The Grammy Museum's MUSIC REVOLUTION PROJECT Returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall on 8/4

Returning for the fifth consecutive year, the GRAMMY Museum's acclaimed Music Revolution Project, an educational initiative developed in 2012, has begun at the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall, offering talented youth in the area the chance to engage in musical workshops, songwriting courses, mentoring sessions and record original material that they've written. The tuition-free, four-week program culminates when they perform their new work live at Ruth Eckerd Hall on Friday, August 4 at 8 pm. Tickets are on sale now.

The 15 carefully selected students range in age from 13 to 19 years and are from across the Tampa Bay region including Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, St. John's and Hernando counties. In addition, this year two junior members, ages 11 and 12, will be participating.

"We are thrilled to be producing our fifth year of the GRAMMY Museum's Music Revolution Project, housed in the all-new Murray Theatre at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Through the passion and commitment of our staff and GRAMMY Museum partners, we will offer an incredible opportunity for students to work with industry leaders using state-of-the-art equipment," said Zev Buffman, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. President and CEO.

In addition, students will be offered career guidance and opportunities after the grueling GRAMMY month of courses. These opportunities will include opening for national and International Artists, performing on the Freedom Boat Club Landing at Ruth Eckerd Hall prior to performances, the Clearwater Jazz Holiday in October and the upcoming Blast Friday concert series in downtown Clearwater.

Here's what community leaders say about the GRAMMY Museum's Music Revolution Project:

"This project is but another example of how Ruth Eckerd Hall continues to promote the arts by giving students an opportunity to expand their talents," George N. Cretekos, Mayor, City of Clearwater. "The performance will certainly delight the audience as our youth are showcased and recognized for their potential to become tomorrow's stars."

"This concert by our students at Ruth Eckerd Hall the past two years has been astounding!," said Frank V. Hibbard, Partner, SVP, Steward Partners Global Advisory and Former Mayor, City of Clearwater. "The quality of the performance and the work done by these young adults in their teens proves why we all support the Hall and the education programs."

"Everyone who sees a Ruth Eckerd Hall performance expresses admiration for the amazing talent, performances and synergy that comes across from these concerts," said attorney Alan S. Gassman, Esquire. "It is liquid energy and genius. Just add water. See for yourself."

"To see, hear and appreciate the talent of these wonderful and dedicated students, you really need to be here," said Mike Bollenback, of Bollenback & Forret, P.A. "Don't miss the chance."

"I'm so glad I attended this event last year - it was amazing!" said Kenneth Hamilton, President, Palm Pavilion and Mr. Clearwater 2016. "The drive and talent of these students was exceptional. I will never miss one of these performances."

Over the course of four weeks, students participate in an intensive "boot camp" like curriculum including instruction, rehearsals and mentoring with artists, directors and composers. The program is housed at the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall and the all-new Murray Theatre, providing students with access to professional spaces as well as a private recording studio on-site.

Created to broaden musical and creative skills while helping establish professional relationships, the program is also designed to increase self-esteem, help students develop entrepreneurial skills and grow their ability to secure employment at a post high school age.

Returning for its fifth year, the workshop has previously allowed students to meet and engage in Q&A sessions with artists who were performing at Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Capitol Theatre including Rock 'n' Roll Hall of famer Graham Nash, American Idol Live, 3 Doors Down, Richard Fortus of Guns N' Roses, Colbie Caillat and the musical director for Idina Menzel.

Tickets priced at $10 will be available at the Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office, by calling 727.791.7400 or visiting www.RuthEckerdHall.com. Pre-show dining is also available. The Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office is open Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm and one hour prior to show time. *A limited number of VIP packages, which include a pre-show reception and a reserved seat in the first ten rows, are priced at $30.

Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, owned by the City of Clearwater, manages and operates 2,200-seat Ruth Eckerd Hall, the 200-seat Murray Theatre, the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts, the 750-seat Capitol Theatre and Ruth Eckerd Hall On The Road. Our mission is: Changing lives through the performing arts.

Ruth Eckerd Hall was named #10 theater venue in the world and within that same ranking #6 in the United States, by industry trade publication Pollstar in 2016. Designed by the prestigious Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Ruth Eckerd Hall is known for its fantastic sightlines and near-perfect acoustics.

The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts is one of the largest providers of arts education and outreach in the nation. Reaching more than 35,000 students annually and providing over 80,000 hours of high-caliber arts experiences with programs encompassing three distinct arts education divisions: presenting, community engagement and outreach and instruction in jazz, dance, drama, instrumental music, musical theater, voice and technical theater. Each division reaches students of all ages and abilities on the Ruth Eckerd Hall campus and off-site in local schools, hospitals, community centers, specialty residences and other arts centers throughout the Tampa Bay area and the State of Florida.

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