Fundraiser for RMRA at the Old Cheyenne Elevator
In early July, Andy and Janelle Rose from Janelle Rose Photography hosted a private concert at their property, the Old Cheyenne Elevator, to benefit Rock y Mountain Rett Association. Their property is also the home of Blossom Yoga and Hammock Fine Arts.
Jalan Crossland, a Wyoming singer/songwriter, was the main headliner and Justin Johnson, was the opener musician. Justin is also a Rett dad with his daughter Nora. He performed without compensation at all, opting to have the ticket sales benefit the RMRA - so thank you Justin! A food truck, drinks, and some outdoor games made the event even more special.
Jalan Crossland is an “endemic Wyoming treasure” (Rita Basom- Wyoming Arts Council). He is widely acclaimed by audiences, critics, and his musical peers as being a premier acoustic guitarist, as well as banjo player, singer-songwriter, and engaging showman. Along with dozens of regional contest awards, his extraordinary guitar work earned him National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship honors in ’97 and the State Flatpick Championship title of his home state in 1999. In recognition for his contribution to the arts in Wyoming, he was bestowed with the Governor’s Arts Award in 2013. The Old Cheyenne Elevator is honored to showcase Jalan's incredible talent outside in the courtyard in front of Blossom Yoga and Hammock Fine Art.
Justin Johnson grew up listening to folk, bluegrass, blues, old country, and rock music. He borrows from all of these to create his own blend. He likes songs that create moods and tell stories. Justin does most of his playing around living rooms or campfires for friends and family.
All ticket sales benefited the Rocky Mountain Rett Association. After covering some expenses a total of $1800 will be donated to RMRA!
“My husband is a physician who has cared for Nora for several years now. Our girls are just a few years younger than Nora, and when I first met Kristy and Justin and learned about Rett syndrome, I couldn’t imagine facing everything they’d already faced and what they had ahead of them. I remember wondering how anyone watches their child go through what Nora is going through, and I remember feeling so sad, frustrated and helpless that there isn’t a cure for this devastating disease. Since then, we’ve watched Kristy and Justin approach Nora’s Rett syndrome with the utmost grace and determination, all-the-while living their lives with gratitude, joy and beauty. Kristy is an incredible artist, and Justin has a big passion for music. We’ve had many discussions with them about hosting jam sessions for families, and we had been talking about a small living room concert where Justin would share his music. We’d asked him if he wanted us to sell tickets, and he suggested we sell them to benefit RMRA. When we decided to have Jalan come back to Cheyenne, our minds both immediately went to having the proceeds benefit RMRA and having Justin open for Jalan. It was a perfect fit, as Justin’s music really complemented Jalan’s.”
To learn more about the Old Cheyenne Elevator, visit their Facebook page.
This is a great example of a fundraiser that anyone can organize!
