We all know that music is one of the best healers and ’hands on’ is the best way in my opinion! In August of 2005, The Grand County Blues Society in Winter Park, Colorado created an amazing program under the Blues in The Schools Umbrella called Blue Star Connection which is making ’hands on’ possible. The basic mission and goal of the Blue Star Connection (BSC) program was and is to put musical instruments into the hands of children and young adults who suffer from cancer and other life threatening illnesses as well as help them connect with some of their favorite artists and bands. Whether it’s finding them instruments of choice to play, getting them tickets to shows or supplying them with lessons, BSC is making a difference in these kid’s lives by connecting them with live music.
"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent."
Victor Hugo
Shortly after Blue Star Connection’s establishment in 2005, Colin Connors, a then 17 year old Coloradoan with two inoperable brain tumors, became the first recipient of a BSC instrument and therefore BSC’s original "Blue Star." After only a few weeks of receiving his new Ibanez electric guitar, John Catt (Founder of BSC), was contacted by Dr. Larry McCleary, Colin’s doctor and told that a notable and positive attitude adjustment could be seen in Colin.
Today, 23 year old Colin continues to battle with his own right to live and yet still finds time to enjoy playing his guitar as well as help BSC find and connect with other children fighting illness’ who love live music and whom he believes will benefit from Blue Star Connection’s involvement such as he has. It is no wonder that both Colin and John were both awarded Channel 7 Everyday Heros earlier this year!
Currently, Blue Star Connection has over eighty kids nationwide and at one point, also had a beautiful Blue Star named Sneha from New Delhi, India. In fact, Sneha’s beautiful artwork was a direct inspiration for the BSC Logo of today!
Blue Star Connection has lost six Blue Stars in total. Sneha, Devon, Brandon, Shakiri, Adam and Amanda. Although each one of them will continue to be sorely missed, I honestly believe that it must be somewhat of a comfort to their loved ones to know that the melodic medicine their children received from the BSC program brought them not only a bit of peace, joy and happiness during their difficult journey, but also a bit of hope as well.
In addition to finding individuals in need, Blue Star Connection has been able to raise enough money via private donations and fundraisers to be able to give numerous musical instruments to existing music therapy programs at Children Hospitals nationwide including Denver, Dallas, Oakland, Cincinnati, Pittsburg, Nashville and most recently Kansas City.
Music Therapist Debra Larson of The Children’s Hospital in Denver writes, "As a music therapist, I understand the healing role that music plays in people’s everyday lives. It is truly a wonderful thing for these children to be able to express themselves musically while here at the hospital, and to then be able to continue that mode of healing at home. The Blue Star Connection has provided, and hopefully will be able to continue to provide, a special opportunity for these brave and beautiful children."
Getting such great feedback confirms the ’good’ behind what Blue Star Connection is doing. By connecting with more children’s hospitals and music therapy programs, however, they are in turn connecting with more Blue Stars, and thus, the need for more donations and fundraisers for more instruments is also increasing. Funding for BSC comes solely through cash donations, instrument donations and musical fundraisers.
On September 12, 2010, I was fortunate enough to be able to be attend and help with Blue Star Connection’s latest fundraising event at J.R. Spanky’s in Grove, Oklahoma. Aside from myself, Colorado’s BSC contingency included John Catt, Dave and Enid Strong, Richard Hawes and Kari Jo McInturff. Sadly, I must admit that my initial enthusiasm regarding being able to attend and help with this event was a bit selfish as it stemmed mostly due to the musical lineup.
Little did I know that the highlight for me, would not in fact be Jimmy Hall, Trampled Underfoot, nor Samantha Fish (all favorites to be sure), but rather a five year old boy named Brenton, who despite the hard road he’s been traveling on, exuded pure happiness, joy and gratitude for all to see. It was a humbling lesson and true inspiration for me to say the very least. I can honestly say that although Brenton may have been my first Blue Star encounter, he most certainly will not be my last!
Blue Star Connection’s next fundraiser, "A Concert for Emily and Tara," is scheduled for Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at Lannie’s Clocktower Caberet, located on the 16th Street Mall at Arapahoe in Downtown Denver. At four years old, Blue Star Emily recently had a bone marrow transplant and she and her mom could definitely use a helping hand right now. To learn more about Blue Star Emily and her Mom Tara, you can visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1376525&id=1487333539#!/group.php?gid=217424967227&ref=ts
Tempa Singer and an all-star band will revive her acclaimed show "Women of The Blues, Soul and Gospel" for this fund-raiser with her monthly blues jam immediately following. Tickets are $10 per person, the doors open at 7pm with the show starting at 8pm. This event could definitely sell out, therefore I highly recommend that you reserve and/or purchase your ticket online today via PayPal at grandblues.org/Shows/BuyTickets/tabid/64/Default.aspx. If you are unable to attend this event donations can also be made directly to this link.
Blue Star Connection will also be selling "Life should be a Fairy Tale" T-Shirts with all proceeds going to Emily and her mother Tara. I urge you to make a point of showing up for this fundraiser. Your involvement makes a difference and I promise that it will definitely be an experience that you will always cherish!
To learn more about this amazing program as well as learn more about the Blue Stars themselves, please click on the below link and visit the Blue Star Connection’s website. Trust me, these kids have a clue about life and living and your lives will definitely be enriched by doing what you can to help them. I know that mine certainly has been!
Blue Star Connection donations are tax deductible. To make a cash donation and/or to donate an instrument, please visit www.bluestarconnection.org and/or mail a check or money order with "Blue Star" written in the memo to:
GCBS
P.O. Box 1530
Winter Park, Colorado 80482.
All funds raised by the GCBS for Blue Star are kept separate and are only used for the Blue Star Connection program. If you have an instrument that you would like to donate, please email BSC via their website so that they may direct you as per the most appropriate place to ship the instrument and/or have it picked up. Make a donation today! Everything helps!