DRUMS IN HARMONY...
A DRUM OFF TO SUPPORT FREE CLINIC OF SIMI VALLEY
SIMI VALLEY, CA....
- Local musician turned producer, Ron Whitaker, of RRW Productions, has set his goals to support local talent and raise monies for the local Free Clinic of Simi Valley when he heard there was a need for funding a free dental clinic. On November 12, 2004, RRW Productions will host a drum off for local drummers to be held at Harmony Sweet 5710 E. L.A. Ave, Simi Valley, CA. The event starts at 7pm and will run through the night with celebrity judges having a talent search and offering prizes to the winner and two runner�s up.
Whitaker, a drummer by trade, has long been known in Simi Valley for his support of the youth in the musical arts, from instruments to expressive poetry in music. �I feel this is my give back for all I have been given in my life, and I love watching new talent mature and move up the ladder.� states Whitaker. �I also have a heart for the Free Clinic and all their tireless works for our community, and just felt I needed to do something more for them.�
Helping out with the nights event are friends, drummer Derrick Pontier, of Great White; and Bruce Hagar, local drummer who has played with the Gary Richrath Band, formally of REO Speedwagon. Whitaker claims �More friends in the music world are coming on board every day.� Sign up for the show is limited and is on a first come first serve basis. Entry is a $10 donation to the Free Clinic, for a chance of notoriety and prizes. The public is invited to attend for a donation of $10 . A special concert is planned at the end of the show with special featured prot�g� drummer Jeff Arellano.
With the support of the Simi Valley Unified School District and the Simi Valley Adult School Career Institute the Free Clinic of Simi Valley Dental Program has a home. The Dental Program will be located at 1725 Deodora Street. �We now are actively recruiting volunteer dentists, dental assistants and support staff to provide services as well as locating funding for supplies, utilities and insurance. It is our goal to begin providing dental care before the end of the year..� quotes the clinic�s administrator, Adriana Trujillo. The Free Clinic, a non-profit volunteer organization is located at 2060 Tapo St, Simi Valley has been in operation since 1971 with Executive Director, Fred Bauermeister at the helm since he was 22 years old. The mission of the Free Clinic of Simi Valley is to provide medical care, counseling and legal assistance to individuals and families, regardless of their ability to pay. The sole support comes from donations from the community, grants and fund raising efforts. For more information www.freeclinicsv.com or call 805 522-FREE.
"The choice to hold the Drum Off talent contest at Harmony Sweet Cafe was a natural thing..� as Whitaker continues �Harmony Sweet has always supported the local talents here in Simi Valley since they opened their doors. They also support many charity events to help the community. It is in total harmony with our project, thus the �Drums in Harmony." "We hope to do many more things with Harmony Sweet Caf� in the future.� For more info see www.harmonysweet.com.
Sponsorship is so far Uni-Grip sticks, and Harmony Sweet. Newly added sponsor is Brian Davids Converging Lines Video Productions who will be doing a video of the night�s event and making it available to the contestants. We are looking for more sponsors to help the local talent with prizes and endorsements. There will be a silent auction of Rock and Roll Memorabilia gathered by celebrity bands. All proceeds will go directly to the Free Clinic for the Dental Program.
For more information, sponsorship, and donations or to sign-up for the Drum Off, please contact Ron Whitaker, RRW Productions at (805) 584-1222.
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