Lenz Presents June 14-16 Event To Benefit Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM); Last Year’s Event Raised $10,000 for DCM

The third annual Poverty is Real concert series will feature an album release by Caroline Herring, a performance by Nashville’s Bobby Bare, Jr., and a Bob Dylan celebration. The June 14-16 event will be held at Eddie’s Attic and is presented by Lenz.

Every dollar raised during the weekend will be directed to Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) to aid their efforts to prevent and alleviate homelessness in Decatur and DeKalb County. Last year’s event raised $10,000 through ticket sales, sponsorships, merchandise, and a silent auction.

Highlights include:

• Acclaimed singer-songwriter Caroline Herring will release an album of music inspired by one of her favorite children’s stories. The shows will be held Saturday, June 15—at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.— and feature songs from the new album, “Roxaboxen Songs,” and her forthcoming album, “A Book is To Sing.” The performances will feature playing, singing, readings, and interactive storytelling. The new album will be available for purchase. Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children, and available at www.EddiesAttic.com.
• Nashville’s Bobby Bare, Jr. will bring his beautiful and quirky songwriting to the Attic for a performance Saturday, June 15 at 9:30 p.m. Bobby has toured with Bob Dylan, been nominated for a Grammy, and is the subject of the documentary “Don’t Follow Me (I’m Lost). He’s is the son of country legend Bobby Bare and began his career fronting the punk band Bare Jr. Bobby studied songwriting under the great Shel Silverstein, and his most recent album is called “A storm – a tree – my mother’s head.” Advance tickets are $12, and available at www.EddiesAttic.com.
• “Shelter from the Storm: Bob Dylan Celebration” will be held Sunday, June 16 at 7 p.m. and feature a collection of talented artists performing mini-sets of Dylan’s greatest songs. Participating artists include Caroline Herring, Eliot Bronson, Nathan Beaver, Drew Beskin (The District Attorneys), the Skipperdees, and Kristen Englenz. Advance tickets are $10 and available at www.EddiesAttic.com.
• Formerly of Decatur and now living in Nashville, Eddie’s Attic favorite Nathan Beaver returns for his first Atlanta show in nearly two years. Paste Magazine has called Beaver’s music, “stunning in its simplicity” and 2011’s “Universal You” received widespread critical acclaim. On Saturday night, June 15, he will perform a set of his own material and then sit in with Mike Killeen and the Dregs for a high-energy set. Advance tickets are $10 and available at www.EddiesAttic.com.

Additional performances will be announced soon.

The weekend concert series is presented by Lenz, an advertising agency located on the downtown Decatur square. Additional sponsors include: Barnes Law Group, First Bank of Decatur, the Decatur Downtown Development Authority, First Baptist Church of Decatur, Decatur Presbyterian Church, Law Office of Melinda C. Pillow, Pure Station, Oak Grove Market, Be a Bride, Jim Johnson/Allstate Insurance, Oz Insurance, Charles and Katherine Pursley, Operation Boot Camp, Brick Store Pub, Leon’s Full Service, Little Shop of Stories, Worthmore Jewelers, Parker’s on Ponce, the Decatur Book Festival, Terrapin Beer, Paste Magazine, the City of Decatur, and the Decatur Business Association.

Poverty is Real (PIR) is excited to announce plans for eight concert events in 2013, including four in first-time communities.

Since June 2011, PIR has held six events in four communities and generated nearly $40,000 for its beneficiaries.

The first concert events will be held May 17 and 18 at the historic Everett Music Barn (also known as the Suwanee Music Barn) to benefit Family Promise Gwinnett. In June, PIR will return to Eddie’s Attic for three days of music, June 14-16, to benefit Decatur Cooperative Ministry.

