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Posted on Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 11:24 a.m.

Blind Pig to host benefit concert for United Way of Washtenaw County

By AnnArbor.com Staff

Nervous-But-Excited-Seated-Leah-Schew.jpg

Leah Schew

Several respected local musical acts join forces at the Blind Pig on Tuesday for a special show to benefit the United Way.

The Washtenaw Rock United Benefit Concert will feature Nervous But Excited, Laith Al-Saadi, and Ryan Racine & Gas For Less.

"We have been blessed with incredible local artists and their willingness to get involved to help children," James Corey, campaign manager for the United Way of Washtenaw County, wrote in an email.

With a special focus on raising money for early childhood education, the concert is designed to bring the United Way's message to a younger demographic.

"The original idea behind the concert was to help the United Way of Washtenaw County raise funds for early childhood education," Corey said. "The experts agree that education must begin before kindergarten to help children be successful in school.

"In addition, the UWWC has a clear goal of educating young professionals about ways to get involved in their community, so why not try to reach them in their natural habit, the local music scene in Washtenaw county."

Nervous But Excited is a modern folk duo (Kate Peterson & Sarah Cleaver) known for strong musicianship, pleasant harmonies and thoughtful songwriting. They have opened for acts like Ani DiFranco and Iron & Wine, and were the only local act on the bill for this year's Ann Arbor Folk Festival.

Laith Al-Saadi is a well-known local guitarist with versatile skills but particular expertise in the blues. The native Ann Arborite has regular residencies in various clubs in the area.

Ryan Racine has been performing in the area for 15 years, and with his band Gas For Less for the last three. The sound combines elements of rockabilly, punk, pop, bluegrass and alt-country.

In addition, Anna Schwartz, a 15-year-old Greenhills School student, will open the show.

Corey said the concert is the first event for the United Way of Washtenaw County’s Young Leaders Society, "a group of generous individuals who are dedicated to making a positive impact throughout our community."

Doors open at 9 p.m. Tuesday, November 2 at the Blind Pig, 208 South First Street. Ages 18 and over. Tickets: $20. Information: 734-996-8555 or the Blind Pig website.

Comments

Snarf Oscar Boondoggle

Thu, Oct 28, 2010 : 1:29 p.m.

this is a good way to 'give back' to teh community in a united sort of way... y;all come, hea?