Alex and Ani Exceeds $50 Million in Charitable Donations
GoLocalProv
Alex and Ani Exceeds $50 Million in Charitable Donations
The program was created in 2011 to “spread the Alex and Ani ideal of sharing positive energy worldwide, igniting passion for the wellbeing of our planet, our communities, and our individual paths. Since 2011, Alex and Ani has donated $52.6M to organizations large and small.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe founder and CEO Carolyn Rafaelian, tells GoLocal that hitting the milestone is like achieving a dream.
“To call our relationship with Alex and Ani a partnership is a misrepresentation,” said Denis Murphy, Founder of Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of children battling cancer through various community programs.
“Alex and Ani has changed the lives of countless families through their unmatched generosity and commitment to making the world an all-around better place. While they say our relationship “starts with a piece of wire”, for us each bracelet becomes an instrument of change and a vehicle of awareness. Their impact on our pediatric cancer community is immeasurable. Alex and Ani is, and will forever be, a part of our family,” he added.
More than $41 million of this grand total was raised through product sales of the brand’s CHARITY BY DESIGN collection which is comprised of more than 65 styles, each uniquely designed to commemorate its respective charity partner.
Alex and Ani raised the additional funds through in-store events, corporate sponsorships, employee engagement, and clearance sales.
Some of the organizations impacted are global and local organizations including UNICEF, Make-A-Wish, Green Beetz, March of Dimes, Best Buddies, Friends of Jaclyn, and the ASPCA.
Examples of impact through the partnership include:
- More than 11,000 children fed for an entire school year from the sales of product benefitting Blessings in a Backpack.
- More than 55,400 survivors of domestic violence impacted through sales of products benefitting the National Network to End Domestic Violence.
- More than 53,000 families given access to clean drinking water through sales of products benefitting Living Water International.
- More than 20,300 nutritious meals provided to feed families in SOS Children’s Villages through sales of the ‘Sand Castle’ Charm Bangle.
- More than 750 children have been paired with athletic teams across the country, impacting the lives of individuals affected by pediatric brain tumors and other childhood cancers through products benefitting Friends of Jaclyn.
The brand will commemorate the milestone with a moving digital campaign to thank their fans across social media platforms throughout the summer.
GoLocal and Alex and Ani partner in the support of Rhode Island's emerging musicians by broadcasting and distributing their performances -- see the performances below.
See Who Has Played The Alex and Ani Lounge on GoLocal LIVE
Juno
Juno played three songs on the Alex and Ani lounge hosted by Nate Cozzolino.
The three songs included:
Give me Time
Too Good
On The Run
See the performance below
Matt York
Singer-songwriter Matt York performed three songs off his soon-to-be-released new album in The Alex and Ani Lounge on Tuesday at GoLocalProv.
York, who will perform at Sandywoods in Tiverton on Saturday, July 28, spoke to his musical influences.
"I grew up in Foxboro -- and spent a lot of time down here, seeing live music and beginning playing in clubs as a teen and well, my entire life," said York.
"My influences are all over the map," said York. "I love old country, I love rock and roll and I was a punk rock person as a kid, so I'm kind of all over the place. But it all comes together."
York played three songs off his soon-to-released new album, which he said following his performance in The Lounge that he expects to be released in the fall.
See the Performance Below
Jim Masdea
Decades after his years with the band Boston, Jim Masdea is still rocking.
Masdea was the original drummer for the band, leaving in 1976 just before their first, self-titled album was released. Masdea later returned to the band in the 1980s.
These days, Masdea is still performing, playing a combination of Boston songs and originals in a show he calls “Trimount: Before Boston.”
Along with Dirty Laundry, Masdea will perform at Ralph’s Rock Diner in Worcester on Sunday, July 15 at 8 p.m. He describes the show as a sort of lecture, where he will tell the story of Boston and how it came to be, with musical performances threaded throughout the evening.
For more information on the show or to buy tickets in advance, visit Jim’s website.
Performing in the Alex and Ani Lounge on Friday, Masdea chose two of his own songs, as well as the Boston classic, Rock and Roll Band, which he arranged and played drums for on the original recording.
