The Roots via WhyHunger

Last week, WhyHunger hosted its second annual Amplified concert at Irving Plaza in New York City. The night served a dual purpose beyond a well-contrived lineup of talent who took the stage to perform; it also doubled as the charitable kickoff of the 39th Hungerthon fund-raising and education campaign. 

Hosted by stand-up comic and actor Roy Wood Jr., the occasion boasted live performances by The Roots, Grace Bowers and her band The Hodge Podge, as well as Cimafunk, who unleashed modes of funk, hip hop, blues, and soul. “It’s been an honor to be part of such a powerful night with WhyHunger, The Roots, Roy Wood Jr. and Grace Bowers. Coming together for a cause like this—where we can help fuel community solutions and make a real difference—is what it’s all about,” the Cuban funk feature said of his experience.”

Touching on the overarching aim of the event and its charitable takeaway, WhyHunger Executive Director Jenique Jones said, “Our 2nd Amplified concert was a dynamic celebration of the unique power of music and community to drive social change. An unforgettable kickoff to our Hungerthon campaign, the support of these artists, sponsors and fans will enable us to address the pressing challenges of food insecurity at a grassroots level, and to confront the broader social and economic causes of food injustice.”

Adding his take away, Cimafunk offered via a press release, “It’s been an honor to be part of such a powerful night with WhyHunger, The Roots, Roy Wood Jr. and Grace Bowers. Coming together for a cause like this—where we can help fuel community solutions and make a real difference—is what it’s all about.”

Founded in 1975 by Harry Chapin and radio DJ Bill Ayres, WhyHunger represents a non-profit committed to ending world hunger and the grievances that cause it. The organization broadens its scope to touch on the social and economic impacts to address the cause and effect of food insecurity. Further, it delineates the cause’s musical touchstone through its creators’ apropos of humanitarian efforts. 

With the second annual Amplified concert event in the books, iHeartRadio has signed on as Amplified 2024’s Premier Audio Partner to continue the longstanding mission to broadcast with a purpose via promotion on six iHeartRadio New York stations, including 710 WOR, Z100, 103.5 KTU, Q104.3, Power 105.1 and 106.7 LITE FM. To learn more and donate, visit whyhunger.org.

Scroll down to view photos from the event shared by WhyHunger/Getty.