The Faces of Millennial Philanthropy
Given the tragic events coming out of Haiti these past days, the subject and importance of non-profits has been brought front and center. Within Gen-Y itself there is an emerging consensus that it bears a large responsibility for the future of philanthropy and just like the boomers, who redefined the ‘hot brands’ on the commercial side, Generation Y will be redefining their perceptions of the charitable landscape in the near future. This is precisely where 501c3 Rock the Cause manages to become a young generation’s central point of philanthropic reference.
The Org has begun to find itself becoming visible on some pretty high profile radars. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak has proclaimed January 29, 2010, as Rock the Cause for Big Brothers Big Sisters Day! Rock the Cause is bringing its annual celebration of Glitter band music to the Music Box Theater and there is no shortage of great talent to go loud that night. The event will include tributes to Spinal Tap by White Light Riot, AC/DC by Alison Scott, and ’80s tunes by The Melismatics, The Notties, The Bloodsugars (from NYC) and a late night dance party with Stellar Vector!
Some things just seem to go well together. Like Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, Jeffrey (The Dude) and Maud Lebowski, and Rock the Cause and White Light Riot. Since their inception the guys in White Light Riot have been a passionate voice in the organization. Over the next couple of months they will be performing at multiple Rock the Cause events, including a full tribute to the legendary English metal band Spinal Tap at Glitter Ball 3! We asked Scott to tell us more about the unique alliance between Rock the Cause and White Light Riot. To that end he posed a couple of questions to co-founding member and Drummer/Songwriter Mark Schwandt!
White Light Riot has been very involved in Rock the Cause since day one. What keeps you excited about partnering with them?
Rock the Cause keeps reinventing the structure and ideology of the C3 Non-Profit. They continue to explore innovative avenues of ‘new media’ as well as utilizing future technologies to widen the reach of their message. The bands that work with RTC choose to do so because they stand to gain a wealth of knowledge in the areas of promoting, marketing and networking. White Light Riot has had the unique ability to watch RTC grow from a brainchild to a movement and we have had great success working with the group. Every show brings a new audience, which brings new fans. We are always excited to partner with RTC.
What inspired White Light Riot to “tap” into Spinal Tap for the night?
I have always been a fan of David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel and Derek Smalls. The self-anointed, “Loudest Band in England,” has been a staple on my family’s television set since childhood. Directors Harry Shearer, Michael McKean and Christopher Guest have made some of my favorite movies over the years (Waiting For Guffman, Best In Show, A Mighty Wind). Spinal Tap was my introduction into their truthful yet hilarious world of half-written/half-improvised genius. When we took on the task of playing Spinal Tap for this year’s Glitterball 3.0, we made a promise to not just give ”Tap” an homage but to really go above and beyond and embody the hard rock outfit from dress to attitude. It’s going to be one hell of a night.
