Robert Ott Companies, Desert Star Estate and 97 South Song Sessions, Partner with MusiCounts
Toronto, ON - MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences and the JUNO Awards, announced today a new partnership with Robert Ott, which will give more students access to the benefits of music through the MusiCounts Band Aid Program.
Ott is the Founder & Former Chairman/CEO ole (now Anthem), one of the world's largest independent / music publishing, recorded music, and rights management companies. He is currently Developer/Director of Desert Star Estate, a luxury vacation rental estate in the heart of British Columbia’s wine region overlooking Lake Okanagan, and the 97 South Song Sessions, an annual songwriters festival in its sixth season. In addition to a personal donation from Ott, Desert Star Estate and 97 South Song Sessions will be holding an event in support of MusiCounts taking place during the festival in July 2024.
"Music is pivotal in shaping the music artists of tomorrow and igniting the creative and innovative spirit of our youth, which is an ultimately transferable skill," commented Robert Ott. "I encourage other festivals and industry leaders in music and beyond to recognize the importance of music programs in schools and to join us in supporting the important work of MusiCounts."
The funds raised through this partnership will support the MusiCounts Band Aid Program, which awards up to $20,000 to schools for musical instruments, equipment, and resources. Now in its 28th year, this program has awarded over $13 million to schools across Canada.
“Robert’s commitment to supporting music education through his philanthropic efforts is admirable,” said MusiCounts President Kristy Fletcher. “This partnership will help MusiCounts continue its work to make music education accessible, sustainable, and inclusive for the kids who need it most in this country.”
Further details about the benefit event will be released in advance of the 97 South Song Sessions festival, which is slated for July 18-20, 2024.
About MusiCounts
MusiCounts is Canada's music education charity associated with CARAS and the JUNO Awards. MusiCounts' vision is to ensure that all youth in Canada have access to music education through their schools and communities. This vision is realized through grant programs that invest directly into schools and communities across Canada that put musical instruments into the hands of kids who need them the most. Additionally, MusiCounts creates educational resources for teachers and students; empowers young people to pursue music as a career; and celebrates teachers, artists, and philanthropists who champion music education. Since 1997 MusiCounts has awarded over $16,000,000 in support of music education in Canada.
www.musicounts.ca
About 97 South Song Sessions
97 South Song Sessions, founded by entrepreneur Robin Ott and former music industry CEO, Robert Ott in 2019, is a bluebird style, songwriters performing festival that launched in the Summer of 2019. Set in the city of Penticton, the festival features internationally hit songwriters from Canada, the U.S., and abroad performing their hit songs acoustically, in the round and sharing the stories behind their creation. The festival has featured songwriters and artists such as Rik Emmett, Paul Brandt, Kim Mitchell, Alan Frew, Tim Nichols, Jamie O’Neal, and Marc Jordan.
www.97SouthSongSessions.com
About Desert Star Estate
Perched on an 18-acre endless-view property on British Columbia’s world-renowned wine region overlooking Lake Okanagan, Desert Star Estate is a newly constructed, purpose-built, luxury vacation rental estate with world-class amenities.
www.DesertStarEstate.com
