MUSIC IS OUR WEAPON Launches 'The Autumn Leaves Project' at SXSW

MUSIC IS OUR WEAPON (MIOW), a 501(c)3 nonprofit that uses the power of music, technology and service to serve people with cognitive disabilities, will launch The Autumn Leaves Project during the 2016 South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Conference and Festival in Austin, Texas.

The Autumn Leaves Project is a collaboration between MIOW and Autumn Leaves' 40-plus memory care assisted living communities. The Project will utilize MIOW's Music Care Program, which pairs the latest digital music technology with volunteer-driven Music Discovery Outings to connect and deliver relevant music through personalized playlists. Early pilots of the Program demonstrate the power of personalized playlists to spark memories and promote cognition and engagement, with residents often smiling, clapping their hands, tapping their toes, singing along or even dancing.

The project launch will culminate with the MUSIC IS OUR WEAPON OFFICIAL SXSW SHOWCASE SPONSORED BY AUTUMN LEAVES on Saturday, March 19. Twelve acclaimed national and international music acts will perform to raise awareness of the initiative to integrate music as a form of care across all Autumn Leaves communities.

In addition, several of MIOW's SXSW Showcase musicians will visit Austin-area Autumn Leaves communities. The artists will work directly with residents to build personalized playlists. The sessions will be documented with a short film about The Autumn Leaves Project to be released in late summer.

"Since our inception in 2013, we have been honing our Music Care Program to deliver music in various care communities to reach people on a deeply personal level," said MIOW Co-Founder and Executive Director JP Maloney. "Our format is unique because we use the latest technology to offer easy access to our extensive music collection and specially curated music playlists. The Autumn Leaves Project will help improve the emotional, physical and mental well-being of hundreds of individuals through the power of music, while demonstrating that our program is accessible and sustainable."

The MIOW SXSW Showcase will feature artists Bronze Whale (Austin), Gilligan Moss (Chicago), Ishi (Dallas), Khai (Austin), Kill J (Copenhagen, Denmark), Maségo (Kingston, Jamaica), Mobley (Austin), NoMBe (Los Angeles), Sofie Winterson (Amsterdam, Netherlands), The Feels (Dallas), Young Futura (Washington, DC and Brooklyn, New York) and Zander (Dallas) and will take place from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. at ScratcHouse at 617 E. 7th Street in Austin. Fans can check out the detailed lineup page to learn more about the artists, listen to their music and connect with them on social media at: http://musicisourweapon.org/sxsw-2016-lineup/.

For more information on The Autumn Leaves Project, visit http://musicisourweapon.org/autumn-leaves-project/.

MUSIC IS OUR WEAPON OFFICIAL SXSW SHOWCASE SPONSORED BY AUTUMN LEAVES
Saturday, March 19, 2016
8 p.m. - 2 a.m.
SCRATCHOUSE
617 E. 7th Street
Austin, TX 78701

About MUSIC IS OUR WEAPON MUSIC IS OUR WEAPON is a Texas-based 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to increasing emotional, physical and mental well-being through the power of music. MUSIC IS OUR WEAPON's programming focuses on two areas of impact: Music Care Projects and Music Development Projects. Music Care Projects pair the latest digital music technology with volunteer-driven Music Discovery Outings to connect and deliver relevant music to individuals living in various care environments. Music Development Projects are collaborative community events created to inspire youth through philanthropy. MUSIC IS OUR WEAPON currently administers Music Care Projects in more than 25 care environments across Dallas, Austin and Houston, and works with over 100 Texas based youth annually in Music Development Projects. For more information, visit http://www.musicisourweapon.org.

About Autumn Leaves Family-owned and -operated Autumn Leaves memory care assisted living communities are dedicated exclusively to serving those living with Alzheimer's and dementia. Autumn Leaves' high-quality care and research-based programs, including its unique So Much More programming, allow for safe, secure and active environments for residents. So Much More helps residents live life to the fullest through five "pillars," including music (So Much More to Experience); culinary ("Savor"); physical activity, ("Do"); art ("Express"); and community support and volunteerism ("Share"). Autumn Leaves currently operates more than 40 communities in seven states with the ability to serve more than 1,800 residents. For more information, visit http://www.autumnleaves.com or call 888-919-4910.

About SXSW The South by Southwest (SXSW) Conferences & Festivals offer the unique industry convergence of music, film and emerging technologies. Fostering creative and professional growth, SXSW is the premier destination for discovery. The event is a launch pad for innovative content with new media presentations, music showcases and film screenings providing exposure for creators and compelling entertainment for attendees. SXSW 2016 takes place March 11-20 in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit http://www.sxsw.com.