Here is the full calendar:

• May 17 and 18 at the Everett Music Barn in Suwanee, Georgia to benefit Family Promise of Gwinnett
• June 14-16 at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, Georgia to benefit Decatur Cooperative Ministry
• September at the Orange Peel in Asheville, North Carolina to benefit Pisgah Legal Services
• October in Palmetto, Georgia to benefit YourTown Health
• October in Charlottesville, Virginia
• November in Nashville, Tennessee to benefit Open Table Nashville
• Fall in Athens, Georgia to benefit Whatever It Takes
• December in Atlanta, Georgia

PIR Has Donated $38,500 To Local Organizations Fighting Poverty Since 2011

Poverty is Real (PIR) has announced $5,000 gifts to both Open Table Nashville and Whatever It Takes following the 2012 Nashville, Tennessee and Athens, Georgia concerts.

Since 2011, PIR has donated $38,500 to local organizations fighting poverty in their communities, including $25,000 in 2012.

Brite Revolution Presents Poverty is Real, a Benefit for Open Table Nashville was held Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1 at the Bluebird Café, Smart Sprouts daycare, and the Exit/In in Nashville.
Open Table Nashville is a non-profit, interfaith community that disrupts cycles of poverty, journeys with the marginalized, and provides education about the issue of homelessness.

Above photo of Foreign Fields by Dana Brim.

The November 30 Bluebird shows featured Kate Campbell, Peter Cooper, Eric Brace, and Kevin Gordon (early show), and Will Kimbrough, Jesse Lafser, Hannah Miller, and Bridgette DeMeyer (late show). The December 1 show at Smart Sprouts day care featured a performance by Ginger Sands and friends for children and families. The December 1 show at the Exit/In featured performances by Casa Castile, Afterlife Parade, Foreign Fields, Vinyl Thief, and Wild Cub.

Sponsors for the Nashville event included Brite Revolution, Paste Magazine, The Barnes Law Group, Red Eye Gravy Records, Lenz, Taco Mamacita, Nashville Yacht, South, Tweed Baby Outfitters, Smart Sprouts, and Olia Zavozina.

Flagpole Presents Poverty is Real: A Benefit for Whatever it Takes was held Friday, December 7 at the 40 Watt Club and featured the District Attorneys, Hope for Agoldensummer, Dave Marr, and Bobby’s Shorts—a Grateful Dead cover band featuring members of Futurebirds.

Whatever It Takes is an all hands on deck collaboration that braids people power, existing programs and services, and financial resources to ensure that by 1 p.m. on Wednesday July 1, 2020 every child in Athens-Clarke County will be on course to graduate from a post-secondary education.

Sponsors for the Athens event included Flagpole Magazine, General Beauregard’s, George Gibson’s Menswear, Athens Bagel Company, the Law Offices of John F. Lyndon, Barberitos, Stuffed Burger, Cook, Noel, Tolly & Bates, Care Medical, the UGA music business school, Paste Magazine, Lenz, Terrapin Beers, Red Eye Gravy Records, the Barnes Law Group, and Hall, Booth, Smith & Slover.

Poverty is Real expects to announce its 2013 show schedule in February.

Back-to-Back Fall Weekends Offer Concerts in Two of America’s Music Capitals

Poverty is Real is eagerly looking ahead to back-to-back weekends in late November and early December that will feature concert series in two of America’s music capitals: Nashville, Tennessee and Athens, Georgia.

Brite Revolution Presents Poverty is Real: A Benefit for Open Table Nashville will be held Friday, November 30 at The Bluebird Café and Saturday and December 1 at Smart Sprouts daycare (daytime family show) and the Exit/In.

The November 30 Bluebird shows will include Kate Campbell, Peter Cooper, Eric Brace, and Kevin Gordon in the round (early show) and Will Kimbrough, Hannah Miller, Jesse Lafser, and Brigitte DeMeyer in the round (late show). Tickets will be available at www.BluebirdCafe.com beginning Monday, November 26.

The Saturday afternoon show for families at Smart Sprouts daycare will feature a performance by Ginger Sands and start at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 each or $10 for families up to four, and are available at the door on the day of the event.

