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A Gift to Sandy Hook from Chicago Musicians Care - "Hallelujah"

Betsy, Neighbor

Posted Fri, Nov 8, 2013 at 10:10 am ET

In remembrance of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School last December, Chicago Musicians Care, is releasing their version of the Leonard Cohen song, “Hallelujah” today.

“When the tragedy occurred at Sandy Hook in December of last year, the whole country paused in sadness and grief. There was something remarkably unbearable about what happened to those twenty beautiful children and those six brave leaders at the school that caused us to feel a call to action to do something, anything to respond,” said Kevin Tenbrunsel, local businessman, singer and co-founder of Chicago Musicians Care. And, thus, Tenbrunsel teamed up with pianist and producer and co-founder of Chicago Musicians Care, Chris Errera, to gather vocalists, musicians and producers to record Errera’s arrangement of “Hallelujah.” The Chicago Children’s Choir, under the direction of President and Artistic Director Josephine Lee, also donated their vocal talents to the song. Mitchell Owens provided the choir arrangement.

"This is a gift from us to the people of Sandy Hook. It is our sincere hope that awareness from this song and this call to action will play a small role in keeping our children safe in schools across this country. If only one life is saved by the awareness and message of this song, it will be worth it a million times over," said Tenbrunsel.

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When people download the song on iTunes all proceeds will benefit the Sandy Hook Workers Assistance Fund, which assists teachers, staff and first responders directly affected by the shooting. “Often these are the people that are forgotten when a tragedy such as this occurs. We want them to know that we care and will never forget,” added Errera.

On December 8, 2013, Chicago Musicians Care will perform “Hallelujah” live. Proceeds from this benefit will go directly to the Sandy Hook Workers Assistance Fund. The musicians and vocalists, including the Chicago Children’s Choir, will perform other songs as well. Tickets are $25 each for adults and $10 for children. Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments are included and a silent auction will be featured. The event is taking place at Untitled, 111 West Kinzie Street, Chicago. Tickets can be purchased at http://chicagomusicanscare.eventbrite.com.