JALOPY THEATRE AND SCHOOL OF MUSIC GO NON-PROFIT

Statement from Jalopy Theatre's Geoffrey & Lynnette Wiley:

Since we founded Jalopy in 2006, technically, we have been a for-profit business, but that model has never truly reflected our priorities (in fact, many people assume we already are a nonprofit organization because of our commitment to our community of artists and students). Our main concern has always been supporting artists and making folk music accessible to a wide audience, not focusing on the bottom line.

So we are thrilled to share the news that we are joining forces with Living Traditions, a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 with the mission of preserving, promoting and perpetuating traditional folk music. For thirty years, Living Traditions produced the wildly successful KlezKamp, a beloved annual Yiddish folk arts gathering in the Catskills. Living Traditions’ own programming ended in 2014, and we are proud to be taking up their mission as our own while holding on to our own location, staff, programs, and name.

Over Jalopy’s first decade, our music and educational programming has become increasingly rich, and the relationships we have developed with artists, audiences, and students have deepened. And we have seen an opportunity to build a broader community of support for our work, realizing our communal values even more fully.

We’ve always considered Jalopy a place that belongs to the people. Officially offering our activities and programs through a nonprofit (in more than just spirit!) will provide new ways to connect with our community, strengthen our organization, and continue to evolve as we begin our second decade.

BLUES LOVERS STEP UP TO SUPPORT MUSICIANS IMPACTED BY THE LOUISIANA FLOODS

The Music Maker Relief Foundation has created the Baton Rouge Musicians Fund (BRMF). The fund was created in partnership with the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation and will directly support musicians impacted by the Louisiana Flood.

Beginning August 12, 2016, heavy rains fell over the state of Louisiana. The record-breaking flooding, caused by the nearly seven trillion gallons of rain that fell, has damaged more than 60,000 homes.

One of the damaged homes belongs to 91 year-old blues pianist Henry Gray, a native of Kenner, Louisiana. Gray, who still tours both solo and with his band, Henry Gray and the Cats, has traveled the world playing the blues with the Rolling Stones, Howlin' Wolf and countless others. Despite his success on the global stage, Gray still lives in a humble home, and like 54 percent of home owners in the flood zone, has no flood insurance.

(Photo credit Jordan Hefler/Baton Rouge Blues Festival, click for high res)

As news of the historic flooding hit, Music Maker Relief Foundation Founder and President Timothy Duffy was quick to respond. “Music Maker has been helping roots musicians in crisis for more than 20 years, so when we heard that legends like Henry were impacted by the flooding, we immediately reached out to send aid," Duffy said.

When Clarke Gernon, Jr., president of the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation, heard Music Maker was helping Gray, he offered to partner with Duffy to help the many other Louisiana musicians in need. “Guitars. Keyboards. Amps. These among other instruments are the tools of the trade when you are a working musician in the Baton Rouge Blues community. When these items are gone, not to mention one's house and possessions, it really limits your ability to pay your bills. We hope this relief fund can help bridge the gap and get these suffering musicians back to playing the blues and not just feeling them,” Gernon said.

Duffy agreed and offered to mobilize Music Maker resources to set up the Baton Rouge Musicians Fund and assist these performers. "In a disaster like this, we first need to help stabilize an artist’s health and housing situation," says Duffy. "Then we can focus on getting instruments back in their hands and giving them access to stages so they can rebuild their livelihoods.”

Contemporary artists around the world recognize the significance of roots musicians from the South. Grammy-winning artist Taj Mahal is lending his support to the Baton Rouge Musicians Fund and hopes others will join him. "These musicians are the foundation of all popular music in the world. When disaster turns on them, it is not time to turn our backs. Let's show them the respect!," Mahal said.

Tax-deductible donations can be made to the Baton Rouge Musicians Fund through Music Maker at musicmaker.org.

