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Power in Music [Albuquerque Journal, N.M.](Albuquerque Journal (NM) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Oct. 13--When Philip Oliveira kicked his drug and alcohol problems more than a decade ago, he gave credit to God and music. "Music is a universal language, it has the power to heal. Everybody can relate to it," Oliveira said. Oliveira and his wife, Linda, are bringing their belief in the power of music to the Bernalillo County Youth Services Center, where many juvenile delinquents are sent to cool their heels after runins with the law. Through a program they call "The Freedom in Music Project," the Oliveiras and the Youth Services Center hope to open a music room, complete with instruments, microphones, amplifiers and recording equipment, that the kids can use. "We have been working very hard for the last few years to develop programming for our kids so that they have some better choices and different activities to turn to once they get released," said Cookie Norris, program manager at the Youth Services Center. "Our hope is that we can take advantage of whatever time we have with them here and have some kind of impact on them so they'll make better decisions when they're released." Oliveira is an accomplished musician himself, having played for decades and released several albums of his own music. He said he sympathizes with the kids who are going through tough times. "We're open to whatever is going to turn these kids on to something positive and off of chasing meth or heroin," he said. He estimated it will cost between $5,000 and $7,000 to get the music room up and running. Once the equipment is all in place, the next step will be to recruit local musicians to come in and volunteer to help teach the kids how to play. "The goal of the whole project is to bring mentors into these detention centers. They need role models, especially men. We want to work with them on music and music theory. And follow them when they get out," he said. Norris said she would like to integrate the music room into the probation and Community Custody programs, as well, so kids who aren't locked up at the center will also have a chance to benefit. "It's like that old saying: If you teach someone to fish, they'll eat for a lifetime; if you give someone a fish, they'll eat for a meal," she said. To help get the project started, Oliveira has organized a fundraiser Oct. 22. It will be at Elliot's Restaurant, 10200 Corrales Road NW, and the cost is $10, but other donations will be accepted, especially musical instruments. The event will feature performances from Joe Daddy and Hoodoo Jeff, RiseN, Twisted Mojo, The Plateros and the Roger Lewis Blues Band. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at Elliot's or at the door. For more information, visit www.thefreedominmusicproject.com. ___ (c)2011 the Albuquerque Journal (Albuquerque, N.M.) Visit the Albuquerque Journal (Albuquerque, N.M.) at www.abqjournal.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |