Arby’s Foundation Benefit Concert with Smash Mouth & Alex Guthrie, July 17th
Monday, July 16th, 2018
On July 17, the Arby’s Foundation is hosting Dream Big Atlanta featuring live performances from Atlanta-based musical artist Alex Guthrie and multi-platinum band Smash Mouth. The Arby’s Foundation has hosted Dream Big Atlanta for three years. This year’s event marks its first public benefit concert, which will feature a silent auction alongside the musical performances.
Organizers hope the event will serve as a fun way for people to support childhood hunger, youth development and career readiness initiatives while enjoying a night full of music and entertainment. Dream Big Atlanta will also celebrate Atlanta’s outstanding youth revitalizing the city, with the Arby’s Foundation presenting a $150,000 grant to Horizons Atlanta in support of their mission to close the opportunity gap through summer learning.
“Without support like this, our students would not have exposure to the cultural, college and career experiences our program provides, nor be able to visualize all of the opportunities available to them," said Alex Wan, executive director of Horizons Atlanta.
“At Arby’s, one of our core values is to ‘Dream Big.’ And while this value is central to who we are as an organization, we know that many kids simply don’t have the means to dream big,” said Stuart Brown, executive director of the Arby’s Foundation. “We are committed to making it possible for kids to not only dream big, but to pursue their dreams with confidence.”
This summer marks the first time in nearly a decade that all five original members of the Smash Mouth lineup have played together. The band is celebrating this reunion and 20 years of music by releasing a special remastered version and an acoustic version of their first album this June. They are also working this summer on a new album of original material, set for release in 2019.
For Atlanta musician Alex Guthrie, giving back to the city is a way to give thanks. Guthrie has created a synergy of ‘70s Southern blues bands through an infusion of R&B, soul, folk and rock. His appearance in an ad with Jennifer Hudson resulted in new opportunities and heightened awareness for Guthrie, and he wants to give back to his hometown.
“The Atlanta music community took me in and gave me support from day one of performing my music. I'm forever grateful for those that stepped in and encouraged me to hold tight to my dreams when I was losing confidence in myself,” said Guthrie.
Tickets are available at universe.com/arbysdreambig. Event details and updates can also be found on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.