OP Music House taking EXPOSURE Concert on the road; spotlighting domestic violence
Bands and fans across the country have been volunteering to help bring victim advocate Suzanne Perry and her entourage of musical talent to their town. Perry's been a supercharged burst of hope, sharing her story of abuse, perseverance and bravery.
ORCHARD PARK, NY, December 31, 2010
July 29, 30 and 31, 2011 are the confirmed dates for the next music-fest called 'EXPOSURE Concert; Because love shouldnt hurt.' It's a three day long concert with roughly 50 bands playing; which broadcasts live around the world to expose domestic violence.The original EXPOSURE Concert,held in August, 2010, was watched from 8 countries and 34 states.
Western New York bands have been jumping to secure their slot. Sharen Wendy Robertson is repeating her journey from Cape Cod to Buffalo to perform. The next furthest band is Dirty Martini, a repeat appearance who has a three-hour drive from Binghamton NY.
Ms. Robertson closed the show in August and for 2011, she will kick it off. She suffered the sudden, tragic, loss of her youngest child at 20 in a car crash, and up until that point, lived in a house of stress and gloom, raising kids with an abusive husband. She now is a free woman and fills airwaves with her reflections, music and interviews. She is currently working on her second album.
Suzanne Perry was victimized by her husband for over 20 years and today she is a staple in the community. She has become an inspirational, motivational speaker, speaking at colleges and organizations sharing her story and advises about warning signs and ways people can help those still in abusive relationships. She is a writer, photographer; hosts a pair of radio shows and runs a monthly live music and entertainment show called Suzapalooza.
At the beckoning of a Buffalo-native friend who now resides in southern California, it was decided to 'put it out there' to see if enough interest would spark to warrant a national tour. It was mentioned on Facebook and Twitter, and now shows will come to Boston, Buffalo, Chicago and Los Angeles.
The event was created in the online Eventful where fans can click to "Demand It" to express interest.
It is hoped that a bus will be donated or picked up on the cheap from a site like Craigslist and the tour can actually get realistic scheduling and attract some relevant sponsors like Verizon, and some type of Music for Charity endorsements.
The functions of OP Music House are twofold: a venue and basic recording equipment to young adults while local musicians hang out and jam offering tips and mentoring. The other function is what Suzanne Perry does now from her home and in public; supporing persons impacted by domestic violence or abuse. She offers confidence training and conducts public speaking engagements. For persons freshly out of an abusive relationship they offer "Take your reins care paks" toiletries, household items to help ease the transition to indpendence.
'The idea is spreading like wildfire; and now people across the country are raising their hand, to want to be involved in raising awareness to this serious, real issue that needs to be under the spotlight. I believe if these abusers were exposed, they wouldn't do it. See something, say something. EXPOSE it. It could save a life."
Perry is wound and steadfast in her positioning; stating, "I don't speak out for women organizations, because women can be just as bad, if not worse, then guys. I speak out for people. People that abuse exude power, and abuse is about control, regardless of gender."
For the latest information, watch the OP Music House Facebook page and website.
OP Music House, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit community center that gives young adults access to instruments, staging and basic recording equipment while local musicans donate time to chill and provide friendship. Our other function provides support and referrals to anyone impacted by domestic violence or abuse. We also issue "Take your reigns care paks' to those freshly out of an abusive relationship to ease the transition into independence.