The Saturday night Exit/In show will feature Wild Cub, Vinyl Thief, Foreign Fields, Casa Castile, Afterlife Parade, and DJ Donny Rest. Tickets are available at www.exitin.com.

Brite Revolution, the presenting sponsor for the event, gives passionate listeners a place to support the emerging artists they love. Learn more at www.briterevolution.com.

In addition to Brite Revolution, sponsors include Paste Magazine, The Barnes Law Group, Red Eye Gravy Records, Lenz, Taco Mamacita, Nashville Yacht, South, Tweed Baby Outfitters, and Olia Zavozina.

The Nashville beneficiary—Open Table Nashville—is a non-profit, interfaith community that disrupts cycles of poverty, journeys with the marginalized, and provides education about the issue of homelessness.

Flagpole Presents Poverty is Real: A Benefit for Whatever It Takes will be held Friday, December 7 at the 40 Watt Club and feature The Interns, The District Attorneys, Hope For Agoldensummer, and Dave Marr. Tickets are available at www.40watt.com.

Flagpole Magazine, the presenting sponsor for the event, is the Colorbearer for Athens, Georgia. Additional sponsors include Paste Magazine, The Barnes Law Group, Hall, Booth Smith & Slover, Red Eye Gravy Records, Lenz, and Terrapin Beer Company.

The Athens beneficiary—Whatever It Takes—is an all hands on deck collaboration that braids people power, existing programs and services, and financial resources to ensure that by 1 p.m. on Wednesday July 1, 2020 every child in Athens-Clarke County will be on course to graduate from a post-secondary education.

Every dollar raised at Poverty is Real events stays in the community. Since June 2011, Poverty is Real has held four concert series and contributed more than $28,500 to organizations fighting poverty in their hometowns.

Funds will help Pisgah Combat Poverty in Western North Carolina

Poverty is Real is donating $5,000 to Pisgah Legal Services following its September 8 benefit concert at the Orange Peel in Asheville, North Carolina.

Performing at the event were Laura Reed, StephaniesId, the American Gonzos, and Red June.

The mission of Pisgah Legal Services is to pursue justice by providing legal assistance and advocacy to help low-income people in Western North Carolina meet their basic needs and improve their lives.

Poverty is Real also donated funds to help the Asheville-based non-profit Give to the Music make music lessons possible for children who would not otherwise be able to afford them.

The event was presented by 98.1 The River and also received generous support from Paste Magazine, Barnes Law Group, Hall Booth, Smith & Slover, Red Eye Gravy Records, Lenz, Inc., and Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company.

PIR also produced a commemorative CD comprised of original songs from participating artists—as well as additional contributors including David Wilcox—to raise additional funds.

“Pisgah Legal Services was thrilled to partner with Poverty Is Real on their first Ashevilleconcert. It was a fun show and a wonderful group of people to work with,” said Katie Russell Miller, Development and Communications Manager at Pisgah. “Poverty Is Real’s gift to Pisgah Legal Services will help families and children in western North Carolina avoid homelessness through our Homelessness Prevention Project. Last year, we provided free legal aid to help more than 3,500 people avoid homelessness. Safe and stable housing is at the center of families’ well being and essential for moving out of poverty. Securing decent housing allows families to focus on finding and keeping a job, succeeding in school and building a better life.”

The funds given to Pisgah Legal were raised through ticket and merchandise sales, sponsorships, a raffle, and a contribution from Poverty is Real’s general fund.

Pisgah Legal Services is a non-profit organization that has provided free civil legal aid to low-income people in western North Carolina for more than 34 years. PLS helps more than 12,000 low-income people annually to meet their basic needs such as protection from domestic violence, avoiding homelessness, finding safe housing, and accessing health care and subsistence income. Pisgah Legal Services has 18 attorneys on staff, and relies heavily on the pro bono legal services of 300-plus volunteer attorneys and the help of more than 50 office volunteers. PLS’ main service area includes six counties in Western North Carolina, with offices in Asheville, Hendersonville, and Spindale. For more information or to make a donation, call Pisgah Legal Services at 828.253.0406 or toll-free at 800.489.6144 or visit www.pisgahlegal.org.