Music Maker Relief Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit, preserves and promotes the musical traditions of the American South. Since 1994 they have partnered with traditional artists over 55 years old who survive on a yearly income of less than $18,000, sustaining their day-to-day needs while building their careers. Through Music Maker, our rich heritage of music will not be lost with the passing of time. Music Maker has been featured on PBS NewsHour, NPR Weekend Edition and CBS Evening News. More information at http://www.musicmaker.org/

Founded in 2002, the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation is a non-profit organization striving to promote, preserve and celebrate the Baton Rouge blues culture and bring the best of Louisiana swamp blues music to the world. Today the Foundation sponsors a Blues Education program, a Blues Music History Project, an annual Blue Carpet Blues Gala, and the annual Baton Rouge Blues Festival. More information at http://www.batonrougebluesfestival.org/brbf/

LEAD BELLY FEST AT CARNEGIE HALL FEBRUARY 4, 2016

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PERFORMERS TO HONOR LONG-TIME NEW YORKER & ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE LEAD BELLY TO INCLUDE 5-TIME GRAMMY WINNER BUDDY GUY; ERIC BURDON OF THE ANIMALS; & MANY MORE

CONCERT PROCEEDS GO TO NON-PROFITS THE ASSOCIATION TO BENEFIT CHILDREN AND PROJECT ALS

“No Lead Belly, no Beatles.” – George Harrison

“Lead Belly wasn’t an influence, he was the influence.” – Van Morrison

Lead Belly Fest presents its first US performance at Carnegie Hall on February 4, 2016, a multi-artist, immersive tribute featuring five-time GRAMMY Award winner Buddy Guy and Eric Burdon (the Animals), among others.

Lead Belly gave his final performance in 1949 at Carnegie Hall shortly before he died of ALS on 6^th December of that year. Tom Paley of the New Lost City Ramblers performed at that 1949 concert and is the last man alive to have played with Lead Belly. Paley will return to the Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall February 4.

Other performers include three-time GRAMMY winner Tom Chapin; Blues Music Award nominee Nick Moss with Michael Ledbetter, who is Lead Belly’s first cousin twice removed; two-time British Blues Award winner Laurence Jones; Josh White, Jr., (son of legendary folk singer Josh White who sang at Lead Belly’s funeral); Hot 100 Singles charting artist Ali Isabella, the “high-octane” (UNCUT) Walter Trout; NYC Blues Hall of Famer Sari Schorr; NYC’s very own Dana Fuchs; and NYC folk and blues artist and Village Voice cover story subject Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton; all playing with a house band led by Jon Cobert.

Lead Belly Fest sold out Royal Albert Hall this past June in a concert headlined by Van Morrison and received rave reviews:

“The stars came out to pay tribute in an incredible ensemble of talent. ‘Lead Belly Fest’ was, more than just a concert – it was a happening: without doubt one of the most diverse and authentic productions that this venerable hall has witnessed in many a year…”

- The London Times

A commemorative plaque to celebrate the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s longtime residence at 414 E. 10th Street, which became a hub of the folk revival, will be unveiled by a special guest at a ceremony to be announced in January.

Inspired by Lead Belly’s love of children, proceeds from the concert will go to NYC’s Association to Benefit Children (ABC). The Association to Benefit Children (ABC) is dedicated to bringing joy and warmth to disadvantaged children and their families through compassionate, sustainable, comprehensive and integrated services, designed to permanently break the cycles of abuse, neglect, sickness and homelessness.

ABC’s humane and innovative programs today include early childhood education for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, educational advocacy, housing assistance, mental health services, family support and preservation, crisis intervention, therapeutic out-of-school and summer day camp programs, youth leadership development and mentoring.

Project A.L.S. was founded in 1998, as a non-profit 501(c)3, when Jenifer Estess, a 35-year-old New York theater and film producer, was diagnosed with ALS. Told at the time of diagnosis to “max out her credit cards and eat junk food,” Jenifer instead committed her efforts to making a difference for people with ALS—and producing treatments and a cure.

Project A.L.S. identifies and funds the most promising scientific research that will lead to the first effective treatments and a cure for ALS. The new paradigm for brain disease research, Project A.L.S. recruits the world’s best scientists and doctors to work together rationally and aggressively toward a better understanding of the ALS disease process and, in parallel, better therapeutic strategies.

Tickets go on sale today and start at $40 at carnegiehall.org, CarnegieCharge 212-247-7800, Box Office at 57th and Seventh.

STRIKE 3 FOUNDATION TO HOLD WIFFLE® BALL TOURNAMENT

Craig Breslow, CEO of The Strike 3 Foundation, announced that on October 10, 2015, the foundation that was launched by Breslow in 2008 to heighten awareness, mobilize support and raise funds for cancer research, will be holding a one day WIFFLE^® Ball Tournament, that Breslow will host.

