An ambitious tour of socially-minded artists is coming to the Ocean Port Hotel next week to help spread a love of music. The Music Box Project brings together three performances for a night of hip hop, pop and funk, with a long term goal of introducing vulnerable youth to music."Music is an inspiration for self-expression and through Music Box we want to inspire and support children," said Annaliesse Kelly, who, along with Marnie Green and Sheila Cassels, is organizing the series of events. "I wanted to create a project that would showcase amazing musicians from our communities making music to make a difference."On Saturday, March 8, International Women's Day, hip hop vocalists Deanna and Ndidi Cascade, along with solo pop artist Tessa Amy and DJs Firebird and Andali will take the OP stage to raise money for children connected to women's shelters from the Fraser Valley to the Sea to Sky Corridor."The women's centres are low on funding and we want to help make sure the children of these women are taken care of and through access to music provide a source of self-expression," said Kelly. "It is a collaboration of promoters, musicians, businesses and a lot of love."Music Box will continue to have events in the corridor and the Lower Mainland throughout 2008, and to raise money from CD sales with a goal of achieving $50,000 for children's music programs.But despite the serious cause behind the event, the point is still to have a good time, said Kelly."We hope to see a large crowd of supporters coming out and having a really great time. It's a really awesome cause and a great concept," she said. "Who wouldn't want a reason to dance in their track suit to amazing music?" The Music Box project is open to anyone with interest, said Kelly. Those that feel they can contribute, whether as a musican, a buisness, or as a volunteer, are asked to contact organizers at [email protected].
