Music aLive SWFL, Inc. was formed in October 2022 in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. It was one of the most devastating hurricanes to ever hit Florida. Music aLIVE SWFL is an organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of live music in our community. We provide financial assistance, education and other support to local musicians and others that support the vibrant live music industry.
Music aLIVE SWFL is a 100% volunteer effort. 100% of all funds that are raised get into the hands of those who need it most.
Money raised from Music aLIVE SWFL has been used to fund a needs-based grant program for musicians who required financial assistance in the wake of Hurricane Ian. The needs-based evaluation is patterned after a similar post-Covid effort by the City of Austin, Texas. To date, all grant applications have been approved and funded.
Co-Founder Doug Harris, owner of School of Rock Fort Myers said...
“As the owner of School of Rock in Fort Myers, I have the opportunity to speak to performing musicians on a daily basis. When Hurricane Ian hit, many of these musicians expressed to me their anxiety and concern about their future. They had lost their homes, their transportation, their gear, and a large percentage of the venues where they performed regularly. This was similar to the concern about their financial well-being during the COVD pandemic. After speaking with numerous local musicians, we realized that there needed to be a safety net for these beautiful souls that make our world a better place through the magic of their music.”
Music aLIVE SWFL creates live music advocacy campaigns, educational programs for musicians, and an ongoing Musicians Relief Fund to help with financial assistance to the musician community in the event of any future pandemic, disaster, or simple personal hardship.
Music aLive SWFL’s Board of Directors is made up of media personalities, community leaders,
business owners, musicians, and local music promoters.
Jean Beauvoir, Fort Myers
Internationally renowned musician
Doug Harris, Fort Myers
Owner of School of Rock Fort Myers
Fritz Caraher, Fort Myers
Chef, musician, and renowned charity organizer
Karen Morreale, Fort Myers
Owner, S2R Studios Creative and Director of the Lewis P. Tabarrini Children’s Music Outreach Foundation
Bob Tabarrini, Cape Coral
Popular local musician and Founder of the Lewis P. Tabarrini Children’s Music Outreach Foundation
Jen Stacy, Cape Coral
Morning Anchor for ABC7 SWFL
Joel Greiff, Naples
Founder of SWFLThingstodo.com, the most comprehensive directory of live music in SWFL
Trish Ray, Inferno Rock Radio
Jason Thomashefsky, Fort Myers
Director of Fine and Performing Arts, Lee County School District
Anthony “Roach” Proffitt
Radio Personality- Inferno Rock Radio
Brent Wedler, Fort Myers
Former owner of Bent’s Music and Sound
Donna Bates
Expedia Travel
Brianna Sledge
Mrs. Florida Petite
Mike Smith
Musician, formerly of 66 Decibels
Brian Kreuser
Brian Kreuser Photography
