For those who knew Max, she was full of life. Caring for those who could not care for themselves and caring for those in need. All she wanted to do was spread her love for music, animals and love.
Starting out with her passion of Photography, she photographed Warped Tour in 2011 and 2012. Bands she has worked with include The Devil Wears Prada, Asking Alexandria, Blood On The Dancefloor, Black Veil Brides, The Ready Set, Less Than Jake, Go Radio, Vanna, The Word Alive, We Came As Romans, Suicide Silence, Pierce The Veil, Miss May I, Bless The Fall, Breathe Carolina, Mayday Parade, Motionless In White, Sleeping With Sirens and many more.
In 2013, she landed a job as a Merch Assistant with Chiodos as well as continuing her job with Warped Tour.
In 2014, while still working with Warped tour, Max stood as Manager Merch Assistant and Street Team Advisor of Buttons (acoustic singer/songwriter). Touring with Courage, My Love in late 2014.
In 2015, Max joined Warped Tour yet again as Buttons was playing the entire tour. While managing the entire tour, Max got married on Warped Tour and created A New Hope: Animal Sanctuary and Education Center.
But her dream this time was to spread her love for animals. As a vegan activist, she started focusing on saving exotic animals. Her first rescue, Griffin (a Red Fox), joined her on the road during 2015 Warped Tour. Still a baby, Griffin stole the spotlight and landed himself on the cover of Emarosa’s album VS.
A New Hope: Animal Sanctuary, A New Hope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal sanctuary in Athens, Ga. that promotes animal rights by educating the community and offering opportunities for hands on experience with animals. They offer a home to animals rescued from the exotic pet trade, non-releasable wildlife, and the victims of animal agriculture. At A New Hope, they believe all lives are created equally. They also believe the best way to share that message is by bringing the public closer to the animals that are exploited and abused. Education is essential. They believe that the next generation can be the generation to end animal cruelty, and that’s why they will work heavily with youth to grow a more compassionate culture. Through volunteer and donor support, we can build a place where animals can be safe and humans can learn kindness.
Anyone who was able to know her, got the best of her. Teaching those who aspired to do things in the Music Industry, Tips and Tricks she knew and learned to be successful. