David Rowen Raising Funds to Produce WICKED A Cappella Medley

Last summer, motivated by a desire for civil peace, David Rowen launched a campaign to raise money for a video project that would promote love and unity, and he donated a portion of all proceeds to Teen and Police Service (TAPS) Academy, which is an organization dedicated to lessening the social distance between at-risk teens and law enforcement through building relationships between the two groups, leading to safer, more unified communities. Rowen recognized a need for the work of TAPS Academy, and he believed that through his YouTube channel, davidrowen/creative, he could use music to promote a message of peace.

Following a successful campaign, Rowen produced a music video remake of the hip-hop/gospel medley, "Joyful, Joyful," from the Whoopi Goldberg and Lauryn Hill movie, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit. As of today, the video has received nearly 600,000 views on YouTube, and as a result, more people are learning about TAPS Academy. YouTube comments posted from around the world confirm the uplifting nature of the video: "This is so on point and positive," one commenter claims. "I can't tell you how happy I am every time I watch this," says another. Acknowledging the greater purpose, one comment reads, "I am so thankful you all came together to spread this message of unity between police officers and today's youth. What a great cause!"

Rowen is constantly inspired by the positive feedback, so he is gearing up to produce a new project that he hopes will continue to bring smiles to viewers across the globe. Mixing his love for a cappella and Broadway music, he has arranged a medley of hit songs from Wicked, The Wiz, and The Wizard of Oz. Rowen was commissioned by the American Heart Association in 2011 to create "The Oz Medley," but it was only performed three performed times, and ever since, he has dreamed of reviving the medley.

Joining Rowen to perform the classic show tunes in a cappella form include former cast members of Wicked on Broadway, Caroline Bowman (Elphaba) and Tess Soltau (Glinda standby), along with Austin Colby (The Sound of Music), Jacob Dickey (Aladdin), Ali Hoxie, Nick Lehan (Titanic), Bridget Linsenmeyer, Ines Nassara, Jake Odmark (Kinky Boots), Laurie Veldheer (Mamma Mia!), and Alan Wiggins (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical).

In order to follow through to production, Rowen must raise at least $13,000. If you are interested in contributing, visit the project's Indiegogo campaign page for more details. (The goal must be met by Monday, September 24.) Tax-deductible donations can me made through davidrowen/creative's Fractured Atlas profile.

In support of art, independent work, and the profound affect music has on society, please consider donating to davidrowen/creative's campaign for "The Oz Medley."

Check out davidrowen/creative's top videos to discover what is in store!

JOYFUL, JOYFUL - Sister Act 2
Remake by David Rowen, feat. Tiffany Mann, Kyle Taylor Parker, & Melissa Victor

WAVING THROUGH A WINDOW - Dear Evan Hansen
Cover by David Rowen, feat. Austin Colby, & Nick Lehan