USTORM Rolls Into Chicago
on Jambase.com
One of the greatest things about the music community as a whole is that we tend to be a very generous and socially conscience group of people. We care not only about the music and the good times, but about the people around us as well as the people that are not as fortunate. It is within this spirit that THE USTORM (United So Together Our Reach Multiplies) FOUNDATION has been founded and is officially up and running in Chicago!
USTORM is a non-profit organization aimed at raising funds to help needy children and young adults improve their lives by providing access to various music and art educational programs. USTORM is founded by Brendan Bayliss, member of the Chicago based band UMPHREY'S McGEE; Kevin Kostelecky, owner of the popular Chicago bar THE STORE; Mike LeMaistre, concert promoter with JAM PRODUCTIONS; and Barry Brown, member of Chicago jam band JACK STRAW. Together these four friends got together and decided that they could use the strength of their friendships with so many kind and caring people to create a positive force (or a storm, per say...) to help needy children and young adults improve their lives by providing access to the arts.
USTORM held its first event - THE KICK OFF PARTY - at The Store on Friday, May 12th, 2006. Over 150 people came out to support the cause, eat some food and have some drinks, and win some great raffle prizes (including signed posters, great concert tickets, and even a pair of autographed tennis shoes from BRUCE HORNSBY!) The evening was a huge success, and the USTORM folks are now in the process of planning future events over the course of the summer and beyond. They look forward to the continued support and involvement of many of you in the months and years to come.