilow Music Project can be found at http://www.manilowmusicproject.org/.
Tickets also are available online at tulsaworld.com/bok, all Tickets.com outlets, in person at BOK Center Box Office, or by calling 866-7-BOK-CTR.
Associated Images:
Barry Manilow. Courtesy
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