by Tess Riski On Aug. 29th from Noon-8 p.m., the Des Moines Rotary Club will host the 6th annual Blues & Brews Festival. As Pacific Northwesterners flock from near and far, the Des Moines Beach Park will burst alive with gritty bang-up blues groups and 20+ top-notch local and regional Micro-Brews. Yet the perks aren’t limited to good music and cold beer; the event serves as a fundraiser for a multitude of local projects, the chief benefactor being the Highline Music4Life program. According to music4life.org/highline, Highline School District Superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield concurs that, “All students should have the opportunity to participate fully in arts education.” The Music4Life program, which began back in 2007, aims to do just that. Gently used musical instruments are acquired from adults. They are then fully repaired and donated to the children of low-income families. As the effects of budget cuts continue to sting, the maintenance of programs like Highline Music4Life is critical for both the academic and emotional development of youth. Des Moines Rotary Club President Janel Stoneback states that, “The main reason we put it on is because it supports the Highline Music4Life program which is our main benefactor.” But the benefits are not limited to just one cause: “It allows us to support other programs in the community.” These programs range from youth assistance programs like the Elementary School Dictionary Program to community service projects such as the Des Moines Food Bank Backpack Program. 100% of the proceeds received during the Blues & Brews Festival benefit the Des Moines Rotary Club’s charitable projects. Tickets cost $25 in advance at bluesandbrewsfest.org and $30 at the gate.]]>

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