Ideas for End-of-Year Giving

A lot of people look for organizations to donate to during the holidays and at the end of the year. We'd like to offer up a couple of ideas for you, worthy organizations dedicated to music and musicians. You can donate directly to the organizations but you also have the option of donating through this website (before December 31st) and take advantage of valuable matching opportunities.

KIDZNOTES
nckidznotes.org
919-321-4475
Founded: 2009


Maestro William Henry Curry of the Durham Symphony Orchestra & the NC Symphony Orchestra
patiently poses with some of the kids prior to their joint performance.

What they do:
Kidznotes provides 8-10 hours each week of free orchestral music training and instruments to students from the lowest income neighborhoods in Raleigh and Durham. They use music to change the life trajectory of the children and their families. Students are empowered as leaders and advance through a system of orchestras, bands, and choirs while strengthening the community. Through an immersive music education program, Kidznotes fosters each child's intellectual, social, and emotional development In building a new pipeline of musical training, Kidznotes' student body reflects the diversity of the communities that they serve - a diversity that continues to be absent in the landscape of many classical music programs.

Testimonial:
"At every turn, and with every note played on her violin, I have watched Kiarra transform. Kidznotes is having a significant impact on her reading and math skills, as well as building her confidence and character." - a Kidznotes parent

Incentives:
Kidznotes is in the middle of a $24,000 challenge grant with The Stewards Fund. They will match every new or increased gift made before December 31st.

For more on Kidznotes, see Bev's blog post here.

MUSIC MAKER RELIEF FOUNDATION
musicmaker.org
919-643-2456
Founded: 1994


Graymatter was excited to share the stage with Big Ron Hunter, a MMR participant. A great guy and a super fun evening.

What they do:
The Music Maker Relief Foundation, was founded to preserve American musical traditions by directly supporting the musicians who make it, ensuring their voices will not be silenced by poverty and time. Music Maker gives future generations access to their heritage through documentation and performance programs that build knowledge and appreciation of our music and culture.

Testimonial:
"Music Makers! I know they've done a lot for me and they have done a lot for other musicians I now. I really appreciate the way they help people that would otherwise have no help."
- Guitar Lightnin' Lee

Incentives:
The Bullpen will match all donations for Music Maker through the Give Guide (website link above) by donating $1 from each pint sold up to $10,000.

Anyone donating $35 or more will be entered into a drawing to win a dinner for two at The Durham Hotel.

For more info on the Music Maker Relief Organization, see Graymatter's post here.

What's Coming Up?

We're looking ahead and lining up dates!

Keep checking our calendar for updates and our page on Facebook too!

 

Mark your calendars for:

 

 

Friday, Nov 4th, 7pm, Craft City Sip-In, Greensboro

Friday, Nov 11th, 8pm, Pittsboro Roadhouse, Pittsboro

Saturday, Dec 17, Private party, Burlington

Friday, Jan 13th, 7:30pm Four Saints Brewing Company, Asheboro
Friday, Jan 20th, 9:30pm, Rusted Bucket Tavern, Burlington

Saturday, Feb 4th, 8pm, Pittsboro Roadhouse, Pittsboro
Saturday, Feb 18th, 7pm, Craft City Sip-In, Greensboro
Friday, Apr 7th, 9:30pm, Rusted Bucket Tavern, Burlington

Saturday, Apr 29th, 8pm, Pittsboro Roadhouse, Pittsboro



October 2016 Calendar

It's a Win!

Congratulations Barry for your win at the Triad Music Festival's Singer/Songwriter Showdown this month. "Who's Gonna Save Me" is an awesome song!

 

September 2016 Calendar

Gifts from Graymatter Fans!

We really love seeing all your Graymatter concert photos and videos on social media! Please tag us in your photos or link to us so we can be sure to see all the great shots that you capture. Or post them to our Facebook page for all to see!

This photo was sent to us by Alejandro Alfonso after he found us playing in the streets at Beer-B-Que in downtown Burlington. Great shot.

Here's a video that was taken by Jim Pruitt while we were at Craft City Sip-In in Greensboro and here's another taken by Gregory Silva when we were at Muddy Creek in Winston-Salem. Aren't they fun!

And here's a fantastic painting by Skip Zimmerman. Our instruments! It's so nice to receive these gifts. Graymatter friends are the best!

We have some pretty fantastic events coming up over the next few months, including some awesome outdoor festivals. Be sure to keep an eye on our calendar to see what's ahead!

