Rex Jam report #4 - 10KLakes Music Festival

10KLakes Music Festival
Detroit Lakes, MN
July 23 - July 36, 2008
Band: Matt Butler and The Everyone Orchestra
In support of the Detroit Lakes High School Band Musical Instrument Program

The Rex Jam at 10KLakes Music Festival was one of the best yet. It was most exciting because the Rex Jam was “born” at 10KLakes, with Matt Butler and the Everyone Orchestra, in 2007. Sandy Sohcot, Executive Director of Rex Foundation, was there last year to do the honors and get the ball rolling. I know Sandy would have liked to have been there this year, but I was really quite honored to stand-in on her behalf. I was glad to be among last year's veterans, with Matt leading the charge, Rex Volunteer Dave Fortescue as my right-hand-man, and Deanna Sinclair or the Detroit Lakes Rotary with her crew of Rotarians and Interact Club students from Detroit Lakes High School.

If you have never seen Matt Butler do his thing, you definitely need to check him out. He masterfully pulls together performers from several bands – in this instance it included Jen Durkin from Deep Banana Blackout and the Micky Hart Band and Kim Manning from The Parliament Funkadelic on vocals, Jannis Wallin from Family Groove Company and Patrice Blanchard from Panjea sharing the duties on Bass, Michael Kang from Panjea and Steve Kimock on guitars, Adam Lasher from Umelt on Keys, Allie Kral from Cornmeal on Fiddle, Johnny Polanski from One Under and Jason Hahn from SCI on drums and Percussion. – and then he conducts them as well as the audience, in this amazing performance of the Everyone Orchestra. Matt Butler is my new hero. He conducts with his whole body. He dances a round to convey emotion to the musicians and the audience, he includes the audience in the performance by encouraging timely claps and shouts, and he writes notes to the performers on a small white-board to tell them who to follow, what key to play, and other intricate things that exuberant body language simply can’t convey. It is a truly amazing thing to witness.

On top of all of that, he incorporated the Rex Jam into his performance. So instead of the typical situation where I get on stage, talk about the Rex Foundation and what the Rex Jam is all about, and then introduce the band – I felt as though I was actually brought in as part of the Orchestra. Matt brought me out on stage in the middle of their set, as he wanted to build the crowd up before I made my appeal. They were still deep in a hot jam and at first I wasn’t sure if I had read his cue right, but really – he’s very clear. So I hung out and sort of enjoyed the jam along with the crowd and the band. Matt brought the jam down and then spoke a bit about Music being a gift and it being an important thing for kids…. I wish I could remember exactly what he said. I’ll get a recording of it and correct this as soon as possible. Then he introduced me and I spoke very briefly, but passionately. Most of my “speech” went out the window, but fortunately I’ve done this enough at this point to know the basics. I tried to keep it short and sweet so as not to interrupt the amazing flow of the set.

This was the first Rex Jam where I didn’t go into the crowd with a bucket, as we already had 11 people out there, and it was a relatively small crowd. However, I just couldn’t sit still – the music the Orchestra was producing was so incredible and I was really high from it. I danced my energy through the crowd and supported the volunteers as much as I was able. I suppose that between Matt, the Orchestra, the volunteers, and me, we made all the right moves. The volunteers collected about $1700 for the Detroit Lakes High School Band Instrument program. We were really to have exceeded last year’s total of $1638.00.

Special thanks should go out to Chryll Sparks, who coordinated so many pieces of this production, and who took such good care of Dave and me while we were at the Festival. Also, to Stucker for his stage announcements and support throughout the day on Thursday and to Dave Wiesman for helping Matt and I connect with plenty of time to compare notes and plans for the event. Yet another raging success and a truly positive experience for all involved. (I think I’m getting good at this…..) ;-)

Rex Jam Report #3 - All Good

All Good Music Festival and Camp-out
Masontown, WV - July 10-13, 2008
Band: The Bridge (and Medeski, Schofield and Dietch)
In support of University High School and Morgantown High School, music and arts programs.

The All Good Festival provided the Rex Foundation with some amazing opportunities to raise awareness and raise funds. The good folks at Walther Productions were truly supportive of what Rex is trying to accomplish and helped to create tremendous success over the three days we were there.

Instead of just the Rex Jam, Rex also presented
Q&A Collaboration with John Schofield, John Medeski and Adam Dietch, and we staffed the beer service in the VIP "Sky Lounge." as a fund-raiser as well. It was a lot of work, but even so, a good time was had by all.

