We’re booking for Blank-Fest ’08 already!
Send an email to this profile if you'd like to participate in Blank-Fest '08!
Blankets... What a simple and practical gift to someone who has no home, no shelter. A blanket can be carried during the day and used during the cold NYC Winter nights. It is portable, durable, and, hopefully, can provide warmth and shelter for someone who really needs it.
Chuck DeBruyn and Kenn Rowell were sitting in a Nyack bar one night when they hit upon the idea of having a musical charity event benefiting NYC's homeless. It was so simple: provide a means for Kenn's musician friends to join him in giving back to the community by donating their time and talent to perform a concert where the cover charge is a blanket. This allowed his non-musician friends to participate as well. All he asked was "Come to my benefit. Bring a blanket." And why not? It's so easy. Give Kenn a blanket and he will personally put it in the hands of someone who really needs it.
Blank-Fest has become an annual holiday event in Nyack, NY. It is a highly-anticipated show that started off small and grew beyond anyone's expectations. Blank-Fest I (1997) took place in a Thai food restaurant, formerly known as Mai Place with only a few bands. The following year, Blank-Fest II was held at the very same address, but was then known as The Loft. Each year, Blank-Fest has expanded to include more artists of varying musical styles.
It became important to find a venue which could become its permanent home. After much consideration, it was decided to move Blank-Fest (starting with Blank-Fest III) to its current location, Bruxelles Restaurant. This seemed the perfect fit for the benefit, considering Bruxelles' co-owner Chuck DeBruyn was an integral part of the benefit, having performed in every single one and assisting in the planning and coordination of the concert each year. There it has remained since.
The benefit may have moved and Blank-Fest, itself, may have changed since its inception, but its theme has always remained constant: it's about the homeless.
Nothing more, nothing less.
For more info go to:
www.blankfest.com
Email:
[email protected]
