Silent Mind at Play for Blood 2009
Halloween Night Worcester Rock Stars will Save Lives at Tammany Hall
Oct 8, 2009
In these interviews, Suite 101 spoke with Steve of Tammany Hall in Worcester, Ma. as well as John "CAZ" Caswell of the band Silent Mind who is the brain-child behind the phenomenon known as the Play for Blood Event 2009.
This Halloween event, presented by Silent Mind, is called the "Play for Blood" event because those who donate blood to the American Red Cross get to enjoy about 10 bands playing from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. for only $5 at the Tammany Hall located at 43 Pleasant Street in Worcester, Ma.
This fun and noble event also offers pool tables, darts, a large bar, a professional in-house sound technician and room to dance. Visitors are strongly encouraged to come in their best Halloween costumes because they are giving away $200 in cash prizes for costumes in different categories, including the sexiest costume (to be awarded to a female).
For those unfamiliar with Tammany Hall, it is a Worcester, Massachusetts-based venue that has live music seven (7) days a week and has been around since prohibition. They have a professional in-house sound technician, stage and a large bar as well. They book a lot of events throughout the year which includes local and international acts such as Days of the New, Sponge and Eve 6.
Question: How was the concept for the "Play for Blood" Event conceived?
Steve: Actually, it was all Silent Mind's idea. I wish I had thought of this myself because it's such a wonderful idea. When I see Caz at the show I'm going to seek him out to shake his hand. We are proud to be a part of this.
Caz: Last June after thinking about how Danimal's Locopalooza/Locobazooka moved to florida, I was thinking about how we can bring something like that back here in Worcester where it began. There's so much great hidden talent in Worcester that should be heard. More importantly though, I believe strongly in this cause and feel great about the fact that we are literally saving lives. In fact, any money we (Silent Mind) make this night, will go directly to the American Red Cross. We are hoping others will follow our lead. We want this to be successful so we've invested a lot of out-of-pocket money to make this dream a reality.
Question: How was the American Red Cross chosen?
Caz: What we liked about helping the American Red Cross is that not everybody can afford to donate money in these tough economic times, but donating blood is more precious because it saves lives and since there's no need to spend money, it's clearly an easy win-win situation. It wasn't until after I decided on the A.R.C. that I found an advertisement stating that there is a serious national shortage of blood, so it seems like kismet. It also ironically happens to fit very well into the Halloween theme.
Question: What bands are playing?
Steve: Silent Mind, Griffon, Orange Diesel, Our Empire-Your City, Promised Eden, Slit Stitch, The Pity Whores, The Sentence, This Burning World, Meet the bands and listen for yourself on myspace.com.
Question: How were the participating bands selected?
Caz: I called bands we knew were talented and could draw a good crowd. At one point or another, we (Silent Mind) have played with all of these guys at different venues. Also, they have played at Tammany Hall before, so Tammany Hall's management already knows that these bands will bring a lot of people. We know everyone will have a lot of fun.
Question: If someone wants to give blood to get discounted tickets, how is that arranged?
Caz: They won't be drawing blood there at the event, so you can either go to www.givelife.org and enter your zip code to get places and dates, or you can call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. It is recommended to make an appointment in order to avoid having to wait as a walk-in. Once you donate blood, you will be given a proof of donation. If you bring that to the "Play for Blood" event, then you only pay $5. The bands are donating blood as well, but there's a big demand so we're hoping a lot of people give blood, even if they can't attend the event.
Question: Has an Event like this happened before or is this making history?
Caz: It hasn't happened before that I am aware of. I am hoping that this will be an annual event that gets bigger and bigger every year. This will hopefully be the next Locobazooka, seeing that it moved to florida!
Question: How do you get tickets?
Steve: Call Tammany Hall at 508-753-7001, click www.tammanyhalllive.com, or visit 43 Pleasant Street Worcester, Ma. 01609-3201. Donors will get in for $5, others who buy tickets in advance pay $10 and Non-donors who buy them at the door pay $12.
Suite 101 will also be there 10-31-09 to take pictures and report how it all went so see you all there...
More information available at: VH1,Cartoon Network, SpikeTV, Worcester Public Broadcasting and The Pulse
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