Buffalo Philharmonic to donate 5 percent of 'U2 Symphony Experience' ticket sales to Red Cross

Funds to aid local disaster victims

The spirit of Bono will be felt strongly at Kleinhans on Oct. 21.

The U2 frontman's music will be in the air with the BPO debut of "U2 Symphony Experience," and his philanthropic values will also pervade the evening. The BPO will donate 5 percent of the ticket sales to the American Red Cross.

The funds will remain in the Western New York area, aiding victims of fires. On average, more than once a day, someone in the Western New York area is affected by a fire. Red Cross volunteers are on the front lines of assistance, providing temporary housing, food, clothing and support to more than 1,600 of our neighbors in need last year.

"We are thrilled to partner with a great community organization like the Buffalo Philharmonic," said Chuck Marra, American Red Cross, Western and Central New York Chapter executive director. "The music of U2 brings such enjoyment to their fans. This support from the BPO and their fans will help our volunteers give hope to fellow Western New Yorkers in their time of need."

The concert serves as the kickoff to the BPO Rocks series, and features music from all eras of U2's career. "Mysterious Ways," "One," Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "MLK/Walk On" are just a few of the songs on the program. Each of the four members of the group have more than a decade of experience performing the music of U2 and have collectively played the music more than 2,000 times in settings ranging from the symphony hall to "Today."

Shawn Brady, who steps into the role of Bono for the evening, spent more than 14 years fronting Toronto-based U2 tribute group Elevation.

Stefan Sanders will conduct. The concert will take place at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle, Buffalo.

Subscriptions to BPO Rocks are still available. The series includes: "The Beatles Classical Mystery Tour" on Nov. 4, "Steve Hackett - Genesis Revisited" on March 3, "A Tribute to the Music of Prince" on April 28 and "The Music of Abba featuring Arrival from Sweden" on April 29. For tickets, visit bpo.org or call 716-885-5000.