Symposium to host fundraising concert

Bill Mayhall submitted this item on a fundraising event happening in Buckeye.

West Valley alternative band Symposium is more than halfway to Nashville, but not in terms of miles. The band won't arrive in Tennessee until Sunday.

No, the musicians of Symposium have raised more than half of the funds to record with multi-Dove Award winning-producer and Grammy-nominated artist Steve Hindalong.

Hindalong is best known for his Dove Award-winning work (2001 and 2003) on the City on a Hill project, a series of praise and worship music compilations.

Symposium is made up of lead singer Tyler Huston, bass player Mike Symons, guitarists Troy Roberts and Andrew Hake and drummer Dan Mock. The group must raise the final $8,000 they'll need in order to make their dream a reality, and Valley music lovers' can help.

The band has scheduled several fundraising events to offset its travel expenses. Symposium will host a fundraising concert at 7:30 p.m. today at Buckeye's Mountain Vista Community Church (West Park Elementary) at 2700 S. 257th Ave.

The band will preview many of the songs planned for its new album during its last Valley appearance before leaving for Nashville.

Finally, the band is also hosting a fundraising raffle. Tickets are $5 each or $20 for five, with current prizes including the following:

•  A four-pack of Diamondback tickets valued at more than $600.

• A haircut by master stylist Rhicco Otto (five prizes available) valued at $30 each.

•  A haircut and color by Otto (five prizes available) valued at $125.

•  An oil change, tire rotation and alignment by Firestone.

More prizes are being added daily. To see an updated list, visit www.myspace.com/symposiumofficial. To take part in the raffle, please mail a check for the number of tickets you would like to purchase to: Symposium Fundraiser, 12911 W. Surrey Ave. El Mirage, AZ 85335.

The drawing will take place inside the studio in Nashville on July 23rd. Winners will be contacted by Symposium members and their names will be listed on the band's Web site: www.myspace.com/symposiumofficial.

To learn more about Symposium, visit the band's Web site or e-mail symposiummail@yahoo.com.