by Ann Petrovsky, Vice President, Acker Committee
“It’s my favorite event of the year!” These are the words I hear most often when I speak of Prescott’s beloved Acker Night. Indeed, after almost 30 years it has become possibly the most anticipated evening of all time.
More than 100 of Prescott’s downtown businesses will host entertainment from a wide range of all-volunteer musicians on Dec. 8 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sounds rather impossible, doesn’t it?
RAIN, SNOW OR STARSHINE
On this evening you can wander downtown and get treated to every imaginable sound –from jazz combos to bluegrass, or chorale music to rock, or folk to a cappella and even maybe a real theater organ. Occasionally, you’ll see belly dancers or a dance troupe. Acker Night is truly a family event complete with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus stationed with their sleigh on Gurley Street alongside our information tent. Local vendors such as Park Plaza Liquor & Deli, Starbucks Coffee and Wildflower Bread Company will also be set up, offering goodies and coffee all for our charity.
WHY PLAY FOR FREE?
These amazing musicians, from seasoned professionals such as the western swing and bluegrass band The Ping Brothers, to amateur prodigies (I’m remembering that phenomenal 12-year-old on solo piano last year), play as a fundraising evening for music scholarships for our local school children. The incomparable Road One South actually mentors/rehearses with several of our scholarship recipients at the famous Elks Theatre by having them join the band on stage. This generosity, dedication and love of the art is evident throughout in these three precious hours. Prescott businesses are eager and gracious to open their doors wide. Remember to keep an eye out for those with hot chocolate and cookies.
ACKER MUSIC NIGHT EXISTS TO:
- Raise money for music lessons for Yavapai County school children.
- Augment funds for local school districts’ music programs.
- Provide additional funding for school music needs.
Last year we provided 53 scholarships and gave over $8,000 to the schools.
TIP BAGS! TIP BAGS!
Every business has a Tips for Scholarships bag for you to express your appreciation to our musicians, but the money in the tip bags is dedicated to Acker (we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit). For the second year in a row, our fabulous Prescott High School Marching Band will be out in uniform holding Tips for Scholarships bags at various sites around town.
We are the only community in the nation to host such a gig! Our tireless volunteer staff is endlessly organizing, matching and rearranging businesses with performers. Our name pays homage to J.S. Acker, who left a trust “…for music for children.” The inaugural Acker Night in 1988 hosted a modest eight businesses and musicians.
Don’t be shy! Bring your dollar bills and contribute to our tip bags on Dec. 8. Roam and fill your senses with all the music you can dream of. You will have an unforgettable evening. I promise.
REACH US!
Facebook: Acker Night
Online: ackernight.com
Phone: 928-778-5460
