My Friends Community Music Program

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.”  - Plato

Our dear friend and local celebrity, Fred Lord, recently passed away after losing his battle with cancer. Fred was a talented musician and picker, and he loved sharing his talents with others, particularly children. Before he passed, Fred regularly spoke of, and told stories about, “his kids,” referring to his local music students, and he dreamed of having a music program so that all kids could be exposed to the joys of music.

Although he made a will, he did it in true “Fred fashion” and did not obtain the proper signatures and witnesses needed for it to be honored in the state of Alabama. It was handwritten in a notebook, with a titlepage that read "My Friends."



While holographic wills are honored in the majority of states, Alabama is not yet one of them. Fred’s Feed ‘n Seed and Pickin' Parlor (property in photo) was Fred’s only asset. His family would love to carry on his legacy by using his property to create space for community programs, but due to medical bills and legal fees they are forced to sell. 

It is our hope to honor Fred’s will, and continue to spread his love for music, by raising enough money to purchase his property, Fred’s Feed and Seed and Pickin’ Parlor, for an after school music program and activity center. Once purchased, we will work to renovate the property to ensure it is a safe space to hold events for the greater Loachapoka community, while also preserving its historical significance. We have gracious offers from contractors and community members willing to donate their assistance and expertise for this project. Our program will be named "My Friends" in honor of Fred and his last wishes.

This program will also greatly benefit our local community. One of his fondest memories was teaching music in the Loachapoka schools before the program was discontinued years ago due to lack of funding. These schools are extremely segregated, and there are currently no recreational or park services in the community. Every child needs an outlet and place to relax, have fun, and interact with peers and community members in a safe and welcoming environment, and we hope to provide this to the children and families in the greater Loachapoka area. 

We cannot do this alone and are counting on you to help us make this dream come true. Your contributions will help us honor Fred’s will, carry on his legacy, and better the lives of children in the Loachapoka community through music, but we must act fast so that we are prepared to purchase the property as soon as it is available. Thanks so much for your assistance and support in making this dream a reality. Cheers to Fred, to music, and to the Loachapoka community!

Below is a graphic of the tentative site plan!



An article about Fred and his Pickin' Parlor in the Auburn Plainsman. To read the original article, click here:
https://issuu.com/theplainsman/docs/020311/6




Update: We are in the process of forming a 501(c)3 to own/operate the facility. As soon as it is established, you can retrospectively claim your donation made today for tax purposes.

Please follow this link to view the 11/4/2015 feature article in The Corner News (a local arts and entertainment newspaper):

http://www.thecornernews.com/news/features/article_181a361a-8318-11e5-8865-dffe9515906e.html





Years ago when the Feed N Seed was still Open