By: Sharon Aron Baron

Musicians from all over South Florida will be holding a benefit concert for the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting and today they have announced a some new addition to the lineup.

At “ParklandStrong, A Benefit for the Victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas School Shooting”, world-renowned “Speed Painter” Michael Israel and Choir! Choir! Choir! has been added to the impressive lineup which will take place at the The Pompano Beach Amp on May 16, 2018.

The fundraising concert will also feature New Found Glory; Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional, playing an intimate acoustic set; and Ryan Key of Yellowcard will unite The Amp in song. All of the proceeds including ticket sales, concessions, auction items, merchandise and sponsorships will be donated to the official Broward Education Foundation Stoneman Douglas Victims’ Fund.

Michael Israel

According to AEG Presents, Michael Israel is touted as the greatest speed painter on earth. With his flamboyant, rock star looks and charismatic style, he electrifies arena-sized audiences with little more than a paintbrush. Best described as Cirque du Soleil meets Picasso, equal parts Jackie Chan and Tony Robbins, Michael appears as if he were a madman on stage, reckless painting and seemingly random chaos ensues… miraculously it comes together into a heart-touching image so powerful the entire room leap to their feet, cheering, some with tears running down their faces.

Through his captivating performance, he has the innate ability to inspire and motivate as he reaches each member of the audience on a personal level while entertaining and thrilling on a lavish, monumental scale. In dollars and cents, paintings Michael has completed in as little as 5-minutes have sold for a quarter of a million dollars, a strong testament as to how powerful his presentations are. Michael’s work has sold for millions of dollars worldwide and he has directed much of the revenue to dozens of charities.

Another addition to the event is a performance by Choir! Choir! Choir! The Toronto-based singing group led by creative directors Nobu Adilman and Daveed Goldman will be uniting The Amp in song with a moving rendition of “Hallelujah.” The duo will teach the audience their original arrangement and together everyone will take part in a powerful experience. Founded in 2011, Choir! Choir! Choir! has amassed a dedicated and passionate community of singers and a thriving international fan base on YouTube. The group has performed with renowned artists such as Patti Smith, Tegan and Sara, and Rufus Wainwright, and onstage at New York’s Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall with the likes of Debbie Harry and The Flaming Lips. Choir! Choir! Choir! exists to celebrate music and push the boundaries between practice and performance, artist and audience, offering therapeutic benefits with the ultimate side effect: a powerful community.

“The outpouring of support for this benefit concert has been overwhelming,” said John Valentino, Senior Vice President of AEG Presents. “We are thrilled that Michael Israel is now onboard and will be donating the art work he creates during his mesmerizing performance as part of the live auction.”

The Fund will also benefit from an online auction, which will run through 5 p.m. on May 17. 2018. Items can be viewed and bids placed by visiting www.1043theshark.com. The auction will include items such as an autographed championship boxing belt, VIP concert tickets, and items signed by performers such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chris Carrabba, Muse, Childish Gambino, Cage the Elephant, Styx, Walk the Moon and more.

Current sponsors donating time and services include: New Found Glory with Le Grand Music and APA – Agency for Performing Arts, City of Pompano Beach Parks Department, Broward County Sheriff’s Department, Pompano Beach Fire and Rescue, Entercom Radio Group, AEG Presents, PCI – Professional Concessions Inc., TES Production, Kay Renz Public Relations, DAK Security and Staffing, Pompano Beach Cultural Center and AXS Ticketing.

Tickets can be purchased at pbamp.com and axs.com.

The Pompano Beach Amp is located at 1806 NE 6^th Street, Pompano Beach, FL 33060.

Author Profile

Sharon Aron Baron

Sharon Aron Baron is a Parkland resident and editor of Talk Media. She has been covering Parkland news since 2012. Parkland Talk was created to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Parkland.