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The LRLR Reach $1,000,000 Raised

The Long Reach Long Riders Reach $1,000,000 Raised

Just as their 19th annual ride is starting, the Long Reach Long Riders are thrilled to announce the achievement of a major milestone. Thanks to literally thousands of individual and corporate sponsors over the years, the LRLR has been able to raise, and more importantly give away, over one million dollars! 

 

This milestone could not have been reached without the tireless dedication of volunteers and donors who have given of their time, talent and money to help those less fortunate. Over the years, three charities have benefitted from the LRLR fundraising: AFC (Canada), Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and (primarily) Behind the Scenes Foundation.  

 

Lori Rubinstein, Executive Director of Behind the Scenes, noted that “It’s truly amazing what can be accomplished when like-minded people come together for a common purpose. Even though a major milestone has been achieved, the need is greater than ever, especially with Behind the Scenes’ new mental health initiative. The Long Riders are setting the example of affinity-based fundraising as a way to assist others.” 

 

The Long Reach Long Riders are a group of riders from across the country who work in the entertainment industry and share both a love of motorcycles and a desire to help their colleagues in need. Since 2004 well over 100 riders and chase vehicle drivers have banded together in this common cause.

 

Not wanting to rest on their success, the Long Riders are already looking ahead to future fundraising adventures. Donations will be accepted for this year’s ride through the end of August. To learn more, go to www.lrlr.org. 

 

Click here to support a rider today!
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Neal Preston at The NAMM Show 2022

Neal Preston to Sign and Speak About New Queen Book
at The NAMM Show 2022

Behind the Scenes is thrilled to announce that famed Rock‘n’Roll photographer and author Neal Preston is returning to The NAMM Show this June in Anaheim. Neal will be signing his newest book Queen: The Neal Preston Photographs and speaking about his experiences photographing Queen over two decades.

Queen: The Neal Preston Photographs is the official book on Queen, one of the greatest ever rock bands, as photographed by one of the greatest ever rock photographers. Produced in collaboration with the band, the book features over 200 images and is an exciting ride through their years on the road together. It is the first time Preston and Queen have collated this work in one volume: glimpses of life backstage, live performances, post-performance highs and lows, and outtakes—many of which have never been seen before—are accompanied by memories and anecdotes from Neal with forwards by Queen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor.

Neal’s book Exhilarated & Exhausted and posters, including his famous images of Freddie Mercury, Robert Plant and Carlos Santana, will also be available for sale. Proceeds will benefit the Behind the Scenes charity. Those who purchase a book can have their picture taken with Neal on their camera or phone during the signing.

Neal will be present in the Behind the Scenes booth #11930 to sign books and posters on Friday, June 3rd at 3pm and on Saturday, June 4th at 11am and 3pm. He’ll be speaking about his experiences and showing images on Saturday, June 4th at 12pm in the NAMM Member Center in the lobby between Halls A&B.

Neal will also be available for press interviews. To schedule an interview, contact [email protected] or call 212-244-1421.

Neal Preston is one of the most prolific and highly regarded rock photographers of all time. He began working with Queen in the mid 1970s as their tour photographer. He was present on the legendary South America tour in 1981, Live Aid in 1985, and the band’s last tour with Freddie Mercury in 1986, among others. Brian May has commented, “Neal just has the knack, the skill, to always be in the right place at the right time.”

Behind the Scenes would like to thank NAMM, The Lightpower Collection, and ACT Lighting for making Neal’s appearance possible and expresses our deepest gratitude to Neal for his unwavering support of the charity.

The Lightpower Collection of Rock’n’Roll art features photography and album cover artwork from many of the world’s greatest photographers and designers. Neal Preston’s Rock’n’Roll photography represents the core of this collection and comprises over seventy large-format original fine art prints. 

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The 2022 LRLR – The Blue Ridge Ramble

The 2022 Long Reach Long Riders - The Blue Ridge Ramble

The Long Reach Long Riders are happy to announce their 2022 charity motorcycle ride.  The 19th annual ride, “the Blue Ridge Ramble”  begins on June 18 in Charlotte, North Carolina and returns to Charlotte on June 24th. The route meanders through North & South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia before turning north back to Charlotte.  Along the way the riders will encounter some of the most scenic and exciting motorcycle roads in the east. The Tail of the Dragon, the Snake, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Cherohala Skyway are just a few of the roads the riders will experience over the 7-day ride.

Greg Williams, ride marshal for the 2022 ride noted, “The days will be filled with rewarding rides along mountain ridgelines and through sweeping valleys, taking in the best scenery the early summer has to offer in the Appalachian Mountains. Evenings will be spent in historic inns located in history-rich towns tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains.”

The Long Reach Long Riders annual charity motorcycle ride benefits Behind the Scenes and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. What began in 2004 as a one-time event became an annual ride that has raised over $800,000.00 for the two charities.  

For more information on joining the ride please visit www.lrlr.org.

