Earlier this summer we told you that American Pickers was coming to Michigan this fall in search of great collections, but nobody could have predicted at that time that the star of American Pickers who would arrive on your turf first would be co-host Danielle Colby. Nor could they have predicted the reason for her visit early next month.
Colby has been spearheading hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico here in Berrien County with the Tirado family and will make a guest appearance at a fundraising collaborative between the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra and The Livery called the Puerto Rico Strong Hurricane Relief Concert on Sunday, November 5th from 3-until-7pm.
We all know that Hurricane Maria left a wake of devastation on the island of Puerto Rico. The basic infrastructure of the island crumbled under the pressure of massive winds and torrential rain. Immediately following the storm, 100-percent of the island was left without power and in the days that have followed, residents of Puerto Rico have been struggling to survive with many people newly homeless and with limited access to food, water, gas and much needed medications.
In an effort to provide relief to the Puerto Rican community, the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra and the Livery are organizing the benefit concert fundraiser. The event will include live music by several local artists, silent auction items from local microbreweries and community businesses, and a special guest appearance by Danielle Colby, the co-host of History’s hit show American Pickers.
Entertainment for the evening includes musical performances by a wide variety of southwest Michigan artists including Morgan Ingle and Leslie Sypian, The Chuck Jägers, and Leah Tirado of the Big Payback.
American Pickers’ star, Danielle Colby, will make a special guest appearance at the concert. She will speak about the devastation from Hurricane Maria, needed relief efforts, and be available for autographs throughout the evening.
A silent auction during the event will additionally help raise needed funds and the Livery will create a one time only “Specialty Firkin” in support of the event.
Donation jars have been placed throughout Michigan’s Great Southwest at local businesses and microbreweries to allow further relief effort options for community members.
Event organizers and participants are all donating their time and efforts in order to allow all of the proceeds to be donated to support the relief efforts. Funds raised will support needs at El Hospital Pediatrico del Centro Medico in Puerto Rico as well as aid the local chapter of the Puerto Rican Boys and Girls Club who are delivering food, water, water purification and other critical supplies to residents.
Limited tickets are available for the all ages event. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling the SMSO at 269.982.4030 or online at www.smso.org. Tickets are considered tax-deductible.
Food and Beverages will be available for purchase throughout the benefit concert.
The Livery Microbrewery is located at 190 5th Street in the Benton Harbor Arts District.
Tickets are available online at www.smso.org, by calling the SMSO office at 269-982-4030, or by stopping by the SMSO office at 513 Ship Street in St. Joseph. Tickets may also be purchased at the Livery in Benton Harbor.
For more information, contact the Symphony office at 269-982-4030 or visit www.smso.org.
Radio Stations News/Talk 94.9 WSJM, COSY-FM, 98.3 The Coast, and Y-Country 97.5 are all pitching in as presenters of this fundraising effort.