August 2016 Calendar

Doodad Farm 5th Anniversary - and Benefit for Jill Hunter

Doodad Farm is marking their 5th anniversary with an evening of music and fun!  Some great local songwriters have been invited to perform short sets beginning at 5pm and then at 8pm Graymatter, the first band to perform at Doodad Farm all those years ago, takes the stage for a 2 hour show! All tips and donations at this free event will benefit Jill Hunter, a wonderful friend and Doodad volunteer who is battling cancer and the overwhelming expenses involved. Come join us that evening, listen to some great live music in this fun outdoor venue. Join us as we celebrate one of our favorite venues and help us to help Jill. Bring your chairs, your coolers, your well-behaved dogs and your kids to this family-friendly event. For more event information, just give a click here!

About Jill:

 

Jill is an avid lover of all kinds of music, a charter-member/volunteer at Doodad Farm and has shared her smiling face, music-infused joy and consistent willingness to help behind the scenes at that venue. To Graymatter, she’s our friend, she's family, and she's one of our biggest fans. You’ve probably seen her at our gigs, in the audience, right up front, singing and dancing her heart out.

Last November, Jill was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and has been unable to return to her work since. She’s currently on her second series of chemo treatments and is preparing for a bone marrow transplant. Her employers at UNC Horizons Program, have been wonderfully accomodating regarding her medical leave and her coworkers have generously donated their own vacation time allowance so that Jill will be able to keep her position and still receive an income while she was out. However, because of the extended amount of time that’s been required for her treatment, Jill is transitioning to reduced income on disability. Jill is single and lives independently in her home. We want to help cover some of her regular living expenses as well as out-of-pocket medical costs so that she can concentrate on her fight rather than worry about her mounting medical expenses.

 

A group of us friends of Jill Hunter are asking for your help. Jill is 56-year old, kind, and generous lady. She's an avid lover of all kinds of music and a charter-member volunteer at Doodad Farm and has shared her smiling face, music-infused joy, and consistent willingness to help behind the scenes with workdays and events.
Last November, Jill was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and has been unable to return to her work since. She's currently on her second chemo regime and is preparing for a bone marrow transplant. Her employers at UNC Horizons Program, where Jill helps serve pregnant and parenting women, have been accommodating and her coworkers generous with donated leave.  However, despite all that, Jill is transitioning to reduced income on disability. Jill is single and lives independently in her home in Burlington, NC. We want to help cover some of her regular living expenses as well as out-of-pocket medical costs. We thank you in advance for your generosity for Jill. A group of us friends of Jill Hunter are asking for your help. Jill is 56-year old, kind, and generous lady. She's an avid lover of all kinds of music and a charter-member volunteer at Doodad Farm and has shared her smiling face, music-infused joy, and consistent willingness to help behind the scenes with workdays and events.
Last November, Jill was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and has been unable to return to her work since. She's currently on her second chemo regime and is preparing for a bone marrow transplant. Her employers at UNC Horizons Program, where Jill helps serve pregnant and parenting women, have been accommodating and her coworkers generous with donated leave.  However, despite all that, Jill is transitioning to reduced income on disability. Jill is single and lives independently in her home in Burlington, NC. We want to help cover some of her regular living expenses as well as out-of-pocket medical costs. We thank you in advance for your generosity for Jill. A group of us friends of Jill Hunter are asking for your help. Jill is 56-year old, kind, and generous lady. She's an avid lover of all kinds of music and a charter-member volunteer at Doodad Farm and has shared her smiling face, music-infused joy, and consistent willingness to help behind the scenes with workdays and events.
Last November, Jill was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and has been unable to return to her work since. She's currently on her second chemo regime and is preparing for a bone marrow transplant. Her employers at UNC Horizons Program, where Jill helps serve pregnant and parenting women, have been accommodating and her coworkers generous with donated leave.  However, despite all that, Jill is transitioning to reduced income on disability. Jill is single and lives independently in her home in Burlington, NC. We want to help cover some of her regular living expenses as well as out-of-pocket medical costs. We thank you in advance for your generosity for Jill. A group of us friends of Jill Hunter are asking for your help. Jill is 56-year old, kind, and generous lady. She's an avid lover of all kinds of music and a charter-member volunteer at Doodad Farm and has shared her smiling face, music-infused joy, and consistent willingness to help behind the scenes with workdays and events.
Last November, Jill was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and has been unable to return to her work since. She's currently on her second chemo regime and is preparing for a bone marrow transplant. Her employers at UNC Horizons Program, where Jill helps serve pregnant and parenting women, have been accommodating and her coworkers generous with donated leave.  However, despite all that, Jill is transitioning to reduced income on disability. Jill is single and lives independently in her home in Burlington, NC. We want to help cover some of her regular living expenses as well as out-of-pocket medical costs. We thank you in advance for your generosity for Jill.We really look forward to seeing you all at Doodad Farm on July 23rd, but if you're not able to attend and you'd still like to help, you can make a donation here. It's quick and easy!

We thank you in advance for your generosity for Jill.

 

 

 

July 2016 Calendar

Update:
The July 22nd night at the Rusted Bucket Tavern has been postponed but we'll be back there on August 26th at 9:30!