Click here to support a rider today!
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Roscolux Supports BTS Through the Pandemic

Roscolux #359 Supports BTS Through the Pandemic

Rosco Laboratories continued their long-time support of the charity with a check presentation at USITT 2022 reflecting sales of Roscolux #359 Medium Violet.

Henry Cowen, Live Entertainment Sales Manager – North America, presented the check on behalf of Rosco, saying, “I am truly honored to able to present this donation to our friends at Behind the Scenes this year. The work you do is so important to the industry we all call family, particularly in the past two years when so many of our colleagues and their families were negatively impacted by the pandemic. I speak for the entire Rosco family when I say Thank You for the work you do. We appreciate you, and we are committed to you.”

Tobin Neis, a BTS Board member, accepted the check on behalf of the charity, and commented, “It’s so gratifying to accept this donation from Rosco who was our very first Pledge-a-Product Partner. We know times have been tough for everyone and the sustained support Rosco has shown means an enormous amount to us and to those we help.”

For more information about joining the Pledge-of-Support Program by naming a product or service to support the charity, click here or email [email protected].

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Westview Productions Makes Pledge-a-Service Donation

Westview Productions Makes Pledge-a-Service Donation

On the show floor at USITT, Westview Productions presented a check to Behind the Scenes to honor their Pledge-a-Service commitment to the charity. Westview is an entertainment, energy, and immersive technology solutions firm headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Their unique project process encompasses all aspects of design that integrates with all construction trades to ensure a cohesive and seamless project experience. Westview has global experience in lighting, motion control, audio and A/V systems, media, and architectural systems allowing them to provide comprehensive services as a sole solutions organization.

Upon presentation of the check, Eric Bloom, President, stated, “Westview is honored to be able support Behind the Scenes, and to be able to give back to the community that has given so much to us all.”

Eddie Raymond accepted the check along with other members of the Behind the Scenes Board of Directors. Eddie commented, “We are very grateful to Westview for their contribution, and their understanding that it takes long-term commitment to truly make a difference in caring for our colleagues in need.  We challenge other service companies to step up and become a Pledge-a-Service Partner.”

For more information about joining the Pledge-of-Support Program by naming a product or service to support the charity, click here or email [email protected].

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InCord’s Safety Netting Supports Industry Workers

InCord’s Safety Netting Supports Industry Workers

InCord made their 2022 donation to Behind the Scenes on the show floor at USITT reflecting a percentage of profits from sales of their Theatrical Safety Netting Systems. The systems (https://incord.com/theatre-division/) are hand-crafted in the USA by skilled artisans, safety tested to exceed all applicable industry standards, and are custom designed by professional engineers to perfectly fit your orchestra pit and/or protect your stage and house operations according to your technical and aesthetic requirements.

Joe Menhart, InCord’s Theatre Division Sales Manager, commented, “We are delighted to provide this needed support to BTS especially when so many more are still in need due to the ongoing global pandemic that is now stretching over two years. Our hearts go out to all those who benefit from the grants and resources provided by BTS.”

Todd Spencer accepted the check along with other members of the Behind the Scenes Board of Directors. Todd commented, “We are so appreciative of InCord’s donation. Their concern for the safety of industry workers is built in to their product and their commitment to Behind the Scenes. Our Pledge-of-Support Program is the perfect vehicle for InCord and their customers to demonstrate that concern.”

For more information about joining the Pledge-of-Support Program by naming a product or service to support the charity, please visit https://wp.behindthescenescharity.org/pledge-of-support-program/ or email [email protected].

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Toolbox Talks One-Sheets

BTS Mental Health Initiative
Introduces Toolbox Talks One-Sheets

It's Ok To Not Be Ok 400

The Behind the Scenes Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative announces a key addition to its Toolbox Talks program: One-Sheets on a range of topics designed to delve deeper into common issues currently impacting entertainment industry workers as they navigate fluctuating work situations and frequently changing Covid protocols.

As the industry continues to transition and re-open, industry leadership and supervisors are observing significant anxiety in the workplace and are requesting tools to help their crews better navigate and manage the return to work. One-Sheetsbriefly describe general mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression and substance use, and offer basic information and resources around these prevalent issues within the industry. 

We must continue raising awareness and normalizing the conversation around mental health and emotional wellness in the workplace and these flyers are designed to be posted in break rooms or be handed out with schedules or during toolbox talks. The  goal is to convey the message that psychological safety is as important as physical safety.

The Toolbox Talks program was created to assist with language around mental health and wellness in order to facilitate respect in the workplace. Sample language is provided to incorporate mental health into daily safety briefings, and Toolbox Talks can be tailored to fit specific individual and group needs. 

The Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative, and programs such as Toolbox Talks and One-Sheets, are committed to creating and sustaining psychologically safe workplaces for the entertainment industry. 

Behind the Scenes has collaborated with other concerned organizations and individuals to create the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative. A series of tools and resources has been developed to not only help you but also assist you in helping your colleagues, friends and family. Find links to additional tools and resources and information about the initiative at btshelp.org/mentalhealth.

