Atlanta Music Project Executive Director Dantes Rameau Surprised by Rapper Common on New Unscripted FOX Television Event Series
Atlanta, July 21, 2015 – Knock knock…it’s Common at the door! Atlanta resident and Executive Director of the Atlanta Music Project Dantes Rameau got the surprise of a lifetime on the new unscripted show Knock Knock Live featuring special celebrity guest Common. The episode aired Tuesday night at 9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on FOX.
Rameau is surprised when Common and the “Knock Knock Live” crew are outside the door. Photo Anthony Alston Jr./Solidarity Films.
Knock Knock Live is the new creation of Simon Fuller, creator of hit reality shows American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. Hosted from a studio in Los Angeles by Ryan Seacrest and airing Tuesdays (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX, the new show aims to surprise everyday people in their hometowns with celebrity appearances, prizes and life-changing experiences. The premiere episode of Knock Knock Live featured an unsuspecting Dantes Rameau as he was working with students of the Atlanta Music Project. The Atlanta Music Project, under Rameau’s direction, aims to create social change in Atlanta’s underserved neighborhoods by providing intensive, tuition-free music education. The episode was filmed at the City of Atlanta’s Historic Gilbert House, where Atlanta Music Project programming takes place throughout the year.
WATCH: Common and Knock Knock Live visit AMP
During a rehearsal with young musicians of the Atlanta Music Project, Rameau answered a knock at the door to find rapper and actor Common on the other side. After his initial shock wore off, Rameau was led outside by Common to a group of Rameau’s friends, students and supporters waiting to surprise him with more good news. Rameau was handed the keys to a 15-seat 2015 Ford Transit-350 van provided by Maaco and Meineke with a custom paint job, unique detailing and a one-year automotive maintenance package. The van is to be used by the Atlanta Music Project to transport students to their many performances around Metro Atlanta. Maaco and Meineke also presented Rameau with a $50,000 donation to the Atlanta Music Project. The van was filled with a batch of brand new instruments to support Atlanta Music Project programming.
“I am completely overwhelmed and still can’t believe this happened,” said Rameau. “I am incredibly grateful for the generosity of my favorite rapper, Common, as well as all the folks at Knock Knock Live, Meineke and Maaco. I am positive that Knock Knock Live will end up being a game-changer for the Atlanta Music Project.”
To top off the day of surprises, Common joined Atlanta Music Project orchestra and choir students to perform a special rendition of the Oscar®-winning song “Glory.”
Common joins the Atlanta Music Project Orchestra in performing a special rendition of the Oscar®-winning song “Glory,” conducted by Aisha Bowden, Director of AMPlify. Photo by Anthony Alston Jr.
“Dantes was the perfect guy to get a life changing door knock. He has dedicated his life to making the world a better place through music and Common could not have been more generous in taking the time to make this happen for Dantes! This show is all about knocking on the doors of incredibly deserving people and changing their lives in an instant!” said Michael Herwick, Executive Producer of Knock Knock Live.
AMP’s brand new wheels, courtesy of Maaco & Meineke. Photo courtesy of Maaco.
“We were honored to partner with Knock Knock Live to provide such a deserving organization with a fully customized van,” said Artemio Garza, CMO of Maaco and Meineke. “We’re happy to help the talented students of the Atlanta Music Project get to and from performances safely and in style.”
Co-founded in 2010 by Dantes Rameau, the Atlanta Music Project provides intensive, tuition-free music education to underserved youth right in their neighborhood. As executive director of the Atlanta Music Project, Rameau has raised over 1.3 million dollars for the organization and has grown programming to 200 students, 25 teaching artists, and four sites.
About the Atlanta Music Project
Founded in 2010, the Atlanta Music Project provides intense, tuition-free music education for underserved youth right in their neighborhood. AMP’s mission is to inspire social change by providing Atlanta’s underserved youth the opportunity to learn and perform music in orchestras and choirs. Currently beginning in its sixth year of programming and serving 200 students at four sites, AMP provides all its students with an instrument, a teaching artist, classes, and numerous public performance opportunities. AMP does not hold entrance auditions – the only requirement is commitment to attending all classes. AMP’s programs include: the AMP Orchestra; AMPlify, the choral program of the Atlanta Music Project; and the AMP Academy, providing advanced musical training to AMP’s most talented and dedicated students. AMP’s young artists have performed at Atlanta’s most prestigious venues, including the Woodruff Arts Center, Spivey Hall, The Rialto Center for the Arts and Philips Arena. In the Spring of 2015, Atlanta Music Project Endowed Scholarships were established at Clayton State University to fund the tuition, room and board of AMP students who choose to attend college at Clayton State University. In the next two years, AMP will expand to serve over 300 students at multiple sites. For information about AMP, visit www.atlantamusicproject.org.
For Media Inquiries: Lindsay Aleshire, Atlanta Music Project 706-202-6132, lindsay@atlantamusicproject.org
About Knock Knock Live
Knock Knock: Live is a next-generation live television event series from Simon Fuller, creator of American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. With high stakes games, huge prizes, big stars and real people in their own living rooms – literally, anything can happen. Knock Knock Live, airing Tuesdays (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX, is produced by XIX Entertainment and dick clark productions. Simon Fuller, Michael Herwick, Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan, Mark Bracco, Stijn Bakkers, Nicolle Yaron, and Ryan Seacrest serve as executive producers. Fuller, Seacrest, dcp and Fox are stakeholders in the format worldwide. Like Knock Knock Live on Facebook at facebook.com/KnockKnockFOX. Follow the series on Twitter @KnockKnockFOX and join the discussion using #knockknock. See photos and videos on Instagram by following @knockknockFOX. For more information on Knock Knock Live, please visit fox.com/knock-knock-live. Follow Ryan Seacrest on Twitter @RyanSeacrest.
About MAACO®
Founded in 1972, MAACO® Auto Painting & Collision Repair is America’s #1 Bodyshop, and repairs accident damage, dents and faded paint for nearly 500,000 drivers annually. Our more than 450 independently owned and operated franchises have restored the safety and beauty of various vehicles for more than 40 years. MAACO Franchising, LLC, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, has been named the #1 automotive franchise numerous times by Entrepreneur in its Annual Franchise 500 ranking. For more information about MAACO and franchising opportunities, visit www.Maaco.com.
About Meineke
Meineke Car Care Centers, LLC, a division of Driven Brands, Inc., of Charlotte, NC is the leading automotive aftermarket franchisor in the world. Founded in 1972, Meineke has over 900 centers that service approximately 3 million cars a year. Over the years, Meineke has expanded its product offerings to better meet the demands of its customers and a changing marketplace. Meineke continues to be ranked as one of the best franchise opportunities in North America and has recently won top franchise rankings from Forbes, Franchise Times and Entrepreneur Magazine. For more information about Meineke and franchising opportunities, visit www.Meineke.com.
###