Michael Franti-Spearhead concert to aid music programs

The Education Foundation for Bend-La Pine Schools is pleased to announce that music programs in the schools will benefit when Michael Franti & Spearhead return to perform at Bend’s Les Schwab Amphitheatre on Sunday night, August 11th.

Thanks to concert organizers, Monqui Presents, the band is generously donating $1 per ticket sold to support music programs at local schools. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketfly.com.

Heather Vihstadt, Executive Director of the Education Foundation shared, “For several years Monqui Presents and Michael Franti & Spearhead have supported our mission of preparing students for success and the future through exceptional educational and extracurricular opportunities.

Concert proceeds have provided sheet music and drums for Bend Senior High, risers and microphones for Lava Ridge Elementary, recorders for Rosland and La Pine Elementary Schools, an innovative SMART music iPad program at Cascade Middle School, and the Americana Project which led to student self-expression with guest musicians at Chamberlain.

We are immensely grateful for their continued support as this annual gift makes a significant and long-term impact on countless students.”

Music education is among the top funding priorities for the Education Foundation for Bend-La Pine Schools as studies indicate that exposure to the arts is shown to engage youth in learning, fostering critical thinking and problem solving while simultaneously enhancing academic achievement in core subject areas such as reading and math.

About the Education Foundation for Bend-La Pine Schools:
Since 1988, the foundation has engaged parents, concerned citizens, educators, civic and business leaders with a common belief that a vibrant public school system is essential to the well-being of the community.

Over the last decade, we have invested approximately $1,000,000 into local public schools through Classroom Grants, Activity Fee Scholarships, and special projects, benefiting teachers, children, families, and the community as a whole. Our purpose is:

— To increase educational and extracurricular opportunities for all district students
— To encourage creative and innovative curricula

For more information, visit www.engagedminds.org.

About Michael Franti & Spearhead:
Musician, humanitarian, and children’s book author, Michael Franti, is recognized as a pioneering force using music as a vehicle for positive change as well as his unforgettable, high energy shows with his band, Spearhead. With the multi-platinum success of his song “Say Hey (I Love You)” and the chart breaking 2010 release of “The Sound Of Sunshine”, Franti and his band guarantee a show that
will be thought provoking as well as a fun dance party! “Music is sunshine,” says Franti, one of the most positive and conscious artists in music today. “Music gives us new energy and a stronger sense of purpose.”