NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Young Leadership Council (YLC) hosts a one-night virtual benefit concert, YLC Wednesday at the Square: Get Down and GiveNOLA on Wednesday, May 27 beginning at 5:00 p.m. The virtual broadcast features artists that would have performed during the 2020 concert series cancelled earlier this year. YLC Wednesday at the Square has become a staple in downtown New Orleans bringing free live performances to residents and visitors alike every spring.
“Last year we launched an exciting partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation to harness the power of music to unite our community behind a common cause – multiplying our impact by giving together,” says Stephanie Powell, executive director of Young Leadership Council. “Bringing the spirit of philanthropy into the YLC Wednesday at the Square concert series is now more important than ever given the vital needs and resources nonprofits provide in the wake Covid-19.”
The virtual concert will feature nearly all its 2020 openers and headliners, as well as notable YLC Wednesday at the Square alumni. Each performer is donating a song to the concert and sharing personal messages with the community. YLC has partnered with Greater New Orleans Foundation to remind virtual concert-goers of the importance of GiveNOLA Day and supporting local non-profits in the region. Audiences can watch the performances live on Facebook and Youtube.
“For so many of us, music is at the very root of what makes us proud to call New Orleans home,” says Shelby Russ, the CEO and president of the concert’s Title Sponsor, AOS Interior Environments. “For us, YLC Wednesday at the Square is an essential reminder of that pride every Spring. We applaud YLC for their commitment to this series and the creative leadership they have displayed in taking it virtual. I sincerely hope everyone will tune in on the 27th. Social distancing does not mean we have to live in isolation; we can still come together in spirit!”
Performing at YLC Wednesday at the Square: Get Down and GiveNOLA:
Alexis & the Samurai, Amanda Shaw, Andrew Duhon, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Daria + The Hip Drops, Dave Jordan + the NIA, Erica Falls, Flow Tribe, Galactic, Little Freddie King, Marc Broussard, Margie Perez, Marcia Ball, The Quickening, and more.
“We are so excited to partner with YLC again to promote GiveNOLA Day,” said Andy Kopplin, president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. “Over the past six years, the people of our region have stepped up support the nonprofits who do so much to keep our communities strong. This year, nonprofits are once again on the front lines providing critical services to the most vulnerable citizens in our region as we battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Get Down and GiveNOLA will help us reach more donors to chip in and give support to the nonprofits who need us the most right now.”
The 2020 season would have marked the fifteenth anniversary of YLC Wednesday at the Square, the organization’s primary fundraiser and largest revenue stream for its nine community-service projects. Funds raised at the concert series benefit YLC’s mission is to equip young professionals with the leadership tools and skills necessary to make an impact in the community.
Donations made to YLC will support leadership development programming and community service projects focused on the organization’s three pillars: personal and professional development, youth development, and sustainability. Donations can be made at ylcnola.org or https://www.givenola.org/young-leadership-council.
YLC encourages the public to participate in the evening from home while supporting public health and safety. “This is a really fun way for our attendees to get creative. I’m looking forward to ‘picnicing in place’ by ordering take-out from one of our restaurant vendors, purchasing Abita beer, and enjoying the concert on what will hopefully be a beautiful night in!” says Lena McCloskey, YLC Wednesday at the Square Committee Chair and Board President-Elect. For those looking to support the businesses impacted by the cancellation of YLC Wednesday at the Square, you can find a full list of participants on the YLC website at ylcnola.org/covid-updates.
Young Leadership Council thanks their volunteer committee who plans the YLC Wednesday at the Square series: co-chairs and YLC Board Members Garlan White and Lena McCloskey, and committee volunteers: Zachary Addison, Marina Brazhnikova, Katherine Hammer, Nicole Harvey, Dan Jatres, Corey Kiper, Matthew Treuting, Emily Rebert, Amanda Reese, and Brittany Whitsell.
