50 Concerts in 50 States project at Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor; benefits cancer research

Oct. 17, 2009 - PRLog -- ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A Boston-based musician on an ambitious cross-country quest to raise cancer awareness and funding state by state will perform at the Kerrytown Concert House as part of its 25th anniversary season in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Oct. 28.

Ann Arbor is the second stop for cellist Liam Abramson’s “50 Concerts in 50 States” project (http://www.findacurenow.com). All the money raised during the 24-month project will benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and fund the project, with the ultimate goal of donating $50,000 or more to LLS.  Funds raised in each state will benefit the local LLS chapter.

Abramson, who trained at the Royal College of Music in London and is the recipient of numerous scholarships and awards, has devoted his efforts to raising money for cancer research since losing his best friend to the disease in 2003.  

“I’m one of those people who sets the bar high,” Abramson said. “After my first hiking adventures through Team in Training to raise money for LLS, I became a hike mentor and hike leader, helping others meet their fundraising goals. The one piece of advice I consistently give out is ‘raise money by doing something you know how to do.’

“That’s what I’m doing with this project. I wanted to find a way to not only raise more money, but to raise awareness about blood cancers as well. I have found that music is a very powerful way to bring people together. These concerts are designed to bring communities together not only for the love of music, but also for the mission of funding cancer research. I want people to feel they have to be involved in this fight.”

Leukemia causes more deaths than any other cancer among children and young adults under age 20. Most cases, however, occur in older adults; the median patient age at diagnosis being 66 years. There is no known cause.

Abramson will perform J.S Bach’s Suites for Unaccompanied Cello, but every concert will be geared toward the presenter and the local audience.  The Ann Arbor show is scheduled for Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. at the Kerrytown Concert House (http://www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com), 415 North Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Tickets are $20; $10 for students.

Future concerts are currently scheduled for Boston, Mass.; Boulder, Colo.; Logan, Utah; Searcy, Ark. and Sacramento, Calif. Abramson launched the project Oct. 19 in Chicago.
 

About Liam Abramson
Following his studies on the performance course at the Royal College of Music, London, Liam Abramson gained a business degree from the University of Buckingham before embarking upon a full-time performing and lecturing career.  From 1997 until 2007, Liam was the Head of Business for Musicians and Director of the Centre for Student Professional Development at the Royal Academy of Music, London. Liam is the founder and CEO of HighgateGlobal LLC, a consultancy specializing in the non-profit arts industry. Liam has published (in print) more than 100 articles on all aspects of the music business (from marketing to management) including business book reviews and company profiles. As a cellist, Liam has participated in masterclasses with Yo-Yo Ma, Ralph Kirshbaum and Bernard Greenhouse. As a lecturer, Liam has spoken at numerous conferences and institutions including Chamber Music America, Philadelphia Music Project, Working Musician Conference, New England Conservatory of Music, Oberlin College and the University of Colorado, Boulder.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.    Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at 800-955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. http://www.lls.org.