Masdea’s mammoth drum kit, comprised of 25 pieces in total, features 13 cymbals and an impressive array of drums. Given to him as a promotional gift when he represented Sabian in the 1980’s, Masdea says the massive set allows him more freedom to enjoy himself when he plays.
“I could make it work with just a snare, bass, and one cymbal,” he said. “but what fun would that be?”
See the performance below
Chuck Staton
It’s a busy time for Chuck Staton, lead singer, and guitarist for the band Senior Discount, who joined GoLocal LIVE in The Alex and Ani Lounge Wednesday afternoon.
Senior Discount is billed as a pop-punk band, which he describes as along the lines of Green Day and Blink-182. The band has won numerous awards in the New England area, with both the Providence Phoenix and Motif Magazine naming them the Best Punk/Best Pop-Punk Band two times each, and has been part of the WBRU Rock Hunt.
As a longtime band in the area, Staton says he and his bandmates are well ingrained into the Providence music scene, which he says he loves.
Staton played two songs at the Alex and Ani Lounge:
Cindy
Afterlife
See the Performance Below:
Collington
East Providence singer and songwriter Collingtonreturned to the Alex and Ani Lounge on Tuesday following the release of his newest single "Here We Go."
The single is part of his new album titled "In Between," which is set to be released in August of 2018.
Collington says he should know "an exact date in about a week", but there is a release show at The Met on August 17.
Collington, joined by Tom Rudkowski, played three songs at the Alex and Ani Lounge and they were:
Here We Go
War
This Ain’t My Home
Collington previously performed at the Alex and Ani Lounge back in May.
Mike Baker
Mike Baker performed in the Alex and Ani Lounge on Wednesday. He is a best known Rhode Island musician and plays solo and with a range of top Rhode Island bands. The plays with the well-known Cosmic Factory. He also leads Sgt. Baker and the Clones.
The 90s music influenced Baker is a super talented vocalist and guitarist and one of the great musicians that reaffirm that Rhode Island is a hotbed of musical talent.
The Lounge is a partnership between Alex and Ani and GoLocalProv.
He played three songs and they were:
1. Grey
2. Stick Fish
3. Atlas
See the Performance Below
Avi Jacob
Singer-songwriter Avi Jacob performed in the Alex and Ani Lounge at GoLocalProv, following his recent tour which took him from Woodstock, New York -- to Charleston, South Carolina -- and back to Rhode Island, where he will be performing live again soon.
As American Singer-Songwriter reported in February:
South Carolina transplant Avi Jacob had a roundabout path to songwriting. After a genetic disease left him bedridden in his early adulthood, the New England-born Jacob began writing songs and making plans to give the musician life a go once he recovered. Since then, Jacob has toured the country and built a small but growing fan base, all while taking on odd jobs like farming and truck driving.
He [released] a new EP, Surrender, on March 23 via Skate Mountain Records. He recorded the collection with friends and fellow musicians James and Simone Felice in a barn in New England. Ahead of the EP’s release, Jacob has shared “Pickup Truck,” a deeply personal song that he’s already tested out on the road.
See the Performance Below
Drew Christensen
It was all Drew Christensen in the Alex and Ani Lounge at GoLocalProv. The singer-songwriter made a big impact in his live performance.
Christensen is just the latest of the top emerging musical talent to perform live at the performance stage at GoLocal which was launched in March.
Christensen played three songs:
“I Can Tell You This Much”
“Fitting the Part”
“Mexico”
Al Diaz
Singer-songwriter Al Diaz, who currently resides in Pawtuxet Village, performed three original songs in The Alex and Ani Lounge in downtown Providence on Friday.
Diaz told GoLocal News Editor Kate Nagle that he expects a new album release later this year.
Diaz, who played the acoustic guitar in studio, can be found on the drums with Rhode Island bands Consuelo's Revenge, SEXCoffee and The Dust Ruffles -- and will be playing in the upcoming PVDFest in Providence.
For more on Diaz, go to his Facebook page here.
