2nd annual ‘Yinz Citizen’ concert fundraiser set for Sept. 16
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Local nonprofit 412 Food Rescue will stream the star-packed second annual Yinz Citizen virtual concert on Sept. 16.
The event is designed to raise money for food rescue and hunger relief.
The concert is bringing together 13 local bands including Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers, Derek Woods Band, Josh Jams, Bill Toms Band, Musicians of the PSO, Brandon Lehman of Swiss Army, Driving While Black Records, Leigh Solomon Pugliano, Evan Thorsen, Paging Doctor Moon, Back Alley Sound, Shelf Life String Band, and a special performance from Rock Reggae and Relief.
Between performances there will be appearances from celebrities such as hip-hop megastar Wiz Khalifa, artist Baron Batch, Randy Baumann, Larry Richert and others.
412 Food Rescue has staked its claim as the only organization in the Greater Pittsburgh region focused on food that would otherwise be discarded. It has redirected more than 19 million pounds of food in Western Pennsylvania, equal to 16 million meals for the needy, the organization said.
This year 412 Food Rescue is partnering with Moe’s Southwest Grill to offer live viewers of the concert “dinner and a show.” Anyone wishing to support the organization with the purchase of a taco meal kit can pre-order one to pick up at any Moe’s location at 7 p.m. on Sept. 16, one hour before the Yinz Citizen livestream begins.
Moe’s will donate 25% of all taco kit sales to 412 Food Rescue. All orders have to be placed here by Sept. 14 at noon to count toward the fundraiser.
Last year, Yinz Citizen raised $54,000 for 412 Food Rescue, according to organizers. It was viewed 8,600 times within a week, and 4,300 watched it live.
Sara Swaney, 412 Food Rescue’s vice president of advancement & engagement, calls the event “the ultimate Pittsburgh mixtape” and said the virtual nature of it allows more people to participate safely.
“With the delta variant on the rise, we wanted to ensure that everyone could participate in a safe and comfortable way, regardless of how covid was impacting our community,” she said.
The concert is free to view, with the option to donate at YinzCitizen.com.