A handful of Lehigh Valley musicians are using their talents to promote peace and put an end to bullying.
Tonight's second annual "No Place for Hate" will feature performances by Lehigh Valley singer-songwriters Pentley Holmes, Dave Fry, Dina Hall, John Huie, Not for Coltrane, and Soul Folks' Alyssa Allen. The concert is set for at 8 p.m. at Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem.
The No Place for Hate program aims to help kids and students throughout Pennsylvania and the United States learn how to get along with one another, according to a news release. The program is used in 46 school districts throughout the state, including the Lehigh Valley; the initiative has been in place in Bethlehem districts for about a decade.
The show will include a discussion led by Dr. Jack Silva, Bethlehem Area School District assistant superintendent and chief academic officer, the release states.
"I'm so gratified that Dr. Jack Silva will be there on behalf of the Bethlehem Area School District," said Michael Duck, who performs as Not for Coltrane, in an email. "I'm looking forward to hearing his perspective on what No Place for Hate has done in the district for the past decade.
In addition to founding Godfrey Daniels, Fry is a Lehigh Valley Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Hall is also a LVMA winner and a veteran of the Lehigh Valley's music scene.
Holmes is currently in the midst of a multi-state U.S. tour. His 2016 album Rip Out My Heart spawned the single "Shape Up."
"I'm just excited about the chance to to jam with such talented performers," said Duck, who performs as Not for Coltrane, in an email. "This will be the first time this particular group of people has ever been on stage together, and it will be a lot of fun to see what we come up with."
Duck said a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign has also been set up for those who are not able to physically make it to the concert but still would like to support No Place for Hate. For those who would like to contribute at least $5 prior to the show, information will be emailed to them about how to watch the concert online, Duck said.
"In addition to raising money, we're trying to raise awareness about No Place for Hate and what it does in our community," Duck said. "Last year was great, but this year we're featuring twice as many performers and are working with a lot of community organizations to make an even bigger impact."
Tickets for "No Place Hate" concert cost $18; admission is free to students.