On Saturday, March 1, 2008, Grammy Award-winning writer and
producer Dallas Austin brought the stars out for the third annual
“Don’t Stop the Music” Gala benefiting his Atlanta-based Dallas
Austin Foundation.
DAF announced that it raised over $360,000 to go towards
implementing its “Don’t Stop the Music” after school programs in
Metro Atlanta public schools. DAF hopes to install in-school
studios in ten Metro Atlanta public schools before the end of 2008.
Austin addressed guests with a story of his admiration of his
close friend and Godfather of Funk, George Clinton stating
“George is a great example of not stopping the music.” Austin
continued to tell the story of how Clinton would come into his
studio on a Friday and wouldn't’t be seen until the following Friday
all because he couldn't’t leave his music.
“Music has played a tremendous part in my life but many young
people today are not given the opportunity to take part in music
education. In fact, with Georgia schools significantly decreasing or
completely removing music programs from the curriculum,
programs like our “Don’t Stop the Music” become increasingly
more important,” said Austin.
The Mistress of Ceremonies was WSB-TV’s news anchor and
reporter Jovita Moore. The diverse group of guests included singer
Monica, rapper Young Jeezy, super producer Jermaine Dupri,
Atlanta Falcon’s Ovie Mughelli, EMI’s Music Publishing’s “Big”
John Platt and Pastor Paula White who delivered the prayer.
This year, members of the Dallas Austin Foundation introduced
the Maestro Awards celebrating individuals with outstanding
achievements in business entrepreneurship, music business and
music education. The 2008 honorees included David
Davoundpour, Chairman and CEO of Shoney’s Companies; Jody
Gerson, Music Publishing Pioneer; and Don P. Roberts,
Instrumental Music Coordinator of DeKalb County School Systems.
After honoring the 2008 Maestro Award recipients, Austin received
a surprise honor of his own. On behalf of the Board of Education
and the DeKalb County School Systems, Roberts presented
Austin with a trophy for his outstanding support and positive
influence on children through music and his film
accomplishments including Drumline and ATL.
Although the majority of money was raised through Gala and
concert ticket sales, over $99,000 was raised from a live auction
during the Gala featuring funnyman, Cedric the Entertainer. With
bids like $20,000 for a one –week trip for eight to Highland House
in Jamaica, $15,000 for a 24 month lease from Mercedes-Benz of
Buckhead and $11,000 for a trip to New York City and attendance
to the Tyra Banks Show, the Foundation will be able to provide its
“Don’t Stop the Music” program in new schools in the Fall of 2008.
“We are so excited about the significant fundraising that we were
able to achieve through our 3rd Annual Gala,” said Theodore
Florence, Chairman of the Board, Dallas Austin Foundation.
“Support for the Dallas Austin Foundation has proven that we are
not alone in our belief that music education is important. We are
elated to see our mission of “transforming the lives of young
people by enriching their educational experience through the use
of music and film” come to fruition. And we look forward to
expanding the program not only in Atlanta but nationwide.”
Immediately following the silent auction, guests enjoyed a concert
featuring the legendary, Grammy Award-winning international
music icon, Gladys Knight and 2004 American Idol winner and
platinum recording artist Fantasia Barrino.
Don’t Stop the Music is a curriculum-based program that restores
music education in public schools through the establishment of in-
house recording studios. To date, the Dallas Austin Foundation
has successfully installed studios in ten Atlanta public schools
including Brown Middle, Cedar Grove High, and Martin Luther
King, Jr. Middle and High. By the year 2009, the foundation aspires
to expand the program model nationally.
producer Dallas Austin brought the stars out for the third annual
“Don’t Stop the Music” Gala benefiting his Atlanta-based Dallas
Austin Foundation.
DAF announced that it raised over $360,000 to go towards
implementing its “Don’t Stop the Music” after school programs in
Metro Atlanta public schools. DAF hopes to install in-school
studios in ten Metro Atlanta public schools before the end of 2008.
Austin addressed guests with a story of his admiration of his
close friend and Godfather of Funk, George Clinton stating
“George is a great example of not stopping the music.” Austin
continued to tell the story of how Clinton would come into his
studio on a Friday and wouldn't’t be seen until the following Friday
all because he couldn't’t leave his music.
“Music has played a tremendous part in my life but many young
people today are not given the opportunity to take part in music
education. In fact, with Georgia schools significantly decreasing or
completely removing music programs from the curriculum,
programs like our “Don’t Stop the Music” become increasingly
more important,” said Austin.
The Mistress of Ceremonies was WSB-TV’s news anchor and
reporter Jovita Moore. The diverse group of guests included singer
Monica, rapper Young Jeezy, super producer Jermaine Dupri,
Atlanta Falcon’s Ovie Mughelli, EMI’s Music Publishing’s “Big”
John Platt and Pastor Paula White who delivered the prayer.
This year, members of the Dallas Austin Foundation introduced
the Maestro Awards celebrating individuals with outstanding
achievements in business entrepreneurship, music business and
music education. The 2008 honorees included David
Davoundpour, Chairman and CEO of Shoney’s Companies; Jody
Gerson, Music Publishing Pioneer; and Don P. Roberts,
Instrumental Music Coordinator of DeKalb County School Systems.
