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Birdland Concert, with Sieber and Von Essen, Honors Memory of Matthew Shepard, Oct. 10

By: Oct. 05, 2005
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On Monday, October 10th at Birdland, a group of musicians from all over the country will remember Matthew Shepard, the young college student who lost his life in a vicious anti-gay hate crime in October of 1998. 

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Members of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, along with his mother, Judy Shepard, will be on hand to honor his memory and celebrate his life with music. This year's event will feature a performance by singer/songwriter Randi Driscoll with Noah Heldman, Dave Eggar, and David Gurland.  Also performing are pop duo Jason and DeMarco, and special guests Christopher Sieber (Spamalot) and Max von Essen (Dance of the Vampires).  Birdland's own Cast Party emcee, Jim Caruso, will host the event.

Driscoll, a New York-based singer/songwriter, wrote and recorded the benefit single "What Matters" in 1998, in response to the death of Matthew Shepard.  The song was written to honor his life, his family and the unconditional love they represent. To date, the benefit single has raised over $40,000 for the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

Jason and DeMarco are a pop duo from California, recently featured in The Advocate. "Their passionate and hopeful lyrics exemplify a spirit that is reflected in both their lives and music," according to press notes. 

Caruso is a multi-award winning singer who has performed everywhere from Manhattan, Los Angeles and London nightclubs to the White House and Carnegie Hall.  He produces and hosts the weekly showbiz variety show and soiree, Cast Party, which can also be heard on BroadwayWorld Radio.

The Matthew Shepard Foundation, founded in December 1998 by Dennis and Judy Shepard, was established in memory of their 21-year old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime. The Foundation carries out Matthew's legacy by developing educational projects and activities that raise awareness of the issues involving discrimination and diversity. The Foundation's goal is to educate and replace hate with understanding, compassion, and acceptance.  

Tickets are $25, $50, and $100, and the $100 VIP seats include gift bags.  A full dinner menu will be available, and proceeds benefit the Matthew Shepard Foundation.  The evening begins at 7:00 PM, and doors open at 5:30.  Tickets are available online at www.birdlandjazz.com 




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