In this seemingly soulless era of I-got-mine corporate antics, it certainly is refreshing to find an individual who found financial success and said no thanks, not enough. This is what happened to Nate Anderson, founder and fearless leader of Ear Candy, a charitable organization that utilizes music to raise money so that children have a chance to become tomorrow’s musicians.
It wasn’t so very long ago that Anderson, a self-described “entrepreneur and business man,” decided his financial ventures were lacking a sense of fulfillment. He turned to the things he felt most committed to: his continually accumulating music collection and grassroots make-the-world-a-better-place pursuits. Ear Candy was the resulting creation.
Started in October of 2007 as Ear Candy Promotions, Anderson wanted to help alleviate the shortage on music education provided to school children. Ear Candy, however, is not a music promoter in the commonly recognized sense of the term and Anderson later decided to drop the “Promotions” part. Rather, Ear Candy brings together local musicians for the purpose of raising instruments for afterschool programs like the Boys and Girls Club.
Nate claims that it wasn’t until 2008 that he really started to know what he was doing in his new role at Ear Candy. More than a year later, we find ourselves nearing the end of 2009 and Ear Candy has raised more than 250 instruments for students, brought together local music acts for charitable actions, and continues to provide some of the most enjoyable means of doing-your-part to Arizonians.
The upcoming year is going to be very exciting for Ear Candy and fans of their events. Beginning a district by district drive, the new year promises shows aplenty. At present, Ear Candy hosts an event at the Hard Rock Café in Phoenix on the 3rd Friday of each month. Come out to one of their events and contribute to the musical education of children. What could be a more admirable way to pass an evening than listening to music you love and feeling good about yourself for being a productive, generous member of society?