The tournament will take place at Little Fenway in Essex, Vermont. One playing field, exclusively designed for WIFFLE Ball games, is a quarter of the size of Boston’s Fenway Park, which it replicates.  The facility has two other fields as well – Little Wrigley and Little Field of Dreams, both of which will also be used in the tournament. Participation of 10 to 12 teams will be supported by individual or team sponsors. To qualify for participation, each team is charged with raising from $3,000 to $5,000 in sponsor donations and pay a $350 registration fee. Admission to the games will be free.

Craig Breslow explained, “This is our first WIFFLE Ball Tournament, marking a sport which keeps growing in popularity with each passing year. We are optimistic that we will attract sponsors who want to support the Strike 3 Foundation’s ongoing efforts to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. Although we have made great strides, the Strike 3 Foundation can only continue to prosper with the strong support of a generous community of donors and sponsors.”

Craig Breslow: Strike 3 Foundation's Sip Happens Event Recap Video

RED SOX PITCHER CRAIG BRESLOW’S SPECIAL EVENT SIP HAPPENS RAISES $250,000 FOR PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH

BRESLOW’S STRIKE 3 FOUNDATION SURPASSES $3 MILLION RAISED

SHANE VICTORINO, KOJI UEHARA, MIKE NAPOLI, MANY OTHER TEAMMATES AND VIPS JOIN BRESLOW AT SIP HAPPENS

Red Sox pitcher Craig Breslow’s Strike 3 Foundation raised $250,000 on Thursday to fight pediatric cancer. Strike 3 Foundation has now raised over $3 million to date.

Other Red Sox players in attendance included Xander Bogaerts, Brock Holt, Justin Masterson, Koji Uehara, Junichi Tazawa, Brandon Workman, Ryan Hanigan, Clay Buchholz, Tommy Layne, Wade Miley, Shane Victorino, Mike Napoli, Rick Porcello, Robbie Ross, Jr. New York Yankee Andrew Miller and author Ben Mezrich joined the event as well. Emcees Jenny Johnson and Billy Costa of NESN and KISS 108 officiated.

Craig Breslow said, “We could not be more excited with the turnout and success of our third Sip Happens event.  We were able to raise over $250,000 while maintaining our minimal expenses only because of the generosity of the Boston community and its businesses.  A special thank you is warranted to all of the vendors, guests, volunteers of our organization, and my Red Sox teammates who gave up a rare off day to be with us tonight.  At the end of the day, most importantly, we were able to raise a quarter of a million dollars for childhood cancer research and treatment.”

Food and beverage stations at Sip Happens included Bergamot, Sam Adams, Citizens Public House, Tito's Vodka, Hungry Mother, Kowloon, Napa Valley Vinter Joseph Carr & Winery, The Fireplace, Hopsters Brew & Board, No. 8 Kitchen, Squeeze Café, Beam Global, Posto Mobile, Voss, 90+ Cellars / Latitude, Sam Adams, Mike's Pastry, Murphy Distributors, Foley Family Wines, MS Walker, Georgetown Cupcakes, Martignetti, Anna's Taqueria, Tito's Vodka, Hopsters Brew & Board, New England Charcuterie/Moody's, Kesner, Sovereign Brands, Dylan's Ghost, and Baker'’s Best.

About Strike 3 Foundation

The Strike 3 Foundation is a charitable agency recognized by the IRS under 501 (c)(3) that heightens awareness, mobilizes support, and raises funding for pediatric cancer research. Founded in 2008 by current Major League Pitcher and Yale graduate Craig Breslow, Strike 3 has donated over $500,000 to Yale University Children's Hospital as a founding sponsor of Connecticut's only Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation Program. Additionally, the organization has supported deserving research and treatment centers across the country including the Children's Hospital and Research Center Oakland, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, and the Conquer Cancer Foundation. Strike 3 also funds a Boston based research project annually. Offices are located in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, and California, and is headquartered in Connecticut.

Red Sox Pitcher Craig Breslow to Host Third Annual Sip Happens Event To Benefit Pediatric Cancer Research

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BOSTON (April 23)- Red Sox pitcher Craig Breslow will host his third annual Sip Happens, a food, wine, beer and spirits event, on April 30 to benefit his Strike 3 Foundation, which raises money and awareness for pediatric cancer research.

The event will include a silent auction, food and beverage stations and the chance for guests to rub elbows with members of the Red Sox.

WHAT:           Third annual SIP Happens fundraising event to benefit the Strike 3 Foundation featuring local Boston area restaurants including Citizens Public House, Hungry Mother, The Fireplace, New England Charcuterie, Anna’s Taqueria, No. 8 Kitchen & Spirits, Kowloon, and Georgetown Cupcake.

