HFA’s to headline TASI Nov. 15 fundraiser for music programs
The Art Studio, Inc. will host “Arts & Drafts: A BEERefit for Art” at Madison’s, Nov. 15, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The proceeds will all go to support The Art Studio’s Band Nite music program and performance space for aspiring musicians across the Southeast Texas region.
The evening, underwritten by Frankie Randazzo and Madison’s, starts with a craft and artisanal beer tasting, sponsored by Giglio Distributing, highlighting exclusive and diverse offerings for a $5 donation with a commemorative glass.
The tasting will go from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and sets the stage, in Studio style, for a special performance by one of Beaumont’s favorite bands — the HFA’s.
“This is a great opportunity for everyone to come out and have fun and support local musicians and businesses,” Joe Winston, TASI board president, said. “Live music is one of the life-blood elements of our area, and we have a rich musical history here from the likes of Johnny and Edgar Winter, Barbara Lynn, Tracy Byrd, Bun B and Janis Joplin, and the list goes on.
“Many great artists began by playing on stages in this area, and The Art Studio has been a place to foster and encourage the next generation of musicians to practice their craft for 35 years. This event will help us repair, replace and upgrade sound equipment for the performance space.”
The Studio is known as a venue that holds no boundaries for artists of any age creating and performing original music or for having limits on genres or experience level.
Olivia Busceme, TASI music director, said performing in a venue is more than just knowing songs.
“Most venues don’t often want to book new bands that have no stage experience and no audience to bring in,” she said. “The Art Studio is a place for them to learn the ins-and-outs of setting up their equipment, running live sound checks with an audio tech, promoting themselves and interacting with the audience.”
HFA guitarist Ben Jorden played his first gig at The Studio years ago.
“I played my first show at The Studio, and it encouraged me to keep playing all these years,” Jorden said. “We’re happy to support the tradition of giving bands and musicians a place to play.”
Local musician Cody Scheaffer will open the show with his brand of Americana and folk.
For more information, call 409-838-5393, or visit www.artstudio.org.
Story by Stephan Malick, ISSUE staff writer