Event is Presented by 98.1 The River, Will Benefit Pisgah Legal Services’ Efforts to Combat Poverty in Western North Carolina

stephaniesid, Laura Reed, The American Gonzos, and Red June will perform at the next Poverty is Real concert, to be held September 8 at the Orange Peel in Asheville, North Carolina. Funds raised will benefit Pisgah Legal Services and their efforts to combat poverty in Western North Carolina. Tickets are available here.

“We are excited and grateful to be the beneficiaries of the first Poverty Is Real concert in Asheville,” said Tina Owen, Pisgah Legal Service’s development director. “This is a great opportunity not only to raise money but also to spread the word about Pisgah Legal Services as one of the leading antipoverty organizations in the region. The money raised will provide free civil legal aid to western North Carolinians in crisis – victims of domestic violence, families facing homelessness, disadvantaged children, and vulnerable seniors.”

PIR will also produce a commemorative CD comprised of original songs from participating artists – as well as additional contributors including David Wilcox – to be sold at the show.

“Asheville is an amazing town, filled with great musicians, businesses, and citizens who care about their community, making it a natural fit for a Poverty is Real show,” said Mike Killeen, PIR’s founder and president. “Working with Pisgah Legal Services – who are so deeply rooted in helping those in need in the Asheville community – is the start of what we hope to be a strong and lasting partnership.”

In addition to support of Pisgah Legal Services, Poverty is Real will also be donating an instrument to Asheville-based non-profit Give to the Music. Their organization makes music lessons possible for children who would otherwise not be able to afford them.

Generous support for this Poverty is Real event comes from 98.1 The River, Paste Magazine, Barnes Law Group, Hall Booth, Smith & Slover, Red Eye Gravy Records, Lenz, Inc., and Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company.

Pisgah Legal Services is a non-profit organization that has provided free civil legal aid to low-income people in western North Carolina for more than 34 years. PLS helps more than 12,000 low-income people annually to meet their basic needs such as protection from domestic violence, avoiding homelessness, finding safe housing, and accessing health care and subsistence income. Pisgah Legal Services has 18 attorneys on staff, and relies heavily on the pro bono legal services of 300-plus volunteer attorneys and the help of more than 50 office volunteers. PLS’ main service area includes six counties in Western North Carolina, with offices in Asheville, Hendersonville, and Spindale. For more information or to make a donation, call Pisgah Legal Services at 828.253.0406 or toll-free at 800.489.6144 or visit www.pisgahlegal.org.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

STEPHANIESID

Stephaniesid, born in 2004, lives in Asheville, NC and makes pop music for “the darkness in you that’s trying to find the light.” The band possesses all the proper tools needed to create well-crafted songs and beautiful recordings. The music explores both the melancholy and triumph of human life and love, the players being equally faithful stewards of large, intoxicating swells and infectious, danceable melodies. Recordings affix weepy synthesizers, vibraphone lines, guitars, thick bass notes, quirky keyboard sounds, horns, and coquettish, curly, tenacious female vocals. The live show is unabashed energy funneled through Iowa-birthed and Texas-raised former gymnast Stephanie Morgan (vox, guitar, synth), southerner Chuck Lichtenberger (keys/vox/bass pedals), and Maine-born Tim Haney (drums), and a collective cast of other players.

The band lives in Asheville, NC, a city widely known for its musical soul, where they have been voted “Best Rock Band” in the reputable Mountain Xpress poll 4 years in a row.

Stephaniesid has released 3 full-length albums, has had songs featured on Showtime’s “Nurse Jackie”, Team Ibex’s “The Red Helmet”, and The Weather Channel, as well as on numerous compilations. The band’s music was the subject of a rock ballet in their hometown of Asheville, NC, and the band founded the indie pop festival called POPAsheville.

