After teaching scores of children music and raising more than $1 million for local causes, Auburn’s Perform 4 Purpose now has a Syracuse Area Music Award to its name as well.
The organization was announced as the winner of the 2024 People’s Choice Award for Local Academic or Musical Organization Friday at the annual SAMMYs ceremony at the Palace Theatre in Syracuse. Cofounder Jim Van Arsdale, an Auburn musician and educator, took the stage with several of the student musicians in the organization to accept the award.
Perform 4 Purpose won the award through an online vote that began with dozens of nominees. Van Arsdale told The Citizen in February that he and the organization were humbled by the support.
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“All of the organizations that were nominated do great things for kids and all the teachers and parents involved with their programs should be recognized for their dedication to providing an enriching musical experience for kids,” he said. Van Arsdale then praised Perform 4 Purpose’s seniors, saying, “I am especially proud of them as performers and good will ambassadors.”
Those seniors were freshmen when COVID-19 began, Van Arsdale continued. They responded by learning and recording remotely, and organizing porch concerts for food pantries.
“Their dedication to helping others and learning to become better musicians is inspiring to all younger members of Perform 4 Purpose and the teachers,” Van Arsdale said.
Three acts who regularly perform in the Cayuga County area also won SAMMYS on Friday: Mike Powell and the Echosound won Best Americana for “Plastic Spoon Honeymoon,” Count Blastula won Best Jam Band for “Blast Off,” and Sydney Irving and the Mojo won Best Pop for “Unfashioned Creatures.” For more information, including a full list of winners, visit syracuseareamusic.com.
Members of Perform 4 Purpose play “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac in front of an audience during CNY TomatoFest in Auburn Saturday.
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