(MONTCLAIR, NJ) – On May 21, the Outpost in the Burbs (Outpost) announced the receipt of a $9775 grant from The Montclair Foundation in support of a capital improvement project to upgrade sound and lighting equipment used to produce the Outpost’s concert series.
The Outpost is a non-profit outreach organization that proudly operates on the efforts of its dedicated volunteers to build community through music, community service, and cultural programs.
The generous support from The Montclair Foundation will help the Outpost purchase a new front of house speaker sub-system. “The ability to bring people together through music is essential for the Outpost to expand its community outreach and provide individuals with opportunities to volunteer for community service events that help those in need.” said Steve Cutaia, Executive Director. “We are grateful for The Montclair Foundation’s investment in our vision.”
This past year, the Outpost concert series featured diverse acts from folk artist Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul, and Mary fame, to Montclair resident and world-renowned jazz musician Christian McBride. New partnerships allowed the Outpost to expand its profile into the community through memorable outdoor concerts held at and in partnership with the Van Vleck House and Gardens in Montclair, NJ and with the recent April 25, 2015 Outpost concert featuring legendary folk-rock artist Roger McGuinn, former front man for the Byrds, held at the Mt. Hebron Middle School Auditorium in Upper Montclair, NJ.
The community service pillar of Outpost’s mission brings nourishment to the clients of the Soup Kitchen at Christ Episcopal Church in East Orange, NJ, on the third Saturday of each month, providing approximately 1000 meals last year. The Outpost utilizes its concert series to conduct collection drives. Food and hotel amenities (soap, shampoo, etc.) are collected on behalf of the Human Needs Food Pantry in Montclair, NJ. New or gently worn women’s business clothing and accessories are collected in the fall for the local Dress for Success program. In December, toys are collected for the local Toys for Tots program. As winter approaches, the Outpost purchases and donates winter clothing and accessories for distribution to those who will need it in the cold months.
About Outpost in the Burbs
The Outpost in the Burbs is a non-profit outreach organization dedicated to building community through music, community service, and cultural programs. For more information about the Outpost or how you can support its community efforts, go to www.outpostintheburbs.org or call 973-744-6560
About The Montclair Foundation
The Montclair Foundation was established in 1979 to support not-for-profit organizations that meet health, educational, cultural, social service and quality of life needs in the greater Montclair community. It offers concerned citizens a way to assure the continuing vitality of Montclair and serves as a permanent conduit for charitable giving. For more information about The Montclair Foundation, go to www.vanvleck.org or call 973-744-4752.
PHOTO of Roger McGuinn by Todd Boresoff