Remember in September music festival expands

This year's J.A.R.E.D. Foundation music festival, Remember in September, will take place Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. A far more spacious location than the first two event renditions, the outdoor venue on the southwest corner of the grounds will showcase two stages, more than a dozen bands, fun-in-the-sun activities, food trucks and drinks for all ages. Colorado's treasured acoustic group, Face Vocal Band, will be the attention-grabbing performance of the festival.

The no cost family-friendly afternoon and evening of entertainment is all about reveling in the joy that music brings, and providing kids access to music education through the J.A.R.E.D. Foundation. Named for the late Jared Lizakowski, the letters of his name stand for Join a Revolution Educate Drummers and Other Musicians. His September 12 birthday is the reason for the timing and the title of the event.

Providing a legacy that celebrates Lizakowski's love for music is why his mother and stepfather, Renae and Surinder Dahiya, formed the foundation following a motorcycle accident that took the drummer's life in 2016 at age 19. His family has put their energy into making sure young learners have opportunities to experience what made Jared happiest – music. The nonprofit organization makes instruments and music lessons accessible to students from kindergarten through high school.

The free event will hopefully encourage concert goers to pull a little something out of their pockets to support the foundation's good work. All of the contributions will go directly to support the students and will not be used to cover expenses.

The event kicks off at noon when participants can relax on a blanket or chair and enjoy an abundance of musical genres. The main stage will feature Brodie Kinder with his soul pop melodies, Janis Kelly and Global Soul Experience performing world groove tracks, and the notes of funk rock will come from the stage when Float Like a Buffalo steps up. The second stage will simultaneously showcase a mix of young, but well-seasoned bands, playing alternative music, pop, and jazz.

The crescendo of the event will be Boulder's famous a cappella group Face on the main stage from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Face and Float like a Buffalo performed together earlier this summer to a huge crowd at Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Longmont's 300 Suns Brewing is donating all of the beer purchases to the foundation. Wine and hard cider will also be served. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at Los Dos Bros. (Mexican food), Scratch (burgers, sandwiches and salads) and Shaved Ice Colorado trucks.

Participants can jump in on activities like Frisbee, corn hole, hula hooping, and arts and crafts. Kids may test drive a variety of musical instruments at the J.A.R.E.D. Foundation booth.

Some of the sponsors of the event include Satir Demarco of Zenith Realty, who books the event's talent, 300 Suns Brewing, Knapp Productions, Dynamic Designs Printing and Marketing, Niwot Real Estate, Niwot Tavern, 1914 House, Taddiken Tree Company, and Janis Kelly Music.

The J.A.R.E.D. Foundation is in its second year of granting $1,000 music lesson scholarships to students. Last year the organization awarded a total of $15,000 and is hoping to do the same or more this year.

"We like to find students who will benefit from music lessons, but who can't ordinarily afford it," Surinder Dahiya said.

Nine active scholarships are presently underway for students from age 7 to 17 to attend music lessons with an instructor of their choice. Students play whatever instruments they would like and even vocal lessons are an option. The organization is always looking for instrument donations and they need not be in perfect condition.

Scholarships are given on a first-come first-serve basis and a few scholarships are still available this year. Lesson payments are sent directly to instructors, but the frequency and length of lessons are determined by the students and teachers. After finishing the initial scholarships, recipients who want to continue may be re-awarded up to two more times.

Scholarship recipient Frankie Gaytan said, "The program has helped me improve on my music skills and my techniques. I have had the opportunity to be in several invites, honor band, to perform for the solo ensemble and other performances. I appreciate all the help the scholarship has given me and the challenges I have faced with music."

Instrument donations will be accepted at the Remember in September event or may be dropped off at Front Range Instrument Repair at 460 Main Street, Longmont, inside Guitars Etc.

Event volunteers are needed to help with set up/tear down, welcoming guests, parking, and other tasks. For the event schedule and to find out more about the J.A.R.E.D. Foundation, visit www.EducateDrummers.org or email [email protected].