Rusty Rocket is a non-profit organization established in memory of James 'JD' Drown who passed away from cancer in 2002. JD was a founding member of "The Blend" a nationally recognized band from Maine who charted in the late 70's - early 80's. JD was also my father's best friend. They grew up together and were in bands together from high school, through the days of The Blend and up until the day JD passed away. I grew up with JD and his family being an extended part of my own family- which is why this non profit is so near and dear to my heart. I great up listening to JD's music. I remember getting in the car to drive to school in the morning and I didn't beg to put in a New Kids on the Block tape- I reached for my dads demo tapes of JD's songs. I've known every word to most of his songs my whole life.
The Rusty Rocket organization is dedicated to providing instruments and or funding to local individuals and Maine schools who are in need. The Rusty Rocket Corp. is completely run by volunteers. Starting in 2005, they began granting instruments to local schools in need with the first donation being 24 brand new student sized guitars to Arundel, Maine's Mildred L. Day School's music department to teach guitar to students in 4th and 5th grade. Rusty Rocket also paid for musical lessons for a very talented high school student under financial hardship. It is all about spreading and sharing JD's love of music.
Currently Rusty Rocket has taken on a new project to bring JD's music to the masses. We are working on a full length movie about JD and his music as well as a CD full of recognizable names recording JD's songs. Check out the trailer from that movie:
Reaching for the Stars short film from Brett Plymale on Vimeo.
If you happen to have a passion for music or just a passion for helping those in need please considering making a donation to the Rusty Rocket Corp. We are all just "reaching for the stars in a rusty rocket, livin' with the will looking for the way."
