Music Is The Medicine Returns With Annual Benefit Concert [AUDIO]

A fast-rising non-profit from Ocean County is back with their latest fundraising and awareness raising effort.

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The charity is Music Is The Medicine Foundation, which was formed by a group of friends in Ocean County as a way to give back using the power of music.

The organization was founded in 2010 by brothers Dan, Connor, and Brent Effenberger, who all play in a band together called The Amboys. It started as a simple idea that has morphed into a full-fledged non-profit, which now includes a board comprised of friends, family, and others who have joined the cause.

Part of what makes the foundation so unique is that each year a new initiative is selected by the entire group to put their energy into.

"We always do something different," Board Member Mary Norcia explained, "We pick a new theme, we pick a new venue, and then we go right back it and start fresh."

While that often makes it difficult on the charity to keep momentum going for a particular cause, the group remains undeterred.

"We're not just focusing on this one cause forever and ever," she said, "We're constantly changing, we're constantly going after something new, and sort of, spreading the love."

Music Is The Medicine has raised money for the Wounded Warrior Project, brain cancer awareness, just to name a few causes. This Saturday will be the latest in the group's journey.  While the group hosts assorted events throughout the year, they have been hosting a large-scale summer event for a chosen cause.

The "Beet Violence, Grow Peas" benefit concert will be held August 4th at Trinity and the Pope in Asbury Park, beginning at 6PM. The event will raise funds and awareness for Providence House Domestic Violence Services, which provides victims of domestic abuse and their children with an array of services.

The group thought outside the box on this particular fundraiser, though. The theme of this event will center on nutrition, specifically organic farming and the therapeutic effects it holds. The money raised will go towards funding an organic garden to be built at Providence House, so that these victims will have a sustainable, nutritious source of food and a relaxation mechanism.

The concert will feature a slew of well-known Jersey bands, including The Amboys, The Riverwinds, Mad Feather Group, Marshland Plan, Justin & Emily of No Wine For Kittens, Anthony Walker, Midnight Poncho, Frank Lombardi, Chris Brown, Brian Leopold (The Poconos), plus special guests. The cost of the event is a $10 donation.

On top of a night full of great live music, information about the cause will be presented throughout the evening, along with more opportunities to donate and give back.

"Everyone is learning about the cause. Everyone is getting to know our organization, and realizing what it is that we do," Norcia said.

You can get full event details and learn more about the foundation by visiting the Music Is The Medicine website, Facebook, and Twitter.

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