Tedeschi Trucks Band has announced the 4th annual Kofi Burbridge Day of Service will take place September 21st and 22nd, 2024, coinciding with Kofi’s birthday weekend. The band has partnered with nonprofit organizations in several cities to provide opportunities for fans to honor the late musician’s legacy by giving back to their communities.
“Kofi Burbridge was an inspirational artist whose generosity and musical talents touched countless lives,” the band said. “His spirit of giving and uplifting others continues to inspire us. Join us in this special weekend celebration to remember Kofi’s impact and continue his spirit of generosity through unique community-based volunteer opportunities.”
Kofi Burbridge joined Derek Trucks Band in 1999 after a stint with Col. Bruce Hampton‘s Aquarium Rescue Unit. Trucks and Burbridge shared a musical partnership that lasted two decades, ultimately traveling and playing together with Tedeschi Trucks Band until Burbridge passed away in 2019 due to complications from a cardiac condition.
“He just made everything better and everything cool,” Trucks said in a 2020 documentary about Burbridge’s life. “It didn’t matter what it was. It just instantly had a purpose. … Everyone loved him. He was a people person, and he really connected with a lot of people. And that’s the thing, man. He got a lot of great work done while he was here. He left a real legacy.” Trucks continued, “You don’t meet many geniuses in your life, and you really don’t get a chance to share a huge chunk of your life with them, so I keep coming back to that. It was a hell of a gift.”
Kofi’s brother Oteil Burbridge, bassist for Allman Brothers Band and now Dead & Company, said of his brother, “Kofi had such an open mind. Such an incredible imagination. … and he was always my teacher. He was always so far ahead of me ’cause they figured out he had perfect pitch when he was seven years old. … Kofi was so far ahead of everyone else that I found it difficult to play with other people—and I thought Kofi was normal.”
Organizations participating in the 4th annual Kofi Burbridge Day of Service will welcome volunteers in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Charlottesville, VA, Denver, Jacksonville, Jamestown, RI, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York City, Philadelphia, Portland, OR, Washington, D.C., and Westchester County, NY. Advance registration is required as space is limited. Volunteer slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Those unable to make it to one of the sponsored events are encouraged to participate by volunteering locally or contributing to the Kofi Burbridge Fund through the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation.
“Whether you volunteer at a local food bank, assist at a nearby farm, or engage in your own service activity, every act of kindness will contribute to the collective impact of this special weekend,” the website states.
Search for sponsored opportunities to participate in the 4th Annual Kofi Burbridge Day of Service here, or click here to find ways to volunteer locally.
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