UPDATE: Venue changed to Pearl Street Grill and Brewery.
Lenny Revell
is just one of the several musicians who will lend their talents to this
weekend’s Artists United For Human Rights events aboard the USS Little Rock in the
Buffalo Naval & Military Park.
The October 4th, noon to 7PM family event will include constant live music, art installations, food,
refreshments and is free and open to the public. There will also be free self-guided tours of The Little
Rock, The USS Sullivan and The USS Croaker submarine.
Held in
support of The Citizens Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, Prevent Child
Abuse NY, Maiti Nepal (justice for victimized girls worldwide), Action Against
Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation and focusing on The Universal Declaration
of Human Rights, the event is backed up by many local individuals and organizations.
Revell
explains his background as a musician and explains his involvement with AUHR. A
native of Buffalo, Revell got most of his musical training here and in
NYC. He plays original music as
well as covers, but contends that crowd-pleasing flexibility is best. He gigs a lot, but his name comes up on
many a local benefit also, so we thought we’d delve into his background a bit
more and ask about his involvement with this particular event. The following is a BR interview with Revell:
BR:
How long have you been a musician?
LR: I started when I was 7, after Sunday
School on the Chapel piano when everyone was downstairs socializing. My mother
started me on lessons at 9. I started in classical studies, and in my mid teen
years, switched over to pop.
BR: And when did that lead to
“playing out” as they say?
LR: Well, I was always technically
“playing out”, cause our teacher had us doing piano recitals in
nursing homes, churches, and other public places. But, as far as a solo artist,
it goes way back to 1997 I believe. I entered a talent show in school, and got
motivated to try playing other venues after that.
BR: Who were your early influences?
LR: Elton John, Billy Joel, Tori Amos
BR: Have you always been married to one
particular genre, or did you experiment with different types of music?
LR: My schooling is in classical. My love
is in pop/rock. My curiosity was in blues, reggae, ragtime, dance, and some
hard rock.
BR: You seem to gig a lot. What’s your
secret?
LR: Being persistent, and being a
go-getter. Nobody gets anywhere sitting on their rear staring at the wall.
BR: You jump behind a lot of good causes
for benefit shows. Why this one in particular?
LR: A good friend brought it to my
attention, and suggested that I play. I love playing benefits cause I get to
meet so many other artists and hear great music. I also get to support a
humanitarian cause, which should be a big part of what musicians use their
skills for. There will always be someone out there hurting or in need. If you
can use your talent, money, or fame to help out someone less fortunate, then
you are experiencing unconditional love in the act of giving itself. In the
end, we get 10 fold back to us for being selfless to a fellow brother or sister
that’s vulnerable. What we put out comes back to us.
BR: Why should people come to this show?
LR: It’s the quickening of spiritual
evolution in human beings. When you lovingly support a cause that helps sustain
another human being’s basic needs, you set out a vibration. That vibration is
the energy of light and good at its core. And the more you help people in need,
the higher that vibration is raised. Everyone is connected, and by helping
others, you essentially help yourself. When all you care about is you, then you
will have no one. But, if you always live for others, there will always be
someone out there that will care for you. So, help others without expectation
of anything back. Do it for the act itself.
In the meantime, you can check out Lenny’s Facebook page.