September 8: "Poverty is Real" Benefit Concert

Posted 8.21.12

Photos by PIR, RED JUNE, & TONY HOOD OF FRENCH BROAD IMAGING

Emerging from the concept that collaborations between communities can help combat poverty and homelessness, the non-profit organization Poverty is Real (PIR) takes fundraising concerts on tour, celebrating music and supporting local organizations that alleviate poverty. This summer, PIR held a benefit concert in Decatur, Georgia (where it is based out of), which raised $10,000 for the Decatur Cooperative Ministry.

On September 8, PIR will be holding a benefit concert at the Orange Peel at 8 p.m., featuring local bands Red June (pictured below), The American Gonzos, Laura Reed, and stephaniesid (right). All money raised at the concert (including ticket proceeds) will be given to Pisgah Legal Services.

“We are excited and grateful to be the beneficiaries of the first Poverty is Real concert in Asheville,” says Tina Owen, Pisgah Legal Service’s development director. “This is a great opportunity not only to raise money but also spread the word about Pisgah Legal Services as one of the leading antipoverty organizations in the region. The money raised will provide free civil legal aid to Western North Carolinians in crisis- victims of domestic violence, families facing homelessness, disadvantaged children, and vulnerable seniors.”

For more than 34 years, Pisgah Legal Services has been providing free civil legal aid to low-income people in WNC. With the help of volunteer attorneys and volunteer administrative assistance, Pisgah Legal can help disadvantaged children, senior citizens, families at risk, and victims of domestic violence with homelessness avoidance, safe housing establishments, health care access, subsistence income, and protection from domestic violence.

In 2011, Pisgah Legal Services aided over 12,000 low-income people, including 5,365 children. This organization’s main service area includes six counties in Western North Carolina, with offices in Asheville, Hendersonville, and Spindale.

“Asheville is an amazing town, filled with great musicians, businesses, and citizens who care about their community, making it a natural fit for a Poverty is Real show,” says Mike Killeen, PIR’s founder and president. “Working with Pisgah Legal Services – who are so deeply rooted in helping those in need in the Asheville community – is the start of what we hope to be a strong and lasting partnership.”

Commemorative CDs will be for sale at the concert. PIR is also donating an instrument to the Asheville-based non-profit Give to the Music, which allows children who would not be able to afford musical lessons to take them.

Stephanie Morgan, lead vocals for stephaniesid, explains her band's sound as 'music for the darkness that's trying to find the light.' She goes on to explain, "I have a background in social work, and I've seen the difference Pisgah Legal Services has made in the lives of people who are making very brave decisions to better their circumstances.  We are proud to be working with Poverty is Real to help more people in their journeys toward healthier lives."

Tickets are $12 advance, $15 on the day of the show. Purchase tickets on the Orange Peel's website, theorangepeel.net.

For more information on the talented musicians playing in the concert as well as on Poverty is Real, visit online at povertyisreal.us. For more information on Pisgah Legal Services, visit online at pisgahlegal.org.