LAURA REED

South African born singer/songwriter Laura Reed has steadily been making a name for herself, captivating audiences and ears globally with her soulful vocals, vulnerable songwriting, and electric live performances. Laura is known for her genuine ability to take the struggles and heart- ache we all share, and crafting them into catchy and positive anthems. It is this type of songwriting and experience that helped her to conceive ‘Faith not Fear’, the first single off her upcoming album, The Awakening.

‘Faith Not Fear’ is a vocal offering with a vibrant message about overcoming the test and trials that all of humanity faces, but sometimes needs the encouragement to overcome. A song that Laura defines as “a kind of marching band anthem with a beat box tempo”, co-written and produced by the 2X Grammy-award winning songwriter/producer SHANNON SANDERS (India.Arie/John Legend/Pink). Shannon is also the producer for her upcoming LP and musical director.

As fore-mentioned, Laura had been cutting her teeth as a performer, previously known as the front person for the now defunct Laura Reed and Deep Pocket. Laura’s authentic “slow-cooked soul music recipe” is reminiscent of iconic music trendsetters like Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill and the late Amy Winehouse. Since the age of 16, Laura’s music has been seasoned by influences from her background work and global travels (15 countries and three languages thus far); her delivery has hints of Samba, Reggae and African beats. Laura’s musical resume and mentorship is impressive, filled with a wide range of artists and genres including George Clinton, Ike Stubblefield, Jewel, Karl Denson, and even a chance encounter with Whitney Houston who pulled Laura aside while they were both in the studio to remind her that no matter what “never stop singing”.

THE AMERICAN GONZOS

Hailing from the mountains of North Carolina, The American Gonzos are a power trio best described as an aggressive funk rock band. The band is comprised of Andrew Thelston on guitar/lead vocals, Michael Dean on bass guitar/backing vocals and Toby Burleson on drums/backing vocals. The band was formed in the fall of 2010 where they began writing music and performing all over the southeast. In 2011, The American Gonzos recorded and released their self-titled debut album. The band has performed all over the east coast and is planning a mid-west tour in 2012.

RED JUNE

Red June is an acoustic trio from Asheville, NC performing beautifully distilled original Americana music. They are making waves with their dynamic, yet refined sound that features striking 3-part harmonies, tasteful instrumental work, and honest, soulful songwriting that seamlessly blends old-time, bluegrass, roots rock, and traditional country music. Red June has been capturing the hearts of audiences across the country and has performed at the renowned Music City Roots live radio show in Nashville, TN as well as Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival, Suwannee Springfest and the 25th anniversary MerleFest.

Red June is Will Straughan on resonator guitar, guitar and vocals, John Cloyd Miller on mandolin, guitar and vocals, and Natalya Weinstein on fiddle and vocals. The three have been longtime friends, and first jammed together at a pickin’ party in Asheville in 2005. In late 2008 they formed Red June and went on to release their debut album, Remember Me Well, in 2010. Remember Me Well was very well received, and was voted the #1 regional release of 2010 by the listeners of the southeast’s premier independent radio station, WNCW.

Poverty is Real (PIR) – the Decatur-based non-profit dedicated to raising money to support organizations fighting poverty in communities across America – brought in $10,000 for the Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) at its July 27-29 concert series at Eddie’s Attic.

The funds were raised through ticket and merchandise sales, a silent auction, and on-site donations.

“This was truly a community-wide effort,” said PIR president Mike Killeen. “It’s hard to overstate the generosity of the musicians who offered their talents, the local businesses and donors who provided financial support, and the hundreds of music lovers who showed up and helped us reach our goal. Special thanks to Eddie’s Attic and their staff for hosting us for three days and of course to DCM for changing the lives of people in our community every day.”

