Museum of Making Music’s Annual Play It Forward Gala

The National Association of Music Merchants’ (NAMM) Museum of Making Music (MoMM) announces its Annual “Play it Forward” Gala, which will take place Saturday, September 17, 6:30 – 10:30p.m. Inspired by Memphis, Tennessee and its musically rich heritage, the evening’s highlight will be special performances by award-winning, legendary musicians that have shaped the music scene for blues, soul, rhythm and blues, rock ‘n roll, rockabilly, rap, hip-hop and more.

Below is the complete lineup for the Gala, which features some of the most influential performers to grace the Museum’s stage to date:

•       William Bell – legendary soul artist and songwriter for the world-famous STAX record label

•       Jerry Harrison – songwriter, musician, producer and longtime member of the groundbreaking band of the ‘70s and ‘80s, Talking Heads

•       Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell – award-winning audio engineer and producer and owner of Royal Studios as well as the musical director and one of the performers for the evening

•       Frayser Boy and Al Kapone – award-winning Memphis-born rappers

•       Hi Rhythm Section – 27 Gold and Platinum records in a row

•       The Memphis Horns – Memphis’ horn duo appeared on virtually every STAX recording, backing Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Eddie Floyd, Carla & Rufus Thomas and many more Alumni from the STAX Music Academy

Leading up the Gala, the Museum will host an exclusive film screening and panel discussion of “Take Me to The River,” an award-winning full-length documentary film directed and produced by Martin Shore September 16 at 7 p.m.. The film brings multiple generations of award-winning Memphis and Mississippi Delta musicians together, following them through the creative process of recording a historic new album. It features Terrence Howard, William Bell, Snoop Dog, Mavis Staples and more. On Friday, September 16, Martin Shore, along with Jerry Harrison and Frayser Boy, will also visit a local school as part of their countrywide Take Me to the River Education Initiative. Students will be able to view the film and participate in an interactive discussion with these music legends. 

Museum Executive Director Carolyn Grant says, “Music making has a profound and far reaching effect on all people in the world, and its benefits are tangible to each individual: cooperation, sharing, compromise, creativity, concentration, self-esteem and mental acuity are all enhanced by music and can be invaluable to us as we navigate life’s challenges. This event will raise funds to help us do our part to make this world a better place through music.”

Proceeds from the gala will help offset the $100,000 annual operating cost of the Museum’s year-round music education programs that are crucial to thousands of children, adults and seniors in San Diego County. These efforts include the museum’s Title One Fieldtrip Program, an annual venture that provides free access to the museum for low-income students from Carlsbad and the neighboring communities of Vista, Oceanside, San Marcos and Escondido and a scholarship program that enables fixed-income adults and seniors the opportunity to learn a musical instrument.

In addition to special musical performances, Gala attendees will enjoy light bites, beer, wine, dancing and a lavish silent auction valued at $17,000 with amazing wine deals, staycations, and trips to Tahoe, New York and Hawaii. Online bidding for live and silent auction items began August 15 at www.museumofmakingmusic.org/auction.

The recommended attire for the evening is casual elegance. Tickets can be purchased at www.museumofmakingmusic.org/playitforward. Below is the pricing for the different levels of tickets available:

•    General Seating – $150 per person

•    Preferred Seating – $200 per person

•    Front row VIP seating – $250 per person and includes Champagne

•    Table reservations (8 tickets total) receive a $50 discount

www.museumofmakingmusic.com