Local DJs & musicians raise dough for music in schools

Local DJs and musicians are coming together at Jackie O's Pub and Brewery tonight (Thursday, Jan. 19) to help save Athens County Music in the Schools program, according to a news release.

The event will feature a wide variety of musical acts for a night of music and dancing in an effort to help save the program. According to the release, bustedBASS will headline the event with opening acts by Station Break Blues Band, Brothertiger and DJ Barticus.

A member of bustedBASS explained why the group got involved in the fundraiser. "We saw on the news that Mike Doughty, the Music in the Schools founder, was looking for help to prevent the program from closing down." Arthur Henke of bustedBASS said in the release. "We're DJs, we love music, so it was a no brainer; we had to do this event."

After six years of existence, the Music in the Schools program has helped numerous children in Athens learn how to play musical instruments, the release said. The Music in the Schools workshops are taught by local and nationally known musicians such as Mark Pender from the "Conan O'Brian Show" and Shirley King, daughter of BB King.

"We strive each year to make our program bigger and better for the students," Music in the Schools founder Doughty said in the release. "We do our best to make our workshops fun while the students are learning how to express themselves individually. I'll be selling raffle tickets for $5 apiece during the benefit show. The winner will receive a custom-designed Antonio Inlay guitar valued at $800."

Those who cannot make it to the benefit show but still want to contribute to the program can do so by sending donations to the OU Credit Union under the Music in the Schools account name. Donations are tax deductible.

The show starts at 10 p.m. with a $4 recommended donation. The benefit show will be held in the brewery side of Jackie O's on West Union Street.