The series was presented by Lenz, Inc., a Decatur advertising agency, and featured an impressive line-up of well-established local musicians including Matthew Kahler, Eliot Bronson, The District Attorneys, Tedo Stone, Arlington Priest, the Bitteroots, The Flint Hill Specials, Maria Gabriella, Chris Stalcup and the Grange, Ryan Flanagan, The Skipperdees, Spencer Smith, Kristen Englenz, and Mike Killeen and the Dregs. Many of the artists also contributed a song to the “Decatur: 2012” commemorative album, which raised additional funds.

In addition to three nights of music, this year’s event also included two packed Saturday afternoon concerts for families featuring Eric Litwin, the “guitar-strumming, book-writing, song-singing, national-award-winning” bestselling author of the Pete the Cat picture books.

“This money will enable DCM to help individuals and families facing homelessness here in Decatur,” said Beth Vann-Turnbull, Executive Director of Decatur Cooperative Ministry. “By providing such significant financial support, in addition to creating more public awareness of our mission, Poverty Is Real is equipping Decatur Cooperative Ministry to help roughly 200 households – more than 1,000 individuals – in our community find their way to a brighter future. We cannot thank them enough.”

In addition to Lenz, generous support for this Poverty is Real event came from the Barnes Law Group; Hall, Booth, Smith & Slover; Paste Magazine; Brick Store Pub; Leon’s Full Service; Eddie’s Attic; Pure; Chick Fil-A; Pyrofly; Little Shop of Stories; Core Landscape Group; the City of Decatur; and the Decatur Business Association.

This marks the third event for PIR, which was formed in early 2011. In addition to the 2011 show at Eddie’s Attic, PIR raised $7,500 for partner organization Whatever It Takes in Athens in December of last year.
Remaining 2012 PIR shows will be held in Asheville, North Carolina (September 8), Nashville, Tennessee (November 30 and December 1), and Athens, Georgia (December 7 and 8).

Poverty is Real’s second annual concert series to benefit the Decatur Cooperative Ministry will be held Friday, July 27 through Sunday, July 29 at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur. Lenz is the presenting sponsor.

Participating artists include Matthew Kahler, Eliot Bronson, The District Attorneys, Tedo Stone Arlington Priest, the Bitteroots, The Flint Hill Specials, Maria Gabriella, Chris Stalcup and the Grange, Ryan Flanagan, The Skipperdees Spencer Smith, Kristen Englenz, and Mike Killeen and the Dregs.

Last year’s event raised $6,000 for DCM, and PIR organizers have set a goal of $10,000 this year.

In addition to three nights of music, this year’s event will also include two Saturday afternoon concerts for families featuring Eric Litwin, the “guitar-strumming, book-writing, song-singing, national-award-winning” bestselling author of the Pete the Cat picture books. The shows are at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and will be hosted by Little Shop of Stories.

Tickets are available at www.eddiesattic.com.

Barnes Law Group and Hall, Booth, Smith & Slover are Gold Level Sponsors of the event. Local Business Sponsors include Paste Magazine, Brick Store Pub, Leon’s Full Service, Eddie’s Attic, Pure, Chick Fil-A, Pyrofly, Little Shop of Stories, the City of Decatur, the Decatur Business Association, and Lenz.

As presenting sponsor, Lenz is donating its marketing, public relations, and design services to promote the event. “We are honored to be affiliated with Poverty is Real and help them raise vital funds for the Decatur Cooperative Ministry,” said Lenz president Richard J. Lenz.

Founded in 1969, the Decatur Cooperative Ministry alleviates and prevents homelessness in and around Decatur.

