Support Oz's Music and Know Obstacles Band
Donation protected
I hope that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy.
Thirty years ago, my dad, Steve Osburn aka Oz was inspired to begin his own music store after teaching music to folks of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities as well as being a part of the music scene in Washtenaw county for a number of years. He loved making music accessible to the townies, students, and visitors of A2.
Originally on State Street, Oz and my mom, Leslie Zager aka Mrs. Oz, moved to Packard Street and have been there since 1995. Around the same time, he and David Ziff, a student of his on the autism spectrum began Know Obstacles (KO) Band, a band for folks of all ages with exceptionalities (Yes, David is still part of the band and celebrated his 33rd birthday this past summer with the members and families of KO!).
My youngest memories are in Oz's Music. Plucking strings and hiding in drums, playing my dad's ingenious musical games, admiring fifth graders searching for the perfect band instrument to play, and seeing teachers and our employers who were like my Uncles and Aunts work so hard to give our customers an affordable, accessible musical experience. We have always done our best to give our musicians of Washtenaw county a place of belonging, fellowship, and musical opportunities. The Oz's Family runs deep and every person who walks into the store becomes a part of our small ma and pa community.
Due to COVID-19 and the state lockdown, I am very worried about the future of Oz's Music, my second home. While my mom and dad are working incredibly hard to keep virtual music lessons going strong, there is only so much we are able to do when we are unable to sell our merchandise openly to the community or utilize our teaching spaces. Know Obstacles (KO) band also lost two of their most important gigs of the season. The money from these benefit concerts would have gone towards the Know Obstacles Scholarship fund so that families unable to afford KO lessons or KO summer camp would not have to worry about having to decide between music lessons for their child and necessary services that families who have a child with exceptionalities need.
Therefore with this fundraiser, we hope to continue to pay Oz's Music rent, utilities, support our employees, and contribute to the Know Obstacles Scholarship Fund.
We have survived competition from Amazon, the recession, and countless thefts. We have survived because of folks who are dedicated to supporting local stores that keep Ann Arbor the funky, beautiful place it is. People who know how important it is to keep money in the community.
We have always survived because of you! For that, words cannot express how grateful we are.
There is no knowing how long this may affect folks everywhere. That is why it is difficult for me to ask my friends, family, the community that raised me, and complete strangers for your support in helping my family and I keep Oz's alive. Please know that any amount of money going towards this fundraiser will be incredibly beneficial. Every "share" on a social media platform, every "like" or "follow" to Oz's Facebook or Instagram , every direct message or email inquiry about buying a gift card, every virtual hug, will be taken into account and appreciated.
Thank you so much for supporting us and being a part of our crazy, musical family. We hope to continue this journey for at least another 30 years.
With Love,
Rose Oz
#smallbusinessrelief #gofundme #ozsmusic #annarbor #michigan #musicstore #band #neurodiversity
Thirty years ago, my dad, Steve Osburn aka Oz was inspired to begin his own music store after teaching music to folks of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities as well as being a part of the music scene in Washtenaw county for a number of years. He loved making music accessible to the townies, students, and visitors of A2.
Originally on State Street, Oz and my mom, Leslie Zager aka Mrs. Oz, moved to Packard Street and have been there since 1995. Around the same time, he and David Ziff, a student of his on the autism spectrum began Know Obstacles (KO) Band, a band for folks of all ages with exceptionalities (Yes, David is still part of the band and celebrated his 33rd birthday this past summer with the members and families of KO!).
My youngest memories are in Oz's Music. Plucking strings and hiding in drums, playing my dad's ingenious musical games, admiring fifth graders searching for the perfect band instrument to play, and seeing teachers and our employers who were like my Uncles and Aunts work so hard to give our customers an affordable, accessible musical experience. We have always done our best to give our musicians of Washtenaw county a place of belonging, fellowship, and musical opportunities. The Oz's Family runs deep and every person who walks into the store becomes a part of our small ma and pa community.
Due to COVID-19 and the state lockdown, I am very worried about the future of Oz's Music, my second home. While my mom and dad are working incredibly hard to keep virtual music lessons going strong, there is only so much we are able to do when we are unable to sell our merchandise openly to the community or utilize our teaching spaces. Know Obstacles (KO) band also lost two of their most important gigs of the season. The money from these benefit concerts would have gone towards the Know Obstacles Scholarship fund so that families unable to afford KO lessons or KO summer camp would not have to worry about having to decide between music lessons for their child and necessary services that families who have a child with exceptionalities need.
Therefore with this fundraiser, we hope to continue to pay Oz's Music rent, utilities, support our employees, and contribute to the Know Obstacles Scholarship Fund.
We have survived competition from Amazon, the recession, and countless thefts. We have survived because of folks who are dedicated to supporting local stores that keep Ann Arbor the funky, beautiful place it is. People who know how important it is to keep money in the community.
We have always survived because of you! For that, words cannot express how grateful we are.
There is no knowing how long this may affect folks everywhere. That is why it is difficult for me to ask my friends, family, the community that raised me, and complete strangers for your support in helping my family and I keep Oz's alive. Please know that any amount of money going towards this fundraiser will be incredibly beneficial. Every "share" on a social media platform, every "like" or "follow" to Oz's Facebook or Instagram , every direct message or email inquiry about buying a gift card, every virtual hug, will be taken into account and appreciated.
Thank you so much for supporting us and being a part of our crazy, musical family. We hope to continue this journey for at least another 30 years.
With Love,
Rose Oz
#smallbusinessrelief #gofundme #ozsmusic #annarbor #michigan #musicstore #band #neurodiversity
Organizer and beneficiary
Rose Osburn
Organizer
Ann Arbor, MI
Leslie Zager
Beneficiary
