With a continuing malaise in the economy, constantly increasing competition for federal and state grant money, and the never ending obstacles non-profits encounter when it comes to fundraising, it takes creativity and initiative to keep the causes we care about afloat. When Scott Whiddon moved to Lexington in 2006, he had no idea he would be part of that creative solution to keep one of Lexington’s local non-profits in business.
“I’ve always thought that there was a natural connection between the performing arts and non-profit organizations. Since I moved to lexington, I’ve never ceased to be impressed by the work that AVOL does.”
Whiddon, whose day job is as the Director of University Writing Center and Associate Professor of Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication at Transylvania University, moonlights as guitarist and vocalist for the local power-pop band Palisades. He and three other local bands have organized a concert to benefit Lexington non-profit AIDS Volunteers, Incorporated (AVOL). Participating are Lexington’s Palisades, Ancient Warfare, Oh My Me, and Louisville’s The Deloreans. Of the event, vocalist for Oh My Me, Erin Reynolds says, “It was Scott [Whiddon]’s brainchild to have a benefit show, he ran the idea by me and we quickly jumped on the wagon.” The concert takes place at Cosmic Charlie’s on July 6th at 10pm. The show is for ages 18 and up, and is $6 at the door with $1 from each ticket going to AVOL.
AVOL has been on the forefront of the battle against HIV and AIDS in central and eastern Kentucky since 1987. Its mission is to collaborate with communities to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, and to empower those affected. They work to accomplish this by educating communities, distributing free condoms, offering free HIV/STI testing and counseling, offering support for stable and sustainable living to low-income individuals and families dealing with HIV/AIDS, and constantly working to remove stigma and taboo associated with HIV/AIDS.
It has been a long road from its humble beginnings at a small kitchen table, but this year, AVOL commemorates its 25th anniversary of community collaboration and HIV/AIDS prevention. Whiddon says of the partnership between local performers and community non-profits, “It’s local efforts that deserve the most attention at present. When I think of the supporters of AVOL, I see them as also being strong supporters of the local performing arts community, so it seems to be a natural fit.
AVOL is celebrating this momentous occasion with an anniversary event on September 13th, in the Kentucky Theater’s State Theater. Although details are still developing, the event will be free and open to the public. More details can be found on AVOL’s website at www.avolky.org as they become available.
The performers involved have received acclaim both in and out of the local bars and clubs they frequent. Oh My Me was recently featured at South by Southwest (SXSW), as a part of the music festival in Austin, Texas this past March. According to SXSW, “With a wildly-varying musical background, the group blends an eclectic mix of battering drums, psychedelia & heavy-soul vocals to form its uniquely theatrical sound. Surprising melodies & dynamic arrangements are keystones in the group’s music. Coupled with an unflinching stage presence, they have quickly established themselves as a band that is as interesting to see as they are to hear.”
The partnership between Oh My Me and Palisades began two years ago when they first played together at the Green Lantern. The partnership between these two and Ancient Warfare began upon their meeting the leading lady of Ancient Warfare, Echo Wilcox, a little over a year ago. Since then, they’ve played several shows together in various venues. The Deloreans have been imported from the west to compliment the three groups, and as a metaphor for rising above basketball boundaries and delivering to the community something that we all love. Great music. “I was just thinking about good music. It just kinda happened. They love playing here, I love seeing them. And, I love it when bands from out of town -- even just close by towns -- see that we've got something rather special here,” Whiddon said.
The sentiment of collaboration is central to the work that AVOL does, and is expressed not only in the mission statement, but in the philosophy that the organization employs to achieve its mission. Asked about his thoughts on the importance of working with other community groups, AVOL Executive Director Mark Royse said, "AVOL is a community trust. We were created by the community, and that's who we're here to serve. Our mission speaks to that. Today I think it would be hard to find anyone who hasn't been affected by HIV/AIDS. Private contributions, like the ones made by these local performers, help us give right back to the community by providing free HIV testing, education and outreach, as well as housing and supportive services for men and women living with the disease."