Merit School of Music's Conservatory Students Set for PERFORMATHON Fundraiser, 2/27-28

Over 300 students from Merit School of Music's Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-free Conservatory will play on...and on...and on at Performathon, a free, 12-hour musical marathon fundraiser, Friday, February 27, 2015, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 28, 2015, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Families interested in high-quality music education are encouraged to drop by anytime at Merit's start-of-the-art home, 38 S. Peoria St. in Chicago's West Loop. Merit's top young musicians and ensembles - from all areas of the city, and who attend the Conservatory at no charge - will be rotating on two stages for nearly 12 hours, performing a non-stop program of live classical and jazz selections.

Performathon doubles as a free concert showcasing the accomplishments of Merit's students and as a fundraiser to support its nationally renowned Alice Pfaelzer Tuition-free Conservatory.

Now in its 33rd year, Performathon is organized by the Merit Parent Association. This year's Presenting Sponsors are the Baskin Family Foundation and Ruth Miner Swislow.

Several neighboring businesses are also sponsoring the event, demonstrating their recognition of Merit's important cultural and economic impact on the West Loop community. Neighborhood business sponsors include (at press time) Alphagraphics, Belgravia Group, Ltd., Steve Jones, CEO, fairlife, LLC, Lake Street Lofts/Marc Koronkiewicz and Malnati Organization, Inc.

Dozens of parent volunteers will be on-site throughout the event raising crucial funds for Merit via a silent auction, raffle and ethnic food fair. The raffle prize is a Martin Acoustic Guitar valued at $3,000, generously donated by Grand Raffle presenter, the Chicago Music Exchange.
Similarly, 98.7WFMT also be on site to record select Performathon concerts for future broadcast.

Proceeds will support Merit's commitment to provide children access to a high-quality music education regardless of their economic circumstances.

For more information and a complete Performathon concert schedule, visit meritmusic.org/performathon or call (312) 786-9428.

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