Diaz played three songs at the Alex and Ani Lounge and they were:
My Mother's Smile
Monday
HB Love
See the Performance Below
Lainey Dionne
Lainey Dionne hit The Alex and Ani Lounge and made a big impact performing three original pieces. She is a Providence-based singer/songwriter.
She says she writes the sort of music that immediately "makes you forget that you left a burning oven on, or should be doing something productive."
Her debut record, Can't Refuse - EP, was released in 2016.
Dionne's tremendous and soulful performance was standout. She is the latest in an amazing line of tremendous Rhode Island performers to drop by and perform at The Alex and Ani Lounge -- see the other performances below.
Dionne played three songs at the Alex and Ani Lounge and they were:
Can't Refuse
The Next Move
Heart of Stone
See the performance below:
Dance BFF
Dance BFF performed at The Alex and Ani Lounge -- the first dance troupe to perform. The Bollywood dance group performed three songs and unveiled a preview to their upcoming show at the West Warwick High School Auditorium on Saturday, June 16, 2018.
The upcoming event, the "Incredible Bollywood 2" builds on the success of last year's show that drew over 700 in attendance.
The show produced by Dance BFF, is dedicated fully to Bollywood dances. While paying tribute to the artists in the Bollywood film industry, BFF also wants to provide a platform to the dancers in Rhode Island who are passionate about Bollywood and Indian dances.
DETAILS:
5:30 - 7:30 PM (Door opens at 4:00 PM)
Introducing 'Meet & Greet with the Dancers' after the show
Part of the proceeds will be donated to the West Warwick High School Theater Students
James Collington
Singer and songwriter James Collington performed at The Alex and Ani Lounge on Tuesday. The East Providence native put on a superior performance that featured his great lyrics and his distinct voice.
Collington near flawless performance soulfully filed the lounge. Collington's performance was the twenty-first performance in The Alex and Ani Lounge -- a partnership between GoLocal and Alex and Ani.
Collington announced he has a new EP that will be released this summer.
Collington played three songs in the Alex and Ani Lounge:
City Lights
This Ain’t My Home
War
See the Performance Below
Mark Cutler
Mark Cutler, the Award-winning singer and songwriter made a special appearance at The Alex and Ani Lounge this week.
A member of the RI Music Hall of Fame, Cutler recently won artist of the year from Motif magazine.
Cutler was the twentieth performance at The Alex and Ani Lounge in the venues first two months
The Alex and Ani Lounge is a partnership between GoLocalProv and Alex and Ani. The goal is to give greater exposure to southern New England emerging musical stars.
All performances are broadcast live on GoLocalProv.com, Facebook LIive, YouTube live, Livestream, and Twitter/Periscope.
It can be watched on FIOS Channel 837 (GoLocal Live Channel).
Cutler played three songs at the Alex and Ani Lounge:
A Paycheck Away
Travel Light
Misfits
See the Concert Below:
Ragtime
The cast of Trinity Rep's Ragtime visited the Alex and AniLounge and gave an amazing live performance of two of the songs from the critically celebrated show now playing in Providence.
Directed by Curt Columbus, the Tony Award-winning musical is based on the celebrated novel Ragtime. The play shines a light on all that has and hasn’t changed in America since the turn of the 20th century.
"In the early 1900s, optimism and possibility are as prevalent as burgeoning racial and social volatility. The lives of an upper-class white mother, a Jewish immigrant, and a bold African American musician from Harlem intersect in ways that profoundly affect their families’ fates. A passionate, vibrant, Tony Award-winning score heightens the tenderness and tension that will rouse and inspire audiences."
Watch it Here:
The King's Busketeers
The King's Busketeers are a high-octane folk & traditional band that came together at King Richard's Faire in Carver, MA in Fall of 2012.
Joshua Gannon-Salomon and Andrew Prete performed at The Alex and Ani Lounge on Wednesday putting on an entertaining performance.
Since the joining together The King's Busketeers have been “rousing and entertaining the kindly citizens” of Massachusetts and Rhode Island with “hearty, soulful, traditional tunes alongside wistful ballads.”
The King's Busketeers are talented and relentlessly high energy.
