Sound On The Sound: The philanthropic power of music

Over the last eight years, the annual "Pass the Guitar" event benefiting the New London Homeless Hospitality Center has raised close to $24,000. The event is just one example of a long list of ways in which the lure of music in New London has been used as a force for communal well-being, philanthropic outreach, and economic stimulation in the region. UConn's John Leahy spoke to Hugh Birdsall, founding member of seminal New London band The Reducers and creator of the "Pass the Guitar" event, about how the benefit event was born.

About the Sound On The Sound series

Under the direction of instructors Gail B. MacDonald, a UConn professor in residence and former Day reporter, and Carlos Virgen, The Day's assistant managing editor for audience development, UConn journalism students worked all semester crafting stories in text, audio and photographs that strive to tell parts of the overarching tale of music in New London. They spoke to musicians, business people, city and regional officials, educators and others to inform their work. These stories will be published in The Day and on theday.com