WHO:             Hosts Craig and Kelly Breslow

                        Members of the 2015 Red Sox team

Emcees KISS 108’s Billy Costa and NESN’s Jenny Johnson

WHEN:           Thursday, April 30 at 5:30 pm. Media are invited to cover the red carpet between 5:45-7:00 pm.

WHERE:         WGBH Studios

                        1 Guest Street, Boston

INFO:             Visit the website for ticket information and this blog for more event info.

The Strike 3 Foundation is a charitable agency recognized by the IRS under 501 (c)(3) that heightens awareness, mobilizes support, and raises funding for pediatric cancer research. Founded in 2008 by current Major League Pitcher and Yale graduate Craig Breslow, Strike 3 has donated over $500,000 to Yale University Children's Hospital as a founding sponsor of Connecticut's only Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation Program. Additionally, the organization has supported deserving research and treatment centers across the country including the Children's Hospital and Research Center Oakland, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, and the Conquer Cancer Foundation. Strike 3 also funds a Boston based research project annually. Offices are located in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, and California, and are headquartered in Connecticut.

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Red Sox Pitcher Breslow to Host Sip Happens Event for Childhood Cancer Research

LAST YEAR'S EVENT RAISED $320,000 AND FEATURED DUSTIN PEDROIA, JON LESTER, DAVID ORTIZ, SHANE VICTORINO, KOJI UEHARA, & OTHERS

The Strike 3 Foundation will host its third annual Sip Happens food tasting and wine pairing on April 30 at WGBH (1 Guest Street, Boston, MA). Proceeds will benefit the Strike 3 Foundation, which was founded and is run by Red Sox reliever Craig Breslow to heighten awareness, mobilize support, and raise funding for pediatric cancer research and treatment. To date, the organization has raised almost $3 million while administrative expenses have been kept under 3%. Last year 's event featured appearances by 23 active members of the Boston Red Sox, including the team's biggest stars, and raised $320,000.

Sip Happens will begin with a VIP and sponsor reception at 6:15PM, with general admission doors opening at 7:00PM.

Strike 3 Foundation has supported programs at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital and Research Institute Oakland, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and most recently, supported 3 oncology fellows at The Dana Farber Cancer Institute, awarding them the necessary funding to execute their research.

Food and beverage sponsors who offered samples at last year's event included Mike's Pastry, Citizens Public House, Shake Shack, New England Charcuterie, The Fireplace, Georgetown Cupcakes, Eastern Standard, Pain D'avignon, Hungry Mother, The Taco Truck, Russell House Tavern, Brasserie Jo, The Blue Room, Beam Global, Foley Family Wines, JC Import Co., Napa Valley Vintner Joseph Carr & Winery, Murphy Distributors, Hopsters Brew & Board, Motto Sparkling Matcha Tea, Nestle Water, Sam Adams Brewery, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Davies Family, Horizon Beverage, and M.S.Walker. An MLB.com video recap of Sip Happens 2014 can be seen here.

Photos and bio on Craig Breslow are here.

Executive Director and event co-host Craig Breslow offered his excitement about the event, "I could not be more excited about our third Sip Happens event. It is incredible to think that we have already hosted this event twice, and even more incredible to consider the growth we have enjoyed year to year. We anticipate another great event with tremendous support from my Red Sox teammates, local businesses, and Boston community members. "

Director of Business Operations and Development, and co-host Kelly Breslow added "We continue to be overwhelmed by the support of Boston businesses and individuals. The generosity of this community has allowed us to expand the grants we administer and programs we support. Strike 3 will likely surpass the $2M milestone in grants disbursed, and events like Sip Happens are integral to our success."

For individual ticket purchases, please go here.

About Strike 3 Foundation

The Strike 3 Foundation is a charitable agency recognized by the IRS under 501 (c)(3) that heightens awareness, mobilizes support, and raises funding for pediatric cancer research. Founded in 2008 by current Major League Pitcher and Yale graduate Craig Breslow, Strike 3 has donated over $500,000 to Yale University Children's Hospital as a founding sponsor of Connecticut's only Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation Program. Additionally, the organization has supported deserving research and treatment centers across the country including the Children's Hospital and Research Center Oakland, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, and the Conquer Cancer Foundation. Strike 3 also funds a Boston based research project annually. Offices are located in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, and California, and is headquartered in Connecticut.

