Musicians Giving Back

Two local artists walk their lives with another purpose.

By: Jay Minkin
Date: 11/21/2008
Sometimes it’s not just about the music. As we welcome the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s appropriate to recognize two artists who walk their lives with another purpose. Both have causes that are important to their heart. 
Local singer/songwriter Zach Freidhof is one of NE Ohio’s most talented artists and for the last three years has hosted An Evening For Chuck—a fundraiser for The Lustgarten Foundation For Pancreatic Cancer Research—in honor and memory of his late Father. 

This past year’s event raised over $6,500 and readers should enter a reminder into their Blackberry for next year’s event on Sept. 13. Zach has just released a new full band acoustic album in partnership with Tri-C entitled Lost and Found and another is getting the final touches and will be released in early 2009. You can catch Zach at McGinty’s (13751 Madison Ave. Lakewood) Nov. 26, Jimmy’s Cafe (2028 Chestnut Blvd. Cuyahoga Falls) Nov .28 , Phoenix Café (15108 Detroit Ave. Lakewood) Dec. 5 and a full band show at Northside (111 S. Main St. Akron) Dec. 3. For the latest news and receive the monthly e-blast, click onto www.zachmusic.net.

My friendship with Nashville’s Tonya Watts developed over a pair of RayBan sunglasses. But it’s hard to believe that four years ago she was sleeping on an inflatable mattress in an empty apartment. Tonya made acquaintances and listened to stories from homeless people including a man called Booger Love. He not only taught her about the street, but also dreamed of helping people get back on their feet. Tonya made it out but never forgot her experience and created the B-Love Foundation in honor and memory of her friend. 

B-Love (www.myspace.com/blovefoundation) collects new socks and passes them out weekly to homeless men and women. Artistically, Tonya has just released her first full-length album Handcuff My Soul, which includes the song “Cumberland Angels,” her beautiful ode to the homeless. A true indie artist, you can sample music and purchase a CD from www.myspace.com/tonyawattsmusic.  If you tell T. Watts you read about her in Mimi, she’ll be happy to autograph one for you.

Reach Jay at blues4bird@aol.com.

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