‘BAND Against Bullying’ competition to feature HS musical acts and ‘Jersey Boys’

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Lead cast members of the national touring cast of the musical “Jersey Boys” and high school students competing in a battle of the bands will meet with media at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at the University at Buffalo North Campus to promote the “BAND Against Bullying” multi-school music and arts competition to raise awareness of bullying-related issues and anti-bullying education efforts.

Wednesday’s news conference will unveil details and introduce special guests for the anti-bullying rally scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, at UB’s Center for the Arts. At the news conference, several student acts, including rockers, rappers, dancers and arts displays inspired by the anti-bullying theme, will give a taste of the May 14 event, in which creative teams from 10 high schools will perform.

The appearance of the “Jersey Boys” at the news conference will give high school students participating in the music and arts competition a chance to compare notes and talk music with “Jersey Boys” cast members.

WHEN: News conference to publicize the upcoming “BAND Against Bullying” music competition, 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8.

WHERE: First floor atrium, Center for the Arts, UB’s North Campus.

WHO: Scheduled to speak at the morning news conference are: Amanda Nickerson, associate professor of counseling and director of UB’s Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention; and Ed Suk, executive director of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, New York branch.

Also, Devon Goffman, a Williamsville resident and Orchard Park native, and Marlana Dunn, both “Jersey Boys” cast members; and school personnel from competing school districts.

The speakers will address the goals of the “BAND Against Bullying” competition and address some of the issues facing schools.

NEWS CONFERENCE VISUALS:  The news conference will feature an “unplugged performance” by high school performers and a meet-greet among the high schoolers and the “Jersey Boy’s cast members.

WHAT: “BAND Against Bullying” is a premiere inter-school music and arts competition related to the theme of “dignity for all.”  Students from 10 local high schools have developed themed performances to raise community awareness of bullying-related issues and to raise support of anti-bullying education efforts. 

On Tuesday, May 14, each final act (selected from each school) will perform at the UB Center for the Arts. Proceeds will benefit participating schools, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Buffalo office, and the continued development of the BAND Against Bullying Program.

RELATED INFORMATION: www.nybandagainstbullying.org