News Update: Joy Rocks the House at Annual 'Rock the Schools Concert'

On November 3rd, BTF Concerts hosted the 2nd annual Rock the Schools Concert at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City. With power outages in most of New York City as a result of Superstorm Sandy, Bethany Joy Lenz still flew out from Los Angeles knowing hundreds of eager fans waited to see her perform. And despite the destruction left in Sandy's wake, the concert went on without a hitch.

Joy performed a mixture of old and new tracks, including an impromptu duet with Brooklyn native, Michael Grubbs of the band Wakey!Wakey!. What made the concert that much more special, was the support in the crowd from former One Tree Hill costars James Lafferty and Robert Buckley. And if that weren't enough, concertgoers had the opportunity to purchase Joy's third studio album, Then Slowly Grows which has now become available for purchase online [CHECK IT OUT HERE].

BTF Concerts and Rock the Schools Founder, Alaina Bendi stated, “the generosity, understanding and patience from the artists, agents, managers and publicists that helped make this happen was just beyond heartwarming. The emails and tweets we got from excited fans saying that it was the greatest night of their lives to meet and/or see their favorite artist was completely overwhelming and worth all of the sweat and tears put into producing the event. I think that in this situation, it proves even more how much music can make an impact when an event like this can bring people together to support a cause that can positively affect the lives of others.”

Although I bought a VIP pass to see Joy perform, I wasn't able to attend the concert and report on it firsthand. Nevertheless, as a victim of Hurricane Sandy it was truly heartwarming to hear that BTF Concerts decided to donate a portion of the funds from the concert to the Hurricane Relief Fund.

The show was sponsored by Live Nation and Yelp! With partners, Vita Coco, Dream Water, Honest Tea and Baked by Melissa.

News Potpourri: New Poetry, Instagram Photos & A Potential Fall Appearance

New Poetry

Reappearing Act

Manhattan Magic by Ali Cockrean

Memories and longing became replaced
by survival and focus
and the terror of intentional grace.

And they died,
in their ways.
Hearts beating danceless patterns to flatlined spirits.

{Continue reading HERE}

Joy's latest poem, Reappearing Act speaks of the almost miraculous resurrection of youthful innocence and the reunion of two estranged spirits. Exploring Joy's thoughts through art is incredibly fascinating - and I love how she takes us through a beautiful story from beginning to end in less than 200 words. Her style is eccentric, honest and just all around beautiful - I'm still waiting for the official announcement of her poetry book...

Instagram Goodies

Given that One Tree Hill filmed its new seasons in the summer, it's appropriate that Joy seems to be enjoying the time off with her daughter and just buzzing around Los Angeles. If her pictures are any indication - Joy seems at peace.

(By the way, I know I'm not alone in saying I hope Joy instagrams a photo of herself actually in the photo).

Momentum of Love

On September 20th, Love146 will have a 10th Anniversary event in New York City celebrating the Momentum of Love. I'm not positive if Joy will attend but given her close work with the non-profit organization over the last years, there's potential that she will and I'm hoping that she does! Regardless here's an official description of the tremendous event:

On September 20th, advocates and friends will gather in New York City to celebrate the momentum of the past decade and support bold steps to grow this work of Love in years to come. Child, Sex, Trafficking: These three words should never be used in the same sentence, much less be a reality for many of the world’s most vulnerable. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed 150 years ago, thousands of children, not only overseas but here in the United States, are still enslaved in the sex industry. Building upon our success in Asia, funds generated at this event will support Love146 in growing prevention education and launch aftercare for survivors here in the United States.

This Gala Evening & VIP Cocktail Reception to end child trafficking will feature a musical performance by Grammy Winner Vince Gill and special guests includes Alec Baldwin and Dianne Wiest.

[Visit http://www.love146.org/10Years for more information}