Multi-platinum, Australian singer/songwriter Vance Joy has announced a new initiative called “Vance Joy - Ukuleles for Kids” in partnership with Kala and MyMusicRx. The program will provide the opportunity for children’s hospitals across the United States to opt for donation throughout the month of August. In September, National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, ukuleles and how-to video lessons will be delivered to hospitals that have opted into the program. More details can be found at vancejoy.com/ukulelesforkids.
“I remember hearing a beautiful story about George Harrison driving around in his car, handing out instruments to people,” said Vance Joy. “I’ve always wanted to emulate that idea and what better way than giving the gift of instruments and music lessons to young children who are fighting terminal diseases. My heart goes out to these kids and their families.”
Vance Joy himself will provide the video lessons, teaching children how to play simple songs on ukulele, including his break-out single “Riptide” and latest single “Saturday Sun.” Kala, a long-time partner of Vance Joy, will donate plastic, hospital sanitary ukuleles, encouraging young patients to watch the videos and learn to play. MyMusicRx will host the lessons on MyMusicRx.org, and manage hospital opt-ins through their national network of children’s hospitals.
Vance Joy is currently home in Australia after a whirlwind year traveling the globe in support of his newest album, Nation of Two. The Nation of Two World Tour – North America just concluded with a sold-out show at Greek Theatre in Los Angeles earlier this month, followed by an unforgettable outdoor concert on Jimmy Kimmel Live! (watch here). The tour sold 140,000 tickets in the United States and 46,000 tickets in Canada.