The Alex and Ani Lounge is a partnership between GoLocalProv.com and Alex and Ani to provide greater exposure to emerging musical stars in New England.
The three songs that they played include:
No Silver
Disappointment Island
Olden Days
See the Performance Below
Briana White
Briana White has the voice to make it in the music industry — her voice and lyrics are an "amazing talent" for those who see her play in clubs around Rhode Island.
White is a treat — unexpected and initially subtle — almost immediately there is the realization that this is a woman at the beginning of a career that could go up and up.
Her performance in The Alex and Ani Lounge is a special experience. She is a talent to watch in Rhode Island. In the next few weeks, she is playing the Roof Top at the G and The Grange.
See her Performance Below
Back Rhodes
Back Rhodes, the Rhode Island country-rock band that began -- in a bar -- in 2013, rocked The Alex and Ani Lounge on GoLocal LIVE with an energetic three-song set on Tuesday night.
The six-person band, comprised of Jesse Desorcy on banjo/vocals; Ed Desorcy Jr. on bass/vocals; Antonio Salvatore on violin/vocals; Jay Coutu on drums; Chris Quiray on rhythm guitar; and Tyler Hill on lead guitar have been on the rise since getting together, opening up for the Cowboy Up Fest and country stars Big & Rich, and more.
Back Rhodes funded a Kickstarter to record their debut album, “On the Run," which was released in April 2017. They are playing at Rhode Island College this weekend; for more information on Back Rhodes and upcoming tour dates, go to www.backrhodesband.com.
Watch the Performance Here:
Lunchbagg
Rhode Island's Lunchbagg is a "lyricist, producer, performer and visionary" and he performed The Alex and Ani Lounge on Monday. His pop-up concert matched the best performances the Lounge has seen since launching in March.
GoLocal LIVE in partnership with Alex and Ani launched the live music venue in March. The venue has seen a diverse array of artists play.
Lunchbagg can be seen playing at PVD Fest in June in Providence. His music and can be downloaded HERE.
Watch the Performance Below:
Ben Shaw
Ben Shaw stopped by The Alex and Ani Lounge and had a little surprise. The multi-talented Shaw did not break out his sax and play some jazz, instead he performed with guitar and went folk.
Composer and saxophonist Shaw “lends a particularly unique voice to his compositions and projects.”
Shaw was the latest emerging musical star to perform in The Alex and Ani Lounge — the pop-up live music studio located at GoLocal’s downtown studio in Providence.
Shaw also writes and performs as a singer/songwriter who explores his more folk and Americana-based writings which "take their sounds from equal parts Nashville and New Orleans."
He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Composition from the University Of Rhode Island, studying from such incredible, diverse musicians as Eric Hofbauer, Jared Sims, Joe Parillo, David Zinno, and Eliane Aberdam and has recently been studying privately with internationally renowned composer Alla Cohen.
Watch the Performance Here:
Kevin Herchen
Kevin Herchen rocked The Alex and Ani Lounge on Tuesday in a live performance at GoLocal LIVE’s studio in downtown Providence. He is an emerging star who previously has been selected by Nashville Songwriters Association International as "One To Watch.”
Herchen has worked with Grammy-nominated producer Jack Gauthier at Lakewest Studios and is currently working with Nashville producer Dustin Kirkendall on an EP to be released in the summer of 2018.
Herchen is playing venues throughout New England this coming summer. He and his band - The Kevin Herchen Band - have opened for Big & Rich, Frankie Ballard, and Jo Dee Messina. He has played shows in Nashville, Long Beach, Chicago, and Orlando.
As a survivor of the Station Nightclub Fire in his hometown of West Warwick, RI, February 20, 2003,
Herchen's mindset was shifted to living life with purpose and gratitude and encouraging others to do the same. He knows he is living on borrowed time and his music offers a sense of community with his mantra "Live and Love."
Herchen played three songs and they were:
That’s What She Said
Star of Your Life
Call That Love
See the Performance Below
Kayciblu
Kayciblu Wright is a quadruple-threat. The 13-year-old Providence rapper is a singer, dancer, actress, model, and clothing designer. On Friday, she launched her new album on The Alex and Ani Lounge.
