Culture
Concert Aims to Raise Funds for Spinal Muscular Atrophy
By: Kelly Fisher
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Ohio University – and the Athens community as a whole – is full of feminist voices and opportunities to learn what “girl power” really means in this day and age.
One of the more unique opportunities is an event this Saturday – appropriately titled “Girl Power!” – featuring four local female singer-songwriters in support of the nonprofit organization Adyn’s Dream.
The organization is named after one powerful girl in particular: Adyn Bucher, a 12-year-old girl who was born with the genetic disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). According to the organization’s website, this means Adyn will “never be able to walk or crawl, she will still suffer from extreme physical weakness, and due to this weakness, will be very susceptible to injury & traumatic illness.”
Still, she hasn’t let that hinder her ambitions. Adyn’s father, Brian Bucher, said she has always had a passion for music, and music has always been a bonding experience for their family. Brian and his wife brought Adyn to her first music festival at five months old (before she was even diagnosed with SMA). And a few years ago, on the way home from a family trip to Nashville, Adyn came up with the idea for the nonprofit, which raises money for other families impacted by SMA.
“It made sense with who Adyn is and what Adyn is trying to do,” Brian said of the Girl Power! theme, adding that his daughter always has the final say of the performers at the fundraising events, all of which feature live music.
This particular show will feature performances from Liz Pahl, Michelle McGrath, Jess Kauffman and Aubree Riley.
Not only will the catered event have support from local musicians, but also from local businesses, via raffle prizes. Participants can win a $100 Cornwell Jewelers gift card, a gift basket and gift card from Athens Uncorked, and a two-night stay in the Bucher’s fully-furnished family cabin, 15 minutes outside of Athens.
The show, which takes place at the Eclipse Company Store in The Plains, will kick off at 6 p.m. and wrap up at 10 p.m. Tickets to Girl Power! cost $30 individually or $200 for a table of eight. They can be purchased at Hyacinth Bean, The Import House, The Standard Salon and online.
Brian said tickets will be available at the door, but encouraged people to purchase them in advance.
“The more people there,” he said, “the better time it is.”
