Public Can Trade a New or Gently Used Musical Instrument For Free Tickets to Manilow’s January 18th Concert

[Orlando, FL—December 12, 2013] – Legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow hopes others will once again follow his philanthropic lead as he brings his Manilow Music Project to Orange County Public Schools.  The pop icon plans to donate a Yamaha piano to launch a local music instrument drive. Anyone who donates a new or gently used musical instrument will receive 2 free tickets (valid for pre-selected seat locations) for Manilow’s January 18th show.

The Manilow Music Project has conducted music instrument drives all over the country to assist local schools with their music programs.  “I’m thrilled to be able to help bring the gift of music to these kids,” added Manilow.

Musical instrument donations may be brought to the Amway Center Administration entrance.  It is located near the intersection of Hughey Avenue and Church Street and is the base for the instrument drive in Orlando from now through January 18th. The instrument drop off location is open 9:00am -5:00pm Monday through Friday.

“Orange County Public Schools is honored to be partnering with the Manilow Music Project in support of our continued commitment to provide high quality Music Education to our students,” said Superintendent Barbara Jenkins.  “Here in Orange County, there are unique opportunities for employment in the creative and performing arts industries, and we know our students flourish when they have the arts as a part of their academic pursuits. We appreciate the efforts by our local and global community Partners in Education to put instruments into the hands of our students.”

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 Amway Center Box Office, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

With worldwide record sales exceeding 80 million, Barry Manilow’s unparalleled career encompasses virtually every arena of entertainment, including performing, writing, composing, arranging, and producing. A Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Manilow has produced, arranged, and released more than 40 albums during the course of his career.  He has also written and produced songs for Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Dionne Warwick, and many more.  He has been honored with a Grammy, two Emmys, a Tony Award, an Oscar nomination, and a top selling autobiography.