Future Music Makers: A Cause Worth Singing About

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After the Gators trounce Alabama in the SEC Championship on Saturday, you’ll probably be thinking of the best way to spend the evening celebrating. We’re here to tell you there’s a way to party, jam out AND do something good for the kids. That “something” is the inaugural Future Music Makers Benefit Concert at The Jam.

Future Music Makers (FMM) is a nonprofit started in April by Flat Land, Bells & Robes and Phairground, three groups actively involved in Gainesville’s music scene. The organization aims to promote and instill passion for music in young people in Alachua County.

“I want kids to have the same opportunities to learn about the joys of music that I did as a young boy,” said Dean Spaniol, vice president of FMM and Bells & Robes member.

The benefit concert will feature some of the best musical talent Florida has to offer, such as headlining lap steel guitar phenom Roosevelt Collier and Sarasota’s Come Back Alice. Local music fans can rejoice in the Gainesville-heavy lineup, including Flat Land, Bells & Robes, Gritt, Locochino and Les Voss.

“We’re excited to have such a fine group of musicians come together for a worthy cause,” said Gytis Garsys of Gritt.

If you can remember the feeling of jamming out to “Hot Cross Buns” on the recorder as a kid then you know the importance of music education. Children who study a musical instrument are more likely to excel in their studies, work better in teams, have enhanced critical thinking skills, stay in school and pursue further education.

So make your way to The Jam this Saturday night. If not for the music or the good times, then do it for the kids, people.