Poverty is Real, based in Decatur, Georgia, plans and promotes benefit concerts in communities throughout the U.S. and donates the funds raised to local organizations fighting poverty. There are four PIR events planned in 2012: Decatur, Georgia; Asheville, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; and Athens, Georgia. www.povertyisreal.us

SHOW SCHEDULE
FRIDAY 7 PM ($10)
Spencer Smith
Chris Stalcup and the Grange
The Bitteroots

FRIDAY 10 PM ($10)
The Flint Hill Specials
Tedo Stone
The District Attorneys

SATURDAY 11 AM ($10 for adults, $5 for kids)
Eric Litwin

SATURDAY 4 PM ($10 for adults, $5 for kids)
Eric Litwin

SATURDAY 7 PM ($15)
Ryan Flanagan
The Skipperdees
Arlington Priest
Matthew Kahler
Eliot Bronson

SUNDAY 7 PM ($10)
Kristen Englenz
Maria Gabriella
Mike Killeen and the Dregs

Poverty is Real (PIR) – the Decatur-based non-profit that puts on concerts to raise money to fight poverty in local communities – was recently featured in several local media outlets in preparation for their third fundraising concert at Eddie’s Attic this weekend (July 27-29).

News about the concert series was published in Paste Magazine, Atlanta INtown, Decatur-Avondale Estates Patch, Decatur Metro, Decatur Focus, and was also aired on Dave FM as well as 104.7 The Fish.

“This is shaping up to be a Decatur-centric event,” wrote the Decatur-Avondale Estates Patch. “Local band The Bitteroots will play the first night. Mike Killeen of Decatur, the founder of PIR, and his band The Dregs wrap up the weekend on Sunday night, July 29.”

In addition to the artists mentioned above, the July 27-29 series – to be held at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur – will feature Matthew Kahler, Eliot Bronson, The District Attorneys, Tedo Stone Arlington Priest, The Flint Hill Specials, Maria Gabriella, Chris Stalcup and the Grange, Spencer Smith, and Kristen Englenz.

All money raised for this show will go towards Decatur Cooperative Ministry, a non-profit organization that has been helping to both alleviate and prevent poverty in the Decatur community since 1969.

Building on a wildly successful inaugural year in 2011, Poverty is Real is excited to announce four upcoming shows in 2012. The first will be in Decatur, Georgia at Eddie’s Attic July 27-29 to benefit the Decatur Cooperative Ministry. Six weeks later, PIR will head to the beautiful North Carolina mountains for a show at The Orange Peel in Asheville on September 8 to benefit Pisgah Legal and Give to the Music. Shows in Nashville, Tennessee at the Bluebird Café and Exit/In in late November and early December will benefit Open Table. And PIR will close out the year with a return to Athens, Georgia in December 2012, with the dates and location(s) to be determined.

Futurebirds perform at Poverty is Real - Athens 2011

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As always, each show will feature a commemorative CD with songs donated by the performing artists and additional local musicians. Thanks to R.E.M.’s generous donation of a live recording of “The Lifting” from a 2001 show in Germany, Poverty is Real will re-release the “Athens: 2011” album in June and donate all proceeds to Whatever It Takes, our Athens beneficiary for the 2011 event.

PIR president Mike Killeen said R.E.M.’s involvement is especially fulfilling for the organization. “We have received incredible support from many musicians, businesses, and of course the communities we’ve partnered with,” he said. “R.E.M.’s song donation means so much not only because of their stature, but also because they are heroes of several members of our organization who grew up in Athens listening to their music.”

In June of 2011 PIR hosted its inaugural concert series: four full-house shows featuring Rebecca Loebe, The Bitteroots, Matthew Kahler, Trances Arc, and others at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur. Thanks to the generous support of the music community, the show brought in $6,000 for Decatur Cooperative Ministry. Then, in December of 2011, PIR raised $7,500 for Whatever It Takes at a concert featuring Patterson Hood, Futurebirds, Claire Campbell, and others at The 40 Watt Club in Athens, Georgia.

PIR plans to expand its reach in 2013 with concerts across the U.S. to benefit community organizations fighting poverty.

Poverty is Real leverages great music to combat poverty at the local level. We take our fundraising concerts on tour, coordinating the goodwill of local musicians, businesses, media, and music lovers to raise money for local community organizations fighting poverty. There are more than 46 million Americans living in poverty, but Poverty is Real believes our communities can make a difference when we work together.