Twisted Sister guitarist Jay Jay French has launched The Pinkburst Project, a collection of custom-made guitars and amps built to create awareness for the Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation. As part of the Project, the equipment will be auctioned to help raise funds for research, education and support for those affected by uveitis and other inflammatory eye diseases. On a very cool note, Twisted Sister will play a benefit concert for The Pinkburst Project on Friday, April 29, at the Best Buy Theater in Times Square, NYC.
The incredible one-of-a-kind collection up for auction includes custom guitars from Gibson, Fender, Paul Reed Smith, Epiphone, Gretsch and Martin, and custom amps from Marshall, Fender, Vox, Mesa, Orange, Hartke and Diamond. All will be offered for sale during the Skinner Fine Musical Instruments Auction on Sunday, May 1, 2011, in Boston.
“The Pinkburst Project was my way of calling attention to the virtually unknown disease called uveitis,” says Jay Jay. “In a world of cookie-cutter fundraisers, I wanted to do something that was different and really exciting, something that would get lots of attention with collectors of musical instruments, something never done before (and probably never again) and something that could hopefully raise a lot of money.” Uveitis is the leading cause of blindness among American girls, and one that Jay Jay and his family have been dealing with since his daughter, Samantha, was diagnosed with the condition at six years old. Samantha has successfully kept her sight thanks in no small part to the work of Dr. Stephen Foster and his associated doctors at MERSI (Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution) in Cambridge, MA. Dr. Foster and his Foundation will reap the benefit of this auction. You can check out more info on The Pinkburst Project, and get up close and personal with the items up for auction right here.
Tickets for the Twisted Sister concert can be scored through Ticketmaster or directly through the Best Buy Theater box office (no service charge!) located at 1515 Broadway at W. 44th Street in NYC. Phone: 212.930.1950.
