Peterson CD release party and fundraiser slated Feb. 8
The music lives on for the late Pat Peterson, a musician from Whitewater who died of brain cancer last year with a CD release celebration and fundraiser slated Feb. 8.
Innabeat Music and Entertainment present The David Mazzie Acoustic Experience, Katie Scullin, Chris Kohn and John Masino in support of a the CD release party for “Takin’ It Back” in an effort to continue to raise funds for Children’s Hospital.
Peterson had put the finishing touches on the CD in January 2013 and signed a precious few copies before he died of brain cancer in February. This is the last CD he completed all the way through to the end and it serves to stand as testament to his creative spirit and musicianship.
His final wish was granted when his song “Long Road” was heard around the world before he lost his battle with brain cancer Feb. 7, 2013 at the age of 40. He was formerly the dynamic front man, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for his bands The Pipe Circus, Avengers Assemble, and Pat’s solo act.
During a 2009 interview Peterson stated: “Music is a powerful tool, if I can utilize it to change a life, I know I have channeled my energy towards something that is good. I don’t know what could top the feeling of giving to so many deserving people.”
Aside from having his music heard by people around the world, another of Peterson’s wishes was that his music would live on after he was gone.
“I know he would’ve wanted me to find a way to continue to do good with his music,” his wife, Ruth Peterson said. “Pat left me a lot of music, there are still about six more CD’s that have not even been released yet. I cannot think of a better way to make his final wish come true and still honor his memory in a way that he would be proud of.”
Ruth Peterson said their family has been deeply rooted in the Whitewater community and committed to working with non-profit events for local and national organizations. Their efforts, she explained, have reached more than 100 charitable events for organizations such as the Children’s Hospital, Salvation Army, Red Cross, and Relay For Life.
The Petersons also helped organize and promote events such as the Second Street Hope Festival and Robstock, among others – raising more than $75,000 for families in need and food pantries of local communities.
For the Feb. 8 event, Ruth Peterson said she and daughter Jazmine have found a way to keep Pat’s music alive and continue to contribute to organizations that he felt deeply about.
In November 2013, Ruth Peterson said, they began a campaign to donate $5 per CD sold to Children’s Hospital.
“I was inspired to do this when I found a number of letters Pat had saved over the years from Children’s Hospital thanking him for his past donations,” Ruth Peterson, co-founder of Innabeat Music and Entertainment said.
During the CD Release Party there will be a variety of Pat Peterson autographed items available for sale including: guitar picks, CDs and photographs.
Ruth Peterson said she plans to donate 20 percent of all merchandise profits to Children’s Hospital in addition to all of the money collected at the door as well as money collected from raffles that will be held throughout the night.
The Pat Peterson CD Release Celebration will be held 6 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8 at RJ’s, 110 S. 3rd St., Watertown. The cost to attend is $3 at the door or $1 and a canned food donation that will benefit the Watertown Food Pantry.
For more information visit www.innabeat.com.