The Sky Lounge was a new addition to the VIP program this year, and Tim Walther (producer of All Good) offered to let us staff the beer tent and donate some of the sales to Rex Foundation. Along with all of the tip money, it turned out to be a great resource. I had an amazing crew working with me. The picture above shows Darrell, Chuck and Jen hard at work behind the taps. Between the three of them, Butch, Amy and me, we poured beer for 47 hours to some of the most generous group of people I have ever met. These VIPs tipped and tipped... and when they realized that all the tip money was going to the Rex Foundation, it almost seemed as though they tipped even more. On the last day - Jess, a woman who we'd been serving all weekend, who had been tipping heavily all weekend, came over to me, handed me a $50 bill and said, "I think what you're doing is amazing." The beauty of some people knows no limits. I want to extend a very special thanks to all of those who purchased VIP tickets and spent their time with us in the "Sky Lounge". I do hope to see you all again next year!

On Friday afternoon I was to present a special Q&A Collaboration with Schofield, Medeski and Dietch. As soon as I arrived to the Ropeadope Stage, I felt very welcomed. The stage manager, Mario, was right there ready to help me with anything I needed, and as I walked onto the stage, John Schofield offered me his microphone to use (such a gentleman!). I did my speech - a truncated version of the Rex Jam speech - and we set out into the crowd to collect money. I was not overly optimistic, as the crowd was pretty small, but Jen and I persevered. People were slowly arriving to the stage as they heard the music, so we kept at it, and about half-way through the program, Schofield reminded the crowd that we were out there collecting and that they should dig into their pockets... I was so appreciative because it really did spark some more support. I hope to have the chance to say a special thanks to him for that someday soon.

On Saturday, we had the Rex Jam with the Baltimore-based band, The Bridge. I had been unsuccessful in getting in touch with them, and I was a little concerned because they were doing a special 20 minute set wholly dedicated to the Rex Jam. As I made my way to the back stage area, I finally did connect with the guys in the band as well as Mook - the stage manager in that area. Once again - everyone was great. I was more comfortable doing my presentation there, perhaps it's because I had Friday as a "practice run".... I do know that the crowd was really responsive so that also helped. During my presentation, the band heard me talking about the Jerry Jams CDs we are giving away (yours with a $20 donation, while supplies last!) and so they changed their set at the last minute, and opened with a great version of "Get Out of My Life" in honor of Jerry. I was really excited about that for a few reasons... 1) I simply enjoy the song and 2) it was so validating to know that people are actually listening to what I'm saying. So - we only had about 20 minutes (maybe less) to collect, but I had 9 people circulating, the "bar staff" was joined by Molly, Jessica, Mike, Briannan and Luke - while Butch stayed behind to man the taps. We were diligent in our limited time, but we did well. Again, the people were generous and the volunteers were motivated.

By the end of the weekend, combining the collections during the Q&A on Friday, the Rex Jam on Saturday, and the beer Tips - we raised a significant amount of money. I have to say that I have been lucky enough to have found some of the most wonderful people to help with these Rex Jams (and other events), and I think we all feel equally as lucky to be able to say we are part of this amazing adventure.

Here's looking forward to 10KLakes - the home of the very first Rex Jam!

Rex Jam Report #2 - High Sierra

High Sierra Music Festival,
Quincy, CA - July 5, 2008
Band: Ratdog
In support of Plumas County Save our Schools, music and arts programs.

While the firefighters fought to control the blazes, several thousand people found ways around the fires to make it to the High Sierra Music Festival this past weekend. This was my second time attending the High Sierra Music Festival. I went as a patron in 2002. I had a great time that year, went to a lot of the play-shops, ran into old friends, played for 3 days straight.... This year I had a great time as well, but the experience was wholly different.

This Rex Jam really was Theresa Reed-Hayle's baby. I was not originally supposed to be at High Sierra, but I knew High Sierra is a great festival, and, I all I really needed was a good excuse. Since Theresa was also significantly involved with the production of High Sierra, I figured I'd see if she could help me justify my expense in travel ling all the way to California for the festival. She asked me to help her in the FestivALL (VIP) hospitality area, and of course with the Rex Jam. Theresa and I have been working closely together via phone and e-mail in coordinating the Rex Jams, it is so nice to now have a face and a personal energy to put with the voice and the e-mail. It was awesome to work with her. She worked tirelessly - crazy 20 hour days - and managed to keep a smile on her face and a positive attitude. It really was my pleasure to work with her in helping coordinate the Jam.