The Strike 3 Foundation Presents Brewing with Breslow

...in Newton, MA

RED SOX PITCHER CRAIG BRESLOW’S SIP HAPPENS SPECIAL EVENT RAISES $300,000 FOR STRIKE 3 FOUNDATION, MOST OF ANY OF ITS EVENTS TO DATE

TWENTY TEAMMATES ATTEND INCLUDING ORTIZ, LESTER, PEDROIA

STRIKE 3 FOUNDATION HAS RAISED OVER $2.3 MILLION TO DATE TO FIGHT PEDIATRIC CANCER

Red Sox pitcher Craig Breslow’s Sip Happens special event May 19 raised three hundred thousand dollars for his Strike 3 Foundation. The non-profit organization founded by Red Sox pitch Craig Breslow, heightens awareness, mobilizes support, and raises funding for pediatric cancer research and treatment. His fellow Red Sox players Burke Badenhop, Clay Buchholz, Felix Doubront, John Lackey, Jon Lester, Andrew Miller, Junichi Tazawa, Koji Uehara, A.J. Pierzynski, David Ross, Xander Bogaerts, Dustin Pedroia, Jackie Bradley, Jr., Mike Carp, Jonny Gomes, Grady Sizemore, Shane Victorino, and David Ortiz attended. Also showing their support were best-selling author Ben Mezrich, author Jeff Ma, Charlie Davis of the New England Revolution, Miss Massachusetts United States 2014 Cyndal Maria Todd, Baseball Hall of Fame journalist Peter Gammons, Red Sox owner John Henry, and Jenny Johnson and Billy Costa of NESN and Kiss 108 FM. To date, the all-volunteer organization has raised over $2.3 million and disbursed over $1.1 million to worthwhile research and treatment centers locally, and across the US. Operating expenses are under three percent.

Executive Director and event co-host Craig Breslow said, "Sip Happens 2014 represents the most profitable event to date. Through an expansive volunteer staff, incredible support from the Boston Red Sox, generous members of the area's most philanthropic citizenry, and donated product and services from a spectrum of vendors, we were able to raise over $300K. All of our guests seemed to enjoy this remarkable event while becoming engaged in our cause. Many thanks to all who supported this wonderful night.”

Director of Business Operations and Development, and co-host Kelly Breslow added, "Sip Happens was the Strike 3 Foundation's most profitable and efficient fundraiser to date thanks to our generous donors and the Boston philanthropic community.  With funds raised of $300,000, we once again acheived our operational goal of holding event expenses under 10% of event revenue, further maximizing the impact of our donor contributions."

Armand De’Brignac Ace of Spades Champagne, Foley Family Wines, Tito’s Vodka, Beam Global, Nestle Waters, Samuel Adams, The Fireplace Restaurant, New England Charcuterie, Citizen’s Public House, Hungry Mother, Georgetown Cupcakes, Foley Family Wines, Brasserie Jo, Citizens Public House, Eastern Standard, Georgetown Cupcake, Hungry Mother, Russell House Tavern, The Blue Room, Shake Shack, New England Charcuterie, Mike’s Pasty, and Pain D’Avignon provided top notch food, wine, and spirits for the event, which was held at the Boston Children’s Museum.

Sip Happens 2014 photos

 

CREDITS:

Ben Mezrich, Breslows, Room Pictures: Servidone Studios

Check Presentation:  Boston Red Sox Photographer, Brita Meng Outzen
Group photo credit Rob Cuni, L-R: Linda Henry, John Henry, Ben Mezrich, Craig Breslow, Jeffrey Ma, Tonya Mezrich

Sip Happens MLB.com recap

BEN MEZRICH, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF "BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE: THE INSIDE STORY OF SIX M.I.T. STUDENTS WHO TOOK VEGAS FOR MILLIONS" & M.I.T. TEAM MEMBER JEFF MA TO SPEAK AT SIP HAPPENS

MAY 19 EVENT HOSTED BY RED SOX'S CRAIG BRESLOW & WITH MEMBERS OF RED SOX AT BOSTON CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OPEN TO PUBLIC VIA ADVANCE TICKET SALES

Best-selling author Ben Mezrich, author of Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six M.I.T. Students Who Took Vegas for Millions, and M.I.T. blackjack team member Jeffrey Ma will speak at the special event Sip Happens, hosted by Red Sox pitcher Craig Breslow.

