ABOUT US
About our Founder...
After decades of performing at nightclubs and festivals, Rob Fried had the opportunity to perform alongside Meryl Streep and Paul Newman to preserve Connecticut farmland which ignited a vision to play “music with purpose." Combining decades of business and investment experience as a founder of the hedge fund Bridgewater Associates, with his musical passion, Fried began to unite non-profit partners, musicians, donors and audience members to help Connecticut families. Band Central was born to create fundraising events that connect giving with joy and entertainment.
"When I see how people respond to live music, its a powerful thing. When people get up to dance, are smiling, and the euphoria happens, its almost like the audience becomes
another member of the band. As a bassist and vocalist, I try to feel what they are feeling and then take it higher. That is a big part of the joy of being a musician” -Rob Fried
The Band Central Process...
Band Central initiates the process by providing a grant to the nonprofit partner from the Band Central Fund, a donor-advised fund at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation. Next the team supports the nonprofit to market the event, engaging the nonprofit’s existing donors and attracting new ones. Band Central Radio on WPKN 89.5FM promotes community awareness of the nonprofit's event and mission and serves as yet another vehicle for their special event fundraising. Band Central then leverages its network of 200+ musicians to produce a “concert with a cause.”