Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
While they've been back at home in quarantine, they've dedicated themselves to giving back to the local community. First they started a T-shirt campaign to help fund local small businesses in Dayton and Troy who were impacted by the coronavirus shutdown.
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Then band members participated in Tip Jar: A Show of Thanks, a virtual concert featuring a variety of original Dayton musicians in support of hospitality workers who have been financially impacted by the pandemic.
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When the George Floyd protests started, Hawthorne Heights wanted to do something specific to support the local black community. They came up with the idea to host a virtual concert, with proceeds benefiting the Ohio Conference of the NAACP.
"We are giving our fans the opportunity to purchase a performance of any song from our entire catalogue from our 16 year career," the band explained. "It doesn't have to be a rare song, just choose a song you would like us to play. All you have to do is purchase a song from our website, and write which song you want in the notes. Feel free to write a dedication there too, if you want to purchase on someone else's behalf."
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Fans are able to choose one song per purchase, and can hear those songs performed during a Facebook Live broadcast on the band's Facebook page on Thursday, June 18 at 8:30 p.m. EST. To purchase a song, click here. The band will take all the songs purchased to create a set list for this stripped down acoustic set.
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The performance itself will be free to watch on Facebook. The band will be performing and streaming from Trojan City Limits in Troy, which has allowed the band to use all of its equipment and event space for this special event.
The band is allowed to sell 30 seats to the Trojan City Limits, to watch the concert in person. Tickets are on sale here. Masks will be made available to guests, or you can bring their own. The band will set seating to maintain socially distancing, in an effort to be as safe as possible.
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
The band stated that 100% of the net profits from the sales of the songs and the sale of seats for the in-person show will be donated to the Ohio NAACP. The band will play as many sets as it takes to fulfill all the songs purchased because they want to help raise as much as possible.
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“Once we started seeing the protests happening, it reinforced the need for justice,” lead singer JT Woodruff said. “We wanted to try to do something that would help the black communities specifically of Ohio, our home state. Our thoughts are that everyone needs to do better, and help our fellow people. And that’s all we are trying to do. Live every day with an open heart, and most importantly, listen. It’s time to be an ally with the black community. ”
The Hawthorne Heights lineup currently consists of JT Woodruff (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Matt Ridenour (bass guitar, backing vocals), Mark McMillon (lead guitar, unclean backing vocals), and Chris Popadak (drums, percussion).
HOW TO WATCH & SUPPORT
Watch on the internet for free via Facebook Live at Facebook.com/HawthorneHeights on June 18th at 8:30pm EST.
You can purchase a song for the setlist or get tickets for the in-person event at hawthorneheightsstore.com. 100% of the net profits from the songs will be donated to the Ohio NAACP.
For more event information: https://www.facebook.com/events/683545062561302/
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