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Stop Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation

BTS Mental Health Initiative
Launches Tools to Fight
Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation

StopBullyingLogo500

Last year the Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative conducted a survey that revealed that bullying, harassment and intimidation are a common experience in our industry. Respondents told us, “Emotional abuse is part of the culture,” and “Harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are rampant.”

The Mental Health Steering Committee has launched a campaign (btshelp.org/stopbullying) to help workers and employers alike understand the signs and consequences of this behavior. Our aim is to raise awareness and encourage all who experience or witness bullying, harassment or intimidation to speak up.

The resources provided include a set of posters to raise awareness of words, actions and behaviors that constitute bullying, harassment or intimidation; information to empower individuals to Be Informed, Be Aware, Show Support, and Take Action; and a sample policy and procedures to identify, investigate and resolve instances of bullying, harassment or intimidation and to provide support to those who experience these behaviors.

One survey respondent wrote, “My workplaces are decades behind in helping people with emotional wellness. That starts with the  aggressive behavior, belittling behavior, yelling, throwing objects, etc. that I see on the jobsite constantly. Most folks feel that they have to just have a tough skin and take the abusive behavior in stride. That’s a perfect breeding place for all kinds of mental and emotional illness.”

Together we can help curb this behavior in the workplace. We can improve both psychological and physical safety and encourage a more respectful and supportive workplace. 

Behind the Scenes has collaborated with other concerned organizations and individuals to create the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative. A series of tools and resources has been developed to not only help you but also assist you in helping your colleagues, friends and family. Find links to additional tools and resources and information about the initiative at btshelp.org/mentalhealth.

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NATEAC Supports Behind the Scenes

NATEAC Support Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes announces that NATEAC, the North American Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference, has made a $10,000 donation to support the work of the charity. NATEAC is a quadrennial conference which had been scheduled to take place in New York City last summer and was turned into a highly successful virtual conference held July 20-22, 2021.

On presenting the check, NATEAC Founder, Bill Sapsis, commented, “All of us at NATEAC are very happy to provide this donation in support of the terrific work the Behind the Scenes Foundation offers through its grants program and mental health initiative.” In 2016 NATEAC donated the proceeds from its conference dinner at Sardi’s to the charity.  In 2021 the pandemic forced NATEAC to cancel the dinner but the conference organizers were determined to continue the support for BTS.

NATEAC’s mission is to promote communication between the architects, engineers, consultants, and manufacturers responsible for designing and building new theaters and renovating existing facilities in North America. It is also their goal to promote a higher level of interaction between these professionals and the end users of their facilities.

Lori Rubinstein, Executive Director of the Behind the Scenes Foundation, gratefully accepted the check, saying “NATEC represents a coming together of individuals from across our industry to share their expertise to create even better performance spaces that benefit those who work in and attend them. That ethos is kin to what Behind the Scenes represents–a coming together of individuals to share their expertise to care for their colleagues who are ill or injured or coping with mental health challenges. NATEAC’s donation is a welcome affirmation of that work at a much-needed time.”

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Long Reach Long Riders Complete 18th Ride

The 2021 Long Reach Long Riders Complete Their 18th Ride

Donations Still Being Accepted

The Long Reach Long Riders (LRLR) are very happy to announce the successful completion of their 18th annual charity motorcycle ride, A River Runs Through It.  The annual ride, which benefits the Behind the Scenes charity and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, began in Woodbury, MN, on June 20th and returned to Woodbury on June 26th.  The group, which consisted of 30 people, 21 bikes and 2 chase cars, has raised over $50,500.00 to date, bringing the total raised by the LRLR since the rides began in 2004, to more than $800,000.00

The ride this year included visits to the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca, the National Bald Eagle Center in Wabasha and the Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox statues in Bemidji. “It’s very gratifying,” noted Ride Marshals Paul & Peggy Sannerud, “to see all the work that gets put into one of these rides reflected in the happy smiles of the riders as we travel the route.”  Greg Williams, one of the founding members of the LRLR, commented, “We had a terrific time despite having more rain than on any other ride.” 

The route, which covered over 1,700 miles, took the riders along a number of rivers and through the Driftless Region on Minnesota.  Here are a few of the things the riders experienced during this year’s ride

  • Crossed over 96 rivers, large and small.
  • Crossed the Mississippi River 18 times.
  • Endured over 3.5 inches of rain.
  • Enjoyed 17 different varieties of Cheese Curds

The Long Reach Long Riders would like to thank everyone who helped make this year’s ride a success. Donations will be accepted until August 1.  Please visit http://lrlr.org/ for more information.

The 19th annual Long Reach Long Rider charity motorcycle ride will take place in the southeast section of the country in 2022.   Dates have not yet been set.  Please check the website, http://lrlr.org/ in the coming months for updates on route, registration and donation information.

Click here to support a rider today!