Bringing Down the House spent sixty-three weeks on the New York Times Best Seller List, and sold over two million copies and was adapted into Sony Pictures' "21," starring Kevin Spacey, Laurence Fishburn, and Kate Bosworth, which was filmed largely in Boston. Ma's first book, The House Advantage: Playing the Odds to Win Big In Business, was published in July, 2010 by Palgrave Macmillan.

The Strike 3 Foundation will host its second annual Sip Happens food tasting and wine pairing on May 19 at the Boston Children's Museum, 308 Congress St, Boston, MA.   Proceeds will benefit the organization founded by Breslow that heightens awareness, mobilizes support, and raises funding for pediatric cancer research and treatment. It is open to the public via advance ticket sales only. Other members of the Boston Red Sox will be in attendance.

For individual ticket purchases, please go to siphappens2014.org.

Media info and photos on Strike 3 Foundation.

Video of Craig Breslow on MLB.com speaking about Sip Happens and Strike 3.

Mezrich's book, The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook, a Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal – debuted at #4 on the NY Times Bestseller list and spent 18 weeks on the list in hard and soft, and made bestseller lists in over a dozen countries. The book was adapted into the movie The Social Network- written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by David Fincher- and was #1 at the box office for two weeks, won Golden Globes for best picture, best director, best adapted screenplay, best score, and was nominated for 8 Oscars, winning 3 including best Adapted Screenplay for Aaron Sorkin. Mezrich and Aaron Sorkin shared a prestigious Scripter Award for best adapted screenplay as well.

A Bostonian, Mezrich has appeared often on TV, including a stint on Court TV with a series titled 'High Stakes with Ben Mezrich.' The show utilized his unique contacts to explore the culture of young, highly educated millionaires and their clandestine hobbies. Mezrich also hosted the 'World Series of Blackjack' for GSN and has several scripted and non-scripted TV projects in the works.

About Strike 3 Foundation

The Strike 3 Foundation is a charitable agency recognized by the IRS under 501 (c)(3) that heightens awareness, mobilizes support, and raises funding for pediatric cancer research.  Founded in 2008 by current Major League Pitcher and Yale graduate Craig Breslow, Strike 3 has donated over $500,000 to Yale University Children's Hospital as a founding sponsor of Connecticut's only Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation Program.  Additionally, the organization has supported deserving research and treatment centers across the country including the Children's Hospital and Research Center Oakland, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, and the Conquer Cancer Foundation.  Strike 3 also funds a Boston based research project annually.  Offices are located in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, and California, and is headquartered in Connecticut.

RED SOX PLAYER CRAIG BRESLOW TO HOST SIP HAPPENS EVENT MAY 19, 2014 TO BENEFIT CHILDHOOD CANCER RESEARCH

Boston, MA, March 26, 2014– The Strike 3 Foundation announced that it will host its second annual Sip Happens food tasting and wine pairing on May 19 at the Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St, Boston, MA.   Proceeds will benefit the organization founded by Red Sox reliever Craig Breslow that heightens awareness, mobilizes support, and raises funding for pediatric cancer research and treatment.  To date, the organization has raised over $2,000,000 and disbursed over $1,100,000 to worthwhile research and treatment centers locally, and across the US.

Sip Happens will begin with a VIP reception at 6:30PM, with general admission doors opening at 7:00PM.  Sponsorship commitments thus far have been confirmed from Armand De’Brignac Ace of Spades Champagne, Foley Family Wines, Tito’s Vodka, Beam Global, Nestle Waters, Samuel Adams, The Fireplace Restaurant, New England Charcuterie, Citizen’s Public House, Hungry Mother, Georgetown Cupcakes, and The Improper Bostonian.  Further participants are expected.

Photos of Craig Breslow are here.

Executive Director and event co-host Craig Breslow offered his excitement about the event, “Last year, Sip Happens raised over $100,000 and was attended by a an impressive roster of corporate and private supporters.  Additionally, we received overwhelming support from my Red Sox teammates.  We expect an even more successful event this year with experience, better brand awareness, and increased momentum in our corner. I have learned to be able to count on my teammates and the city of Boston to support meaningful causes.”

Director of Business Operations and Development, and co-host Kelly Breslow added “Sip Happens has quickly become a signature Boston event.  We are working diligently behind the scenes to ensure a memorable evening, but the success of this, and any fundraiser, boils down to the generosity and support of the community.  We greatly appreciate the contributions of participating vendors, donors, and sponsors, and look forward to May 19 with tremendous excitement.”

