“Towards Sunshine” Benefit concert organized by BYU student

While many students will fill their summer with beach vacations or sales jobs, Glenn Rowley is using his summer to help make a positive impact in the world.

Rowley is a BYU student studying public relations and an avid music enthusiast. Currently a PR intern for ShowScoop, a concert review organization, and long time music blogger, Rowley wanted to incorporate his passion with a good cause.

“It started a year ago,” said Rowley. “I wanted to get involved in a music production of some sort but there was no opportunity. So, I came up with the idea to produce a benefit album featuring local artists and bands then put together a concert to launch the album.”

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Finding a non-profit organization that is deserving and worth while was one of the first tasks he checked off. Inside-out Learning International is working hard instructing teachers in Kenya, Uganda and other countries how to teach more effectively and prepare students for real life.

“Empowering children to discover their divine inner strength needed to become self-reliant, productive, and contributing citizens of the world,” is the organization’s vision.

After local donations, corporate sponsors and many musical donations Rowley was able, through hard work and support, to gather the resources needed for an album and concert.

“Once I decided to follow through with the idea everything started to fall into place,” said Rowley. “Lean On Music has helped me so much. I am so grateful for their support.”

There are 18 different artists featured on the album, four of which will perform at the concert. Caleb Blood will be the headliner followed by Mimi Knowles, Aubree Frame and The Lovecapades.

The Lovecapades, having previously performed at the Hard Rock Cafe in San Diego, Calif. and opened for the popular group Hellogoodbye, said they are especially excited about this benefit concert because there will be a new audience and a chance for them to serve.

“I have friends with skill sets that allow them to serve others, like nurses and paramedics,” said Colin Rivera, a BYU student studying music and the lead vocalist for The Lovecapades. “It is great to have the opportunity to use music, my skill set, to give back.”

Justin Curtis, BYU student studying international relations and drummer for the same group, said it feels good to be a part of an event that has a deeper meaning than their music.

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“I can’t wait to play with these groups we have never played with before because it will bring a completely new audience,” said Curtis. “This will not be the typical ‘Provo music scene.’ This will be a group of people coming to support a great cause and listen to meaningful music.”

The benefit concert will take place at the Castle Parks Event Center in Lindon on June 2. Concert tickets are $5, the benefit album is $10. Donations are accepted and all funds will go to Inside-Out Learning International.

Rowley said this project has been a lot of work, but he has felt rewarded in countless ways.

“This whole experience has taught me that everyone has the power to make a difference,” said Rowley. “I was just one person with and idea, and now it has become so much bigger than I ever anticipated.”