Public Can Trade a New or Gently Used Musical Instrument For Free Tickets to Manilow’s September 6th Concert

[Reading, PA—July 23, 2012] – Legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow hopes others will once again follow his philanthropic lead as he donates a Yamaha piano to launch a local instrument drive for the Reading Public Schools. Anyone who donates a new or gently used musical instrument to Sovereign Center Box Office will receive 2 free tickets (valid for pre selected seat locations) for Manilow’s September 6th concert in Reading, PA. 

“I’m thrilled to be able to help bring the gift of music to these kids,” states Manilow.

Partnering with the Manilow Music Project will be the Reading Musical Foundation.   “The Reading Musical Foundation is extremely thankful to Mr. Manilow for giving back to the Reading community. This surge of instruments into Operation Replay, RMF’s instrument recycling program, will allow 50 additional students in the Reading School District to begin their own music journey,” said Keri, M. Shultz, President. 

The Sovereign Center will be the base for the instrument drive in Reading from now through September 6th.  The box office is located at 700 Penn Street, Reading, PA.  Hours are Monday – Friday 10 A.M. – 5 P.M.  “TheSovereignCenteris ecstatic to have Barry Manilow performing for a third time at the arena,” stated Zane Collings, Regional General  Manager of theSovereignCenter. “Mr. Manilow’s passion for giving back to the music programs will benefit so many students in the Reading Public Schools and we are honored to be helping with his efforts.”

The Reading School District is very grateful for Manilow Music Project’s contributions to keep the music alive in public schools. Dr. Carlinda Purcell, Superintendent of the Reading School District, said, “Barry Manilow is one of my favorite performers, and I am thrilled for our students here in the Reading School District.  I commend Mr. Manilow for what he is doing for the arts, and I thank him from the bottom of my heart.”

The Manilow Music Project (MMP) is part of The Manilow Fund for Health and Hope.  It was formed as a grass roots organization to assist local charities and programs.  Its primary focus is to provide musical instruments to high schools and middle schools and to provide music scholarships at universities throughout the US, Canada, and the UK. More information on the Manilow Music Project can be found at http://www.manilowmusicproject.org/

Tickets are available online at Manilow.com or Ticketmaster.com, in person at the Sovereign Center Box Office or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

With worldwide record sales exceeding 80 million, Barry Manilow is ranked as the top Adult Contemporary chart artist of all time with 47 top 40 hits. Manilow has produced, arranged, and released over 40 albums over the course of his career.