Visiting Band Sponsors Toy Jam Saturday – Daily Gazette – 12.03.09
AMSTERDAM – The Boston-based band Thirteen Yards to Victory is expected to host a toy drive this weekend at the Riverfront Center.
Toy Jam II will kick off in Amsterdam Saturday as the band’s way of thanking the community for allowing them to test their 2010 tour on Amsterdam High School students.
Thirteen Yards to Victory played two shows at Amsterdam High School in October to test their I’m An American Dreamer project, which is a cross country tour that raises money and awareness about music and art education programs in schools.
“The people were so good to us. They were helpful and responsive and gave us great feedback on our social media sites,” band manager Fred Balboni said. “It really helps in putting a show together especially one that you are going to put on the road.”
Now the band wants to give back to the community.
Toy Jam II will essentially be a concert at the Riverfront Center Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring at minimum a $5, unwrapped, new toy, which will be distributed locally to families in need by the Friends of the Sanford Stud Farm.
Given the response after the Amsterdam High School shows, Balboni said they are expecting a large crowd.
The band is expected to be available after the show to hang out with fans, sign autographs and take pictures.
Band member Vinny Prezioso, 20, said he is excited to come back to Amsterdam.
“We were just there a few months ago and it’s going to be cool to come back and do something positive,” he said. “We can’t wait to see everyone this weekend.”
The show is sponsored locally by the Rotary Club of Amsterdam, Catholic Charities and America’s Best Value Inn along with WCSS 1490AM, which will broadcasting the live concert.
I think that toy jam 2 in Amsterdam, NY was absolutley amazing! They rocked and they are so down to earth! Just like there one of us! And I think they should come back the the high school! Really!! =)