The class will be named after Velvet Thunder and we're working now with Room in the Inn to try and name a studio planned to be built inside the new building after the iconic Nashville street musician, who passed away November 16th.
Here is the press release I crafted for Race to the Radio last night:
Press Release:
Velvet Thunder was an integral part of the Nashville street-music scene for almost three decades. He was just one of many wonderful musicians who provide the local community with great music by day, yet have no home to return to at night.
The Race to the Radio, an exciting new outlet for up and coming artists, along with The Room In The Inn, Nashville's premier Homeless Services agency, want to give musicians like Velvet Thunder a chance to have their voices heard through song and sound. To accomplish that, these organizations have created a professional yet informal, personalized safe haven in which aspiring artists can experiment, learn and grow under the tutelage of accomplished artists.
There are countless other "Velvet Thunders" on our city streets, just waiting to be discovered, and we cordially invite the music industry to come and unite with us in our efforts to give them the chance they need to prove themselves. We know Music City, USA is the perfect place to make this happen and we're hoping you are willing to help us realize their dreams.
Come celebrate with us on December 9th at the Nashville Center Stage on 8th Avenue at 4pm for a Velvet Thunder remembrance concert. Performances by many of Nashville's premier up and coming songwriters. Join us, you'll be glad you did!
Info on Velvet Thunder:
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20091129/NEWS01/ 911290344/Nashville+street+ musician+Velvet+Thunder+ remembered+at+funeral
http://www.wsmv.com/news/21747998/detail.html
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20091123/OBITS/ 911230314/Iconic-Nashville- street-musician-Velvet- Thunder-dies
http://www.wztv.com/newsroom/top_stories/wztv_vid_2063. shtml
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBDs02uh-Uw