We assembled our crew and discussed some good tactics for collecting. We knew that the darkness was going to be to our disadvantage, but we had glow sticks ready for the containers. I briefed everyone with my experiences at Mountain Jam and we decided we would start the collection right after Bobby started his set, and then continue collecting as long as we could. The more time in the crowd, the more donations we could collect. Theresa has also arranged for the MCs to talk up the Rex Jam over the course of the weekend, which I know helped keep people aware of what we were doing. Also, we had an incentive item, a "Jerry Jams" 3-CD set - to give to people who donated $20 or more. The Grizzly Radio was playing tracks from it all weekend, between bands. We were 8 or 9 people moving through the crowd - all of whom were friends of Theresa's including her husband and brother - and we were awesome, if I do say so myself!

I had been excited last time, when tallying the donations, but this time was even better. I knew we had done well when after everyone came back, we only had 8 or 9 "Jerry Jams" CDs left. We started out with 100 of them. I seriously almost started to cry as I tallied the containers, each seeming to have more than the last. In the end, we had collected almost $3000 during the Rex Jam that night. I could barely believe it. We were so thrilled... and of course, it only served to inspire us to continue doing better and better as the summer progresses.

Rex Jam Report #1 - Mountain Jam

Mountain Jam - Hunter Mountain, NY
Sunday June 1, 2008 8:30 pm - w/Ratdog
In support of Family of Woodstock

This was the first Rex Jam of the summer, and my first one ever. I think that, all things considered, it went really well. I organized my crew of volunteers - some people I've known for years, and others I'd really only just met (Thanks to Mollie, Joey, Debi, Jonny Wa, Sam, Susan & Matthew, Ann Marie, Jennifer and Erica!) to help me carry out the collection of funds. Michael Pillot, who was in charge of the Awareness Village, was my contact for the event and he was just great. Easy to work with - and an all around nice guy - he was a tremendous support. So, Michael, if you're reading - thanks!

The first rush came when I stood on the same stage where Govt Mule, Michael Franti, Ratdog, Levon Helm and a ton of great musicians had played that weekend, and gave the appeal to the seven or eight thousand people assembled in front of me (the photo above is of the view from the stage). It was intense. I've never been described as shy, and I have done my share of public speaking, but never to an audience that size. Yes - I was nervous, but I guess I hid it well. People I spoke with afterwards told me I did a great job and marveled at how I seemed so poised and comfortable up there. I just kept reminding myself to speak slowly and clearly... (thanks to Jon and Lisa for their input). Michael Berg, the executive director of Family of Woodstock also spoke, giving some information about the program (follow the link to the website for more about Family). It was nice to not have to be up there entirely by myself.

The second rush came when we were tallying up our collection. Each jug contained a glowstick (to help it be seen in the dark!) and a substantial amount of money. With each bucket, I became more and more excited about what we had accomplished on this first endeavor. I was thrilled to be able to call Sandy with the total that night (more than $750 in only 10 minutes or so). I felt like we had really made a difference.

We raised a nice chunk of change for Family of Woodstock. We also learned a lot about what works well, and what can be done better. We intend to put this information to work to make the next Rex Jam an even greater success.

Rex Jam Report - Summer 2008

"Hi! My name is Elyce Turner, and I'm proudly representing the Rex Foundation and bringing a big hello from Sandy Sohcot and everyone at Rex."

This is how I have introduced myself to several thousand people so far this summer, at Rex Jams across the country. The Rex Community Caravan has taken to the festival circuit in order to spread the word about how easy it is to be a philanthropist, and I have had the privilege of being a messenger of that word.

The Rex Jam is a special set of music that is performed by a band who has generously offered to give us special support at a festival. Before the band begins their set, we speak to the crowd to let them know what the Rex Foundation is, what we've been up to, and what we'd like to do on that day. We invite the people to get on board the Caravan, to which we are all connected by our love of music and understanding of the significance of community support, to create a positive difference for a local, grassroots organization which has been chosen by the festival coordinators. We then introduce the band and make our way through the audience with donation containers, asking people to contribute what they feel they can.

It sounds pretty straight forward. It is. We have learned a lot along the way, and we keep learning. There are amazing people involved in these activities and wonderful results from this process. We thought it would be important to share it with you - so keep your eyes peeled for the reports. They start here... now.