In New Hope, local bands and nonprofits will rock out to the sound of justice.
Four bands from Central Bucks School District (CBSD) will jam at New Hope Winery for the second annual “Band Together for a Cause“: fundraiser Saturday at 6 p.m. The event is being organized by the nonprofits Stand Up for Justice Educator Fund and Stage United.
Since 2022, Stand Up for Justice Educator Fund has awarded teachers in CBSD who implement classroom lessons centering on justice for people no matter what religious, cultural, or racial background, in order to counter bigotry and bullying. Stage United, through grants, sponsorships, and working with the community, has given greater access to live music in Bucks County since 2024.
Joe Montone, founder of Stage United, said it is important to make sure regional artists have a stage. He also sees this collaboration as an effective way to draw attention to important issues that directly affect the community.
“Somebody that wants to listen to the music could then become aware of local educators that are creating anti-bullying and anti-bigotry campaigns in their classrooms,” Monotone said. “It brings our community closer together through live music.”
The nonprofits will be awarding three local educators for introducing curriculum aimed towards building justice at this weekend’s event. First place will receive $1,000, second place $500, and third place $250. Stand Up For Justice is funded mostly through individuals in the community, as well as the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS). All proceeds go toward the fund, which goes directly to the recipients of the awards.
Jared Hottenstein, a fifth grade teacher at Jamison Elementary School, was one of two educators who won first place last year. He created The Kindness Crew, which included teaching students how to interact with Autistic support students, as well as with elderly residents with limited mobility and memory issues. They visit a local assisted living facility each month to spend quality time with seniors and spread kindness
Shana Trichon, co-director of the Stand Up For Justice Educator Fund, has a child in Central Bucks School District and is active in the school community. Trichon experienced anti-semitism as a child in school, and had also heard of similar things happening at Central Bucks.
“We would hear all too often that kids were continually getting bullied and harassed in school for just being who they are,” Trichon said. “So we asked, what can we do to help?”
Headlining for a second year in a row is Class Act – a renowned 7-piece supergroup of CBSD educators. They will be joined by the playful funk-jam collective Pajammies who got their start in the Music Production Room at CB East in 2023. Spacey Jazz funk trio, ColaCore, features current CB East students and alumni. Helene, a CB West 2022 alum, kicks off the night debuting her music for a hometown crowd.
