When you think of New York City, you probably don’t think of a place where people take the time to help each other out. Instead, your image is likely that of several million self-centered individuals rushing to get from home to work, and back. Fair or not, words such as cold, distant, and abrupt are often used to describe New Yorkers.

If you happen to be discussing musicians who live in NYC, the labels are even more derogatory. Often described as ruthless and obsessive, musicians who try to make it in the Big Apple are known for a steely demeanor, one that seems absolutely necessary if they are going to stand out from the huge crowd of fellow aspiring musicians.

The NYC music and arts scene is a dog-eat-dog world, a place where Darwinian theories clash violently with the objective world of art. One upcoming event, though, has the potential to paint the city’s musicians in a completely different light.

Warm, Safe & Sound is a benefit concert in which several up-and-coming bands from the city will unite for the purpose of keeping some of the city’s homeless warm during the rapidly approaching cold winter months. The concept is simple, yet remarkably refreshing: several well-known bands perform on one bill, hoping to entice fans to donate coats and sweaters by offering a reduced ticket price if they do so.

Comprised of a lineup that includes The New York Howl, Hello Nurse, Blip Blip Bleep, MYTVS, and Broadcaste, and taking place at one of the city’s best music venues, Mercury Lounge, Warm, Safe & Sound looks to be one of the better bills in NYC this year. This fact is not lost on those who are promoting the show. In addition to the good cause it is promoting, the show would be noteworthy simply as a musical event.

But make no mistake about it: Warm, Safe & Sound will be a significant event in New York because it will show a softer side of those who normally appear overly self-absorbed and occasionally callous. Perhaps 1980’s icons Huey Lewis & The News were right in stating that the heart of rock n ’roll is still beating. New York’s homeless - and the hundreds of music fans who are likely to attend Warm, Safe & Sound - will be the beneficiary.

Posted by Louise.

Louise also writes for Creative And Unique Gift Ideas.