Since the age of 3 years old Kayciblu knew she loved the bright lights and stage, In 2007 Kayciblu began dancing for one of the top dance companies in Rhode Island, Rising Stars Dance Academy. In 2011 Kayciblu started working with the Model Club Agency, located in Boston, Massachusetts, which specializes in print and commercial work.
Since 2013, Kayciblu music career has begun to take off.
She had a breakthrough performance on the “No Kids Left Behind Music Tour” -- the tour promoted education and extracurricular activities to children in Inner city schools throughout New England.
The “No Kids Left Behind Music Tour” opened the door to “The Anti-Bullying Tour” in New York. In addition, she also performed at the “FOO Festival” one of the largest festivals in Providence Rhode Island. Kayciblu has done several radio interviews and has performed at many charity events. Fans should be on the lookout for Kayciblu hit singles “Swag On a Million” and “Bounce With Me”. These two tracks alone have received positive feedback and inquiries for more music. Kayciblu has been working on a number of new songs that will soon be released making her one of the youngest ambitious female entertainer/rapper on the East Coast.
She wowed The Alex and Ani Lounge with a tremendous performance of three of her songs -
I got the key
Bully
MVP
Leland Baker Trio
New York City and Rhode Island-based jazz saxophonistLeland Baker spent time honing his craft in New Orleans and throughout New England.
He’s played with Alicia Keys, and studied with some titans in jazz including Lawrence Clark, Kahlil Bell, and Roy Hargrove.
Baker, who grew up in Providence, says “the complexities and beauty of the universe; light, vibration, energy,” inspire him and his music.
Baker, Clay Nordhill, and Ben Dicke played two original songs in the Alex and Ani Lounge and they were:
For Mahalia
Basquiat
Watch it here:
Dave Alves
Providence-based musician Dave Alves learned a love of music from an early age. His study of music continued into college as a music theory and composition major with a focus on jazz piano and electronic composition.
“By composing a song it creates a journal of my life and emotions that I can revisit when feeling detached from who I am,” says Alves, “my music is inspired by the moments that I don't wish to lose.”
As regulars on the Providence and Boston music scene, Alves plays with the bands Mindset, Crooks & Scourge, and The Mad Clatter.
Alves played three songs and they are:
The Warmth
Tree Of Life
Sundown On A Solitary Crow
Watch Here
Brian Mckenzie
Rhode Island singer-songwriter Brian McKenzie performed at the Alex and Ani Lounge.
McKenzie played the song "Later On."
Watch it here:
Phil Madeira
Rhode Island native Phil Madeira is one of the most seasoned musicians in Nashville.
As a producer, writer and artist, success has graced Madeira in many ways. A member of Red Dirt Boys, he’s a guitarist for icon Emmylou Harris. He’s played with stars like Elvis Costello, Mavis Staples, and Garth Brooks. He’s written songs for Alison Krauss, Amy Grant, and Toby Keith just to name a few.
It’s on his latest solo album Providence, Madeira gives listeners insight on his inner conflict of being raised Rhode Island and growing up feeling an undeniable attraction to the music of the South.
"It’s an album full of love songs to where I’m from and where I’ve come to,” says Madeira.
Madeira performed two songs on GoLocal LIVE:
Crescent Park
Wicked Job
Watch it Here
Billy Harpin Band
Billy Harpin, Arthur Delfina, and Amanda Loffredo are three friends from Foster, who formed The Billy Harpin Band in 2015.
When it comes to original material, Harpin says they pull inspiration from all of their backgrounds.
“The three of us all have varying musical tastes from jazz, to funk, and even country,” says Harpin, “the one music style that we all share a love of is classic rock.”
The Billy Harpin Band’s next live show is May 27 at Charlestown Rathskeller Tavern at 6 p.m.
They performed two songs on GoLocal LIVE:
Kissed by the Sun
Dare to Dream
Watch it Here
Mike Laureanno
Singer and songwriter Mike Laureanno took to the stage at the Alex and Ani Lounge on Wednesday afternoon.
A winner of multiple songwriting contests, and a passionate performer Laureanno’s songs are visceral and evocative.
Laureanno says he’s proud of his Fall River roots and much of his music deals with his gritty blue-collar hometown and the lives of family and friends.
Laureanno performed three songs on LIVE, and they are:
What to do
December
Shine a Light
Watch it Here
Allysen Callery
Allysen Callery is an American folk singer from Rhode Island whose delicate, austere sound has been compared to classic British folk artists like Sandy Denny and Nick Drake.
She’s played SXSW Festival twice, and tours yearly in Europe.
“Quiet Music for a Loud World has been my tagline, I get a lot of people telling me I’ve helped them to relax after a hard day,” Callery says, “music helps me too.”
She’ll be at The Grange on Wednesday, March 28, at AS220 April 7th for a Bee benefit, and at A Taste for Now festival April 21st at Quinebaug Valley Community College in CT.
Callery performed:
Bluest Bird
It's Not the Ocean,
In Your Hollow
WATCH HERE
Kate Mick
When a guitar feels too bulky and a mandolin feels too tiny, Rhode Island musician Kate Mick says a banjo feels just right.
With musical influences coming from obscure 70's rock, 90's grunge and 00's depressive indie rock, Mick taught herself how to play intimate, slightly sweet, dark and evocative banjo songs.
"In a world that seems to need more real-life experiences rather than 'screen life' experiences, I am more than happy to provide that entertainment,” Mick says, “it just so happens to be my therapy of choice as well."
She performed three original songs in The Alex and Ani Lounge on GoLocal LIVE—
Stop Looking
Take, Shake,
Make Me and Undertow
WATCH HERE
Steve Volkmann
Providence-based singer/songwriter Steve Volkmann performed three original songs in The Alex and Ani Lounge on GoLocal LIVE Wednesday.
“I am looking to uplift and inspire folks to be more mindful and to discover and spread peace,” Volkmann says.
Volkmann says his songs are inspired by everyday people and their situations, struggles and triumphs. He hopes to inspire people to understand others and make positive changes in their lives.
One of his next live performance on June 16 in Wakefield at Java Madness.
The three original songs Volkmann performed included:
New Direction
Motocross Girl
To The City
WATCH HERE
Olivia King
Pop and soul recording artist Olivia King performed her new single “Top Down” in the Alex and Ani Lounge on GoLocal LIVE Friday.
This is the first single the Warwick native released with major label Sony Music.
Working primarily as an independent artist, King has released four other singles including “In My Head” and “Independent Woman”.
King says working with a major record label is just another victory, as her music has been used in the "Be Your Biggest Fan" Campaign for Caleb McLaughlin from the Emmy Award Winning Netflix Series, "Stranger Things."
King’s music is available on iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon, YouTube, and Vevo.
WATCH HERE
Nate Cozzolino
He was named Nate Cozzolino the best Male Vocalist in RI in 2017 and on Thursday performed at The Alex and Ani Lounge on GoLocal LIVE.
Having come to the city after a decade in Japan performing at never-sleeping bars and cocktail lounges, he's made his home here in Rhode Island, building and hosting his own thriving open mic night, Madcap Monday.
He can also be seen performing both solo and with his band Nate Cozzolino and the Lost Arts at venues throughout New England.
The broadcast was watched live on GoLocal LIVE, Facebook Live, Periscope and YouTube Live.
Cozzolino performed three songs on The Lounge:
“I Built the Shadow”
“Legions”
“Notes from the Edgetimes”
WATCH HERE
Mickey Lamantia
Rolling Stone magazine says RI’s Mickey Lamantia is one of the top ten emerging country music stars and on Wednesday he helped launch The Alex and Ani Lounge on GoLocal LIVE.
Lamantia is a correctional officer by day and one of Rhode Island’s top performers in his spare time. The broadcast was watched live on GoLocal LIVE, Facebook Live, Periscope and YouTube Live.
He played two original songs in his performance on The Lounge:
When I Get On a Roll
Every Bad Habit
WATCH HERE
