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| Kickoff Fundraiser for the New Metheny Music Foundation In June 2007 the newly formed Metheny Music Foundation of Lee's Summit, Missouri hometown of guitarist Pat Metheny and his brother, trumpeter Mike Metheny enabled two area high school students to attend the annual University of Missouri/Kansas City Jazz Improv Camp. “Awarding these scholarships is an important first step,” said Pat, a world renowned recording artist, bandleader and 17-time Grammy winner. About the Foundation itself, Pat added, “This is an exciting endeavor with many promising possibilities.” On Friday, March 7, 2008, the Metheny Music Foundation will hold its first major fundraiser at Unity Village (near Lee's Summit) featuring the Pat Metheny Trio (Metheny, guitar; Christian McBride, bass; Antonio Sanchez, drums) along with special guests. Mike Metheny has this to say about the Foundation: “At the heart of the Metheny Music Foundation is the family's musical side, of course, but there is also the historical component. Our grandfather came to Lee's Summit in 1915 and was a prominent member of the community just as our parents have been over the decades. So those family roots are another important reason for this.” The organization's mission statement reads: “The Metheny Music Foundation preserves, promotes, and perpetuates an informed appreciation for all styles of music, honoring the history of the Metheny family through four generations and the rich musical heritage of the city of Lee's Summit, the state of Missouri, and the surrounding region.” The March 7 concert will raise money for the Foundation's educational and historical endeavors, which include summer music camp scholarships for Lee's Summit high school students. Musicians from the Lee's Summit school district will be featured on March 7, and Mike will join his brother's trio as a guest. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |