A-Town Get Down announces the postponement of the 2019 A-Town Get Down Festival and will take a recovery year after the tragic shooting of founder and producer Tom Townsend in September 2018. A fundraising event for the Alex Townsend Memorial Foundation is scheduled for Saturday, June 29th, 2019 in the Ballroom of the American Legion Post #135 located at 1101 Bull Street.
In September of 2018, Tom Townsend, founder, and producer of the Savannah arts and music festival A-Town Get Down, was involved in an attempted carjacking and tragically shot in the neck near his home in St. Louis, Missouri. With a talented and dedicated team of doctors, Tom’s life was saved but he suffered severe damage to his jaw. Through several surgeries and continued rehabilitation, Tom is recovering and acknowledges the support of his friends, family, and community both in St. Louis and Savannah.
Tom Townsend states, “The support from the Savannah community has been extraordinary and heartfelt. The love and support we have experienced over the last few months is a shining example of why Alex loved Savannah so much and why we will always try to give back to those who gave so much to us.”
It is because of the arduous recovery ahead that the Townsends along with the Alex Townsend Memorial Foundation have decided to postpone the 2019 A-Town Get Down Festival. However, with the help of community, sponsors, and friends, the June 29th, 2019 fundraiser at The American Legion will benefit the Foundation in its mission to increase community access to the arts. This event will be an homage to the mission of the festival and include live music, art and more.
Mike English, Senior Vice-President of Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co., a headlining sponsor of A-Town Festivals says, “A-Town Get Down has had such a positive impact on the creative community over the years. I have personally experienced some defining moments as a musician and a family man because of the opportunities the festival brings to Savannah. During a much-needed recovery period for the Townsends we, in collaboration with W Projects, will be hosting a fundraiser in A-Town’s name in order to show the Townsends and the foundation that Savannah appreciates all they have done for us.”
Meanwhile, Tom has spent his recuperation time at home exploring music as a healing force. “The Healing Sessions” are available for viewing online at https://vimeo.com/album/5829272
A-Town Get Down Festival is an annual event which helps establish and remind the community that arts education, community involvement, and partnerships are an intrinsic component of the healthy development and growth of a city.
More information will be announced closer to the date of the fundraiser and will be available on atowngetdown.org and through social media announcements. For those interested in participating in the fundraiser, please contact Erin Wessling of W Projects at erin@wprojects.co