Las Vegas Weekly

October 1, 2010 · 10:02 AM

Barry Manilow to donate musical instruments to 15 Las Vegas schools

By Robin Leach

Barry Manilow.

Photo: Rob Shanahan

It’s another extraordinary -- and mammoth -- act of generosity from superstar Strip entertainer Barry Manilow. Next week, the singer-songwriter will present five semi-trucks loaded with musical instruments to severely depleted school music programs. Students at no less than 15 schools in Las Vegas and Clark County will be recipients of the large gift valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Our merry Mayor of Mirth Oscar Goodman will join with hundreds of music teachers and students for the presentation Thursday. Barry runs Manilow Music Project as part of Manilow Fund for Health and Hope formed in 2008 to assist needs of public schools and financially depleted music programs. His charity furthers music education in the country with donations of instruments and related materials.

Barry has been praised in his hometown of Palm Springs, Calif., for his amazing philanthropic efforts and music gifts throughout Southern California. When he signed his two-year residency at the Paris, he vowed to do the same here. Fans have even brought new and gently used instruments to his box office in exchange for a free ticket to shows and meets-and-greets after performances.

“With public school music programs so severely depleted, it’s more important than ever to do what we can to keep the music alive. It is a pleasure to bring music to these kids,” Barry said in a statement.

Vegas DeLuxe and Barry’s fans applaud him for his amazing gift, and we’ll have the photo report here next Thursday right after the Valley High School ceremony.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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