Public Can Trade a New or Gently Used Musical Instrument For Free Tickets to Manilow’s June 14th Concert

[Grand Rapids, MI—June 6, 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 Grand Rapids Public Schools. Anyone who donates a new or gently used musical instrument to Van Andel Arena Box Office will receive 2 free tickets for Manilow’s June 14th concert inGrand Rapids, MI.

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

The Van Andel Arena will be the base for the instrument drive in Grand Rapids, from now through June 14th. The instrument drop off location is open between 10am – 5:00pm Monday through Friday.

“Words do not begin to describe our thanks and appreciation for Mr. Manilow’s generous donation and for launching an instrument drive to benefit our students. The timing could not be more perfect as we are close to finalizing a budget for next school year that starts the reinvestment, restoration, and revitalization of arts and music programming in GRPS. Mr. Manilow’s unique effort and contribution is truly symbolic of the growing alignment of people and community resources aimed at supporting the growth and success of our students, schools and the district as a whole,” said Teresa Weatherall Neal, interim Superintendent of Schools.

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 Van Andel Arena 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.