A Concert for World AIDS Day
Bill Budd (photo illustration by G Philly)
“We’re all struggling to get by these days,” says Bill Budd. “And it’s easy to forget the needs of others.” The openly gay musician, and a University of the Arts graduate and instructor, has assembled a group of fellow art school alumni for “Under Pressure,” a concert for World AIDS Day, at The Caplan Studio Theater (211 S. Broad St.) at the University of the Arts (8 p.m.) tonight.
“I wanted to put together an event that would have an impact here in Philadelphia,” admits Budd, “and also connect it with the broader international efforts that commemorate World AIDS Day each December 1.”
Funds raised from tonight’s musical event will support two local programs at Philly’s Mazzoni Center: the food bank for clients with HIV and AIDS and the organization’s annual holiday coat and gift drive. Last year, the food bank distributed more than 8,400 bags of groceries – that’s almost 32,000 meals – to more than 1,000 households in the region.
Elisabeth Flynn, a spokesperson for Mazzoni Center, says that each holiday season the health center – one of the only in the U.S. specializing in LGBT health – also organizes a gift and winter coat drive for children affected by HIV and AIDS in Philadelphia. “Funds raised through the effort are used to purchase winter coats, scarves, hats and gloves, as well as small gifts,” she says, “for approximately 160 children whose parents or guardians use the agency’s care services.” She says more than three-quarters of the center’s case management clients live below the federal poverty line.
The concert, which support the Mazzoni’s efforts, will feature Budd and the Stonethrowers, led by fellow UArts alumnus Marc Silver. Silver studied jazz guitar in Philadelphia, and has worked with such well-known acts as Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, blending jazz, bluegrass and folk.
Budd (also known as Bill Buddendorf) released a solo album “And So Here…” in 2003, followed up last year with the acclaimed “Architect.”
Budd says the concert will open with a special acoustic performance by Luke Dow, one of his longtime friends and musical collaborators. Hosted by Courtney Custer, a QVC regular and theatre performer, the event will not only honor those currently living with HIV and AIDS, but also those who have been lost during the past three decades. University of the Arts, says Budd, donated the space for this very special one-night-only event.
“Under Pressure,” The Caplan Studio Theater at the University of the Arts, 211 S. Broad St., 16th Fl., 215-563-0652 (ext. 27), $30-$50-$100 ($100 donations include two tickets to the concert, two tickets to the raffle and one CD from each performer). Tickets will be available at the door.