For more information on food, beverage, or corporate sponsorship opportunities, please email Kelly Breslow.

For individual ticket purchases, please go here.

About Strike 3 Foundation

The Strike 3 Foundation is a charitable agency recognized by the IRS under 501 (c)(3) that heightens awareness, mobilizes support, and raises funding for pediatric cancer research.  Founded in 2008 by current Major League Pitcher and Yale graduate Craig Breslow, Strike 3 has donated over $500,000 to Yale University Children’s Hospital as a founding sponsor of Connecticut’s only Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation Program.  Additionally, the organization has supported deserving research and treatment centers across the country including the Children’s Hospital and Research Center Oakland, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and the Conquer Cancer Foundation.  Strike 3 also funds a Boston based research project annually.  Offices are located in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, and California, and is headquartered in Connecticut.

Strike 3 Foundation & Craig Breslow clips

Hartford Courant (Oct 22, 2013)

Sports Reel Boston (June 19, 2013)

Red Sox.com (June 25, 2013)

Yahoo! Sports (December 4, 2013)

Boston Herald (May 8, 2014)

The Improper Bostonian (April 16, 2014)

'LOWE COUNTRY: THE SONGS OF NICK LOWE' FINDS NEWLY LAUNCHED LABEL REPAYING COMMUNITIES OF NASHVILLE AND AUSTIN

NASHVILLE RISING FUND AND CENTRAL TEXAS WILDFIRE FUND BENEFIT FROM FIESTA RED RECORDS' FULL LENGTH DEBUT, WHICH FEATURES HAYES CARLL, CAITLIN ROSE, ROBERT ELLIS, JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD, AND MORE

When Rob Seidenberg, founder and head of newly launched Fiesta Red Records, and Gary Burnette, co-executive producer of 'Lowe Country: The Songs of Nick Lowe,' decided to move forward with the album, they also decided to give back to the communities which nurtured the music.

Seidenberg says, "We had seen the devastation caused by the 2010 floods in and around Nashville, the amount of damage they did, the way that they destroyed people's property and homes and displaced so many. As soon as I came up with the title 'Lowe Country,' an image flashed in my head of low-lying lands inundated with water."

The Nashville Rising Fund helps to meet the needs of flood victims throughout Middle Tennessee through the dedicated work of local nonprofits on the front lines of the recovery.

Before the album was finished, another disaster struck close to Seidenberg's Austin home: the devastating wildfires that impacted Bastrop, Texas, which lies just on the outskirts of Austin and is, in fact, home for many musicians.

Seidenberg recalls, "Suddenly it was clear that some of the proceeds should go to assisting victims of that fire as well, since Austin is as big a part of this album as is Nashville. Not only do several of the artists live in one or the other, but both of those cities play an enormous role in the sound of the album. At the heart of the album is country music, which calls Nashville home. But many of the innovative, left-of-center interpretations of the album's tunes are linked to the outlaw country tradition, which thrives in Austin. It's a place where artists blend their country music with other American popular music forms such as rock & roll. And it's exactly the kind of approach that Nick Lowe has taken for the past four decades."

The Central Texas Wildfire Fund was created to help meet the immediate and long-term needs of those people, families, and organizations affected by the wildfires across Central Texas. The fund helps affected people restore their lives and rebuild their communities. Donations made to the Central Texas Wildfire Fund go directly to the organizations assisting individuals, families and local businesses most affected by the wildfires.

Here is a postable mp3 of Robert Ellis doing "All Men Are Liars": http://soundcloud.com/fiestaredrecords/robert-elllis-all-men-are-1

'Lowe Country' Track Listing:

Lately I've Let Things Slide - Caitlin Rose
Don't Lose Your Grip On Love - The Parson Red Heads
All Men Are Liars - Robert Ellis
I Love The Sound Of Breaking Glass - Amanda Shires
Marie Provost - JEFF the Brotherhood
Hayes Carll - I'm Gonna Start Living Again If It Kills Me
Lover Don't Go - Erin Enderlin
When I Write The Book - The Unsinkable Boxer
You Make Me - Colin Gilmore
Heart Of The City - Chatham County Line
What's Shakin' On The Hill - Lori McKenna
Crackin' Up - Griffin House
Where Is My Everything - Ron Sexsmith