WHAT I USED TO DO..................................
It’s Gotta Be Fun,
or Why Do It?’by Mary Eisenhart................
Rex benefit concerts are the particular project of Peter Kliegman, who found a unique way to put his talents to good use. A few years ago Kliegman, a retired business executive who'd once been into the Dead but had fallen away from the scene, was brought to a Rex meet-and-greet by board member Steve Bernstein; there he met various Rex supporters and board members, including Executive Director Sandy Sohcot, and asked her if there was anything he could do to help.
"I had scrutinized the Rex Foundation and found that the methodology of why a particular charity is funded is a truly brilliant creative piece of thought, and that the band whose music I always appreciated had created this was impressive," he recalls. "What a great mix of accidental opportunity, on a personal level, to combine my desire to contribute to a charitable effort, which, at this point in my life, I am able to do in a very tangible way (rather than just writing checks) – and to have it tied to music that I personally felt was so significant was an amazing moment in time."
Last year when the idea for a Rex benefit in New York came up, Kliegman got the call. The Zen Tricksters benefit was a big hit, and he's been part of Rex ever since. In addition to putting together individual events, Kliegman represents Rex at some of the festival circuit in the summer. "It's very different from a specific show-event-fundraiser," he says, "but very valuable in two ways: meeting the fans of the music and supporters of Rex, and, because of the nature of the structure of the festivals, plenty time to get to know, on a more personal level, a lot of the people, on and off the stage, that we work with."
PHOTO ABOVE.............................
Peter Kliegman makes a few announcements. Photo: J. Bloomrosen..............................
After the New Riders concert, Kliegman shared some thoughts on what drives his contributions – and those of the artists he enlists.
"My primary concern is working with bands and creating situations where we can raise money for the fulfillment of the mission of the foundation as laid out by the Grateful Dead at the inception, create connection with that community and have fun. It's gotta be fun, or why do it? In my opinion, the Grateful Dead left two legacies, their music and philanthropy. Their music has been embraced by a new generation of musicians and festival goers, who also recognize and support the philanthropic mission of the Rex Foundation.
"The bands, and in this case NRPS, David and Buddy, inherently feel the same way. There is a connection to the feeling and the concept, and not specifically to a certain charity that is or was supported – it's much bigger than that. It's as much a family connection thing with both of them as it's a connection to the work of Rex per se – as family, they already understand the mindset and support it.
"The Rex Foundation is a special thing because it's a concept. It's not just money – it's a real concept that works and has worked, and it's really complex. It's about the music bringing everyone together and thereby raising the money that enables community-based charitable efforts to be funded – which helps the community and brings everyone together. I think Sandy Sohcot called it 'transformational philanthropy'.
"I have a lot of fun doing these gigs; we have a good time and I try to make it a good time. It has to be fun for everybody. The musicians are amazingly philanthropic and give of their time like no one else; I try to facilitate an experience that's as fun for them as it is for the fans coming to see a show. On a personal note, I truly value the friendships I have from these experiences. It's very special and very real."
Books
Heroes
PK's Details
Status:
Married
Here for:
Networking, Friends
Hometown:
New York
Zodiac Sign:
Cancer
Children:
Proud parent
Education:
Grad / professional school
PK is in your extended network. Posted at 11:55 PM May 5, 2008 view more
About me: Executive Producer - For Rex the Black Tie Dye Ball
Zen Tricksters and Guests,Donna Jean,David Nelson,Michael Falzarano, Tom Constanten,Greg Anton,Rob Barraco,David Mackay,Wendy Lanter and Mickey Hart.
Formerly "Rex Foundation Music Events" on MySpace
Who I'd like to meet:
AVAILABLE ON DEAD.NET...Grateful Dead Store
LOYAL EARTH MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL : APR 16 thru APR 20 - Old Rock House, Downtown St. Louis : Visit Loyalearth.com for tickets, full lineup, and more info!
QUADLIBET for TENDER FEET THE 40th ANNIVERSARY of the Grateful Dead at Fillmore West March 2, 1969
The Zen Tricksters with special guest TOM CONSTANTEN (Grateful Dead) and Joe Chirco will perform the entire show forty years to the day on March 2, 2009 at Mexicali Live 1409 Queen Anne Road Teaneck, NJ 07666
Show Date: MARCH 2, 2009 Tickets: $13.50 ADV $20.00 DOS Online ticketing: www. mexicalilive. com Venue phone 1-201-833-0011 Doors: 7:00pm Show: 8:00pm Show end: 11:55pm
New Boris Garcia CD Release - Once More Into The Bliss - Produced by Tim Carbone of Railroad Earth with appearances by Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, Buddy Cage, and Tim Carbone.
