GIFT Productions Announces its Launch Event Sunday, October 7th Charity Concert to Benefit After School Arts and Music Programs

GIFT Productions (Get Innovative For Tomorrow), a new non-profit concert organization and promotion company that raises money for underserved children's arts and music programs announces its launch event, a concert to benefit the South Mountain YMCA (SMYMCA) after school arts and music programs. This event will feature musical acts Jaclyn Dima and the Shakey Tables, Liat, and 8bit. 100% of ticket sales will go to benefit the SMYMCA. This event is sponsored by umojawa (www.umojawa.com),an online community encouraging social change.

The GIFT Productions Launch Event represents an initial step in bringing together two fantastic aspects of the Maplewood/South Orange Community: its arts and music and its non-profit/social change community. The event will be held at Highland Place, one of the top venues for music in the Maplewood/South Orange area, and is sponsored by umojawa, a leading company to promote social change throughout the world. The show will feature top folk- and indie-rock bands from both NYC and the NJ area, and is another example of how Maplewood/South Orange is establishing itself as a local and national leader in utilizing arts and music for social change.

"Two of the most consistent themes regarding improving our country's economic situation include encouraging creativity to help promote entrepreneurial endeavors, and providing additional services to people who could use help during a difficult time. The aim of GIFT Productions is to combine both of these goals by providing a valuable opportunity for underserved children to embrace arts and music, which has been shown to improve educations, social and emotional development," says GIFT Productions Founder and President Michael Friedman, PhD.

GIFT Productions seeks to accomplish the goal of providing funds for arts and music programs while helping promote and facilitate the local music scene in Maplewood/South Orange and the

Essex County area. Keeping to this vision, GIFT Productions will continue to organize and promote shows that raise money for arts and music programs while providing a platform for promising artists to showcase their work.

"This is a win for everyone in the community: underserved children receive funding for important arts and music educational programs, artists have a chance to showcase their work, and the community gets a chance to foster a thriving arts and music scene," adds Michael Friedman, PhD.

GIFT Productions seeks to become a leader in raising money for underserved children's arts and music programs through organizing and promoting concert benefit shows.

About GIFT Productions

GIFT Productions is a non-profit concert organization and promotion company that sponsors music events to fund arts and music programs for underserved children. Based in Maplewood, NJ, GIFT Productions has three related goals: 1) raise money for children’s arts and music programs; 2) help develop and support local musicians and arts-related small businesses; and 3) promote the Maplewood/South Orange music scene in greater Essex County and NY/NJ area. GIFT Productions partners with organizations that provide services to underserved children, and organizes the concerts so that these organizations can hire local artists and musicians to teach art and music to children. 100% of ticket sales will be used to provide scholarships for underserved children to participate in arts and music programs.