After honoring the 2008 Maestro Award recipients, Austin received
a surprise honor of his own. On behalf of the Board of Education
and the DeKalb County School Systems, Roberts presented
Austin with a trophy for his outstanding support and positive
influence on children through music and his film
accomplishments including Drumline and ATL.
Although the majority of money was raised through Gala and
concert ticket sales, over $99,000 was raised from a live auction
during the Gala featuring funnyman, Cedric the Entertainer. With
bids like $20,000 for a one –week trip for eight to Highland House
in Jamaica, $15,000 for a 24 month lease from Mercedes-Benz of
Buckhead and $11,000 for a trip to New York City and attendance
to the Tyra Banks Show, the Foundation will be able to provide its
“Don’t Stop the Music” program in new schools in the Fall of 2008.
“We are so excited about the significant fundraising that we were
able to achieve through our 3rd Annual Gala,” said Theodore
Florence, Chairman of the Board, Dallas Austin Foundation.
“Support for the Dallas Austin Foundation has proven that we are
not alone in our belief that music education is important. We are
elated to see our mission of “transforming the lives of young
people by enriching their educational experience through the use
of music and film” come to fruition. And we look forward to
expanding the program not only in Atlanta but nationwide.”
Immediately following the silent auction, guests enjoyed a concert
featuring the legendary, Grammy Award-winning international
music icon, Gladys Knight and 2004 American Idol winner and
platinum recording artist Fantasia Barrino.
Don’t Stop the Music is a curriculum-based program that restores
music education in public schools through the establishment of in-
house recording studios. To date, the Dallas Austin Foundation
has successfully installed studios in ten Atlanta public schools
including Brown Middle, Cedar Grove High, and Martin Luther
King, Jr. Middle and High. By the year 2009, the foundation aspires
to expand the program model nationally.
Photos: Raymond Hagans
Don't Stop the Music - Yarbrough & Peoples
VIDEO: Dallas Austin,
Paula White, Tamera
Gulliam & Youg Jeezy
talks to JUBILEE
about the importance
of keeping music
programs in the
schools.
Paula White, Tamera
Gulliam & Youg Jeezy
talks to JUBILEE
about the importance
of keeping music
programs in the
schools.
About the “Don’t Stop the Music” After-School Program (DSTM)
The “Don’t Stop the Music” After-School Program is the premier
program for the Dallas Austin Foundation, Inc. DSTM is a
curriculum-based program that puts music back into public
schools by establishing recording studios in local schools to
teach students song writing and music production.
During the “Don’t Stop the Music” After-School Program, students:
The “Don’t Stop the Music” After-School Program is the premier
program for the Dallas Austin Foundation, Inc. DSTM is a
curriculum-based program that puts music back into public
schools by establishing recording studios in local schools to
teach students song writing and music production.
During the “Don’t Stop the Music” After-School Program, students:
- Learn how to create and record music
- Learn the basic structure of the music industry
- Learn the history of recorded sound
- Are introduced to the typical recording studio set-up
- Learn how to create and organize a song
- Learn how to compose music
- Learn how to record vocals
- Create their own record labels allowing students to utilize
business skills by taking on specific tasks within their
record label - Engage in character development activities
- Develop problem-solving skills
- Increase creative and critical thinking skills
About the Dallas Austin Foundation, Inc.
Founded in 2003 by Grammy Award-winning songwriter and
producer Dallas Austin, the Dallas Austin Foundation, Inc. (DAF) is
transforming the lives of young people by enriching their
educational experiences through the use of music and film. DAF
has developed a curriculum-based program that puts music back
into public schools by establishing small recording studios in local
schools to teach students song writing and music production.
The Dallas Austin Foundation has already established studios at
several Metro Atlanta public schools including: Martin Luther King
Jr. Middle School; Brown Middle School; Southside
Comprehensive High School, Washington High School, North
Atlanta High School; Cedar Grove High School and Martin Luther
King Jr. High School.
DAF also provides scholarships and financial assistance to help
further develop and maintain the musical arts and entertainment
departments in school and bring awareness to students of the vast
opportunities that exist within the entertainment industry. The
Dallas Austin Foundation, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt
organization. For more information or to contribute, please visit
www.dallasaustinfoundation.org.
Founded in 2003 by Grammy Award-winning songwriter and
producer Dallas Austin, the Dallas Austin Foundation, Inc. (DAF) is
transforming the lives of young people by enriching their
educational experiences through the use of music and film. DAF
has developed a curriculum-based program that puts music back
into public schools by establishing small recording studios in local
schools to teach students song writing and music production.
The Dallas Austin Foundation has already established studios at
several Metro Atlanta public schools including: Martin Luther King
Jr. Middle School; Brown Middle School; Southside
Comprehensive High School, Washington High School, North
Atlanta High School; Cedar Grove High School and Martin Luther
King Jr. High School.
DAF also provides scholarships and financial assistance to help
further develop and maintain the musical arts and entertainment
departments in school and bring awareness to students of the vast
opportunities that exist within the entertainment industry. The
Dallas Austin Foundation, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt
organization. For more information or to contribute, please visit
www.dallasaustinfoundation.org.
3rd Annual Dallas Austin Foundation
"Don't Stop the Music" Gala
by Sheena Neal
"Don't Stop the Music" Gala
by Sheena Neal
Monica & Dallas Austin
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