In April, Future Music Makers Youth Enrichment Program was awarded $15,000.
It was the prize for winning the largest crowdfunding festival in the world, the One Spark competition. The program within a new nonprofit organization is designed to offer scholarships to young musicians.
On Saturday, the new organization will partner with Swamp Records to host a benefit concert to raise funds for the scholarships. Held at The Jam, the event will feature some of Florida’s local bands including Flat Land, Bells and Robes, and other musicians.
"This event is so important because music education is constantly losing money in schools, and I think art is one of the most crucial aspects of becoming a person and getting that creative aspect of yourself," said Ana Rojo, the public relations director of Flat Land at Swamp Records.
Tickets will be sold at the door for $10, and donations will be accepted throughout the night. All sales and donations will go directly into funding the nonprofit organization, Rojo, 22, said.
The event will begin at 7 p.m. and will last until the venue closes at 2 a.m.
"The live music and entertainment alone is well worth the admission," Grant McLeod, Flat Land’s drummer, said.
"We are just hoping we can make at least two young artists’ dreams come true with the help of the Gainesville community," he said.