On July 23rd we'll be at Doodad Farm in Greensboro doing a special benefit show for Jill Hunter, who is fighting cancer, and we're hoping to raise funds to help her deal with medical/living expenses.  It's also Doodad Farm's 5th Anniversary so check out the venue's event page to see what's in store. Graymatter takes the stage at 8pm. It'll be a good night!

We've Been 'tooned!

We love our Graymatter caricature! This was done by Erik Huffine, who created some really impressive pieces last night at the Kick Cancer's Butt event, which raised funds for the V Foundation. Interested in having him at your event? You can find him at www.facebook.com/erikdrawspage. Thanks Erik!

June 2016 Calendar

Throwback to the 1970's

Bev & Dave are visiting from Boone.

Time for a jam. Show me what you've been working on...

Wait, where's Brad?

May 2016 Calendar

Have You Seen Our Scrapbook?

We're just loving our event promo posters this year - so much so that we've created a digital "scrapbook" so we can keep our collection all in one place and can admire Dave's work whenever the spirit moves us. It's a real thrill to see our promos picked up on other websites and to get such great feedback from the venue and webpage owners! Thanks for making us look so good Dave!

To see our growing collection, just hit the "scrapbook" tab on our webpage or click here.

 

April 2016 Calendar

Who's Ready?

Who’s ready for warm weather? We are! We're busy lining up a really fun, outdoor music event schedule including (so far) Musical Chairs (Burlington), 4th Fridays (Burlington), Everybus (Pleasant Garden) Peace Love & Muddy Creek (Winston Salem), Bynum Front Porch Music Series (Bynum), Festifall (Chapel Hill), and there's even more to come!

 

We've worked up a lot of new songs for our setlist this season and have just started rolling them out at the last couple of gigs, so come out and enjoy the new additions!

Below is a photo of a previous Musical Chairs performance, with nearly 2000 people coming out to enjoy the evening. Happily, we’ll be playing in that great series again this June and we’re really looking forward to it!

We've also added something special to the calendar in April. On the 2nd, we'll be doing an all-originals show at Muddy Creek Music Hall...and recording it live! If all goes well, we'll use this recording to produce the cd that you've been asking, and patiently waiting for. We'd love for you to come out and be a part of the audience that evening, so click here for more information and to check out our performance schedule. We're adding to the calendar every week so keep checking back!

We look forward to seeing you soon and often!

March 2016 Calendar

For the Love of Alj

At 4 months of age, Alj (pronounced AL-Jay) was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle. The doctors predicted that he wouldn’t survive overnight because his heart muscles just weren’t constricting as they should. But Alj was strong, a special kind of kid, and now at 13 years of age, he's an honor roll student at Broadview Middle School. Unfortunately, that diagnosis at 4 months of age was just the beginning of a long journey that has included many hospital stays and a much restricted lifestyle, having to avoid any activity that would put any kind of stress on his heart. After a decade of hospital stays, testing and treatment, his heart can no longer keep up and he’s now remained in the hospital for over 8 months. The only option at this point is a heart transplant for Alj. Dr Buck, the cardiologist at UNC who is spearheading Alj’s care, says that waiting for the new heart is inherently unpredictable. Additionally, the wait is peppered with sadness, knowing that the miracle gift comes at the expense of another family’s tragedy. Alj and his mom both grapple with this, but are so appreciative and determined to stay strong. As for Alj, he has big plans for his new heart. When interviewed by Fox8 News back before the holidays, Alj proclaimed:  “That will be amazing. I’ll get to experience being happy and doing whatever I want to do. I think I’ll play football when I get a new heart. I’ll probably be able to run or ride my bike, do a lot of stuff!” he explained.

There is a fundraising event on Saturday, February 27th, held at Broadview Middle School in Burlington. The family-friendly benefit runs from 6pm-9pm. Graymatter performance time is 7pm-9pm so come hang out with us for lots of singing and dancing – all for a terrific cause – support for Alj and his mom. There will be raffle prizes, vendors, dinner by Texas Roadhouse (grilled or BBQ chicken, baked potato, salad, & bread for $12/ half goes to Team Alj) and 100% of the proceeds of this event goes towards living expenses and medical bills. The evening will be live-streamed so that Alj can watch from his bed at UNC. Let’s show him just how much the community is rooting for him!

Here's Where We'll Be in February 2016

Furry Family Members

If you already know us, you probably know that the Gray and Gude households both included furry family members when we were growing up and today we still have our companions by our side. Do they get in the way of practice? Well maybe sometimes, but look how much fun we have!

Have you found us on Facebook? Pop on over to Facebook.com/graymatternc and you’ll find photos, videos, links to other videos, real-time news and all kinds of interesting and fun things. While you’re there, give us a “like” and maybe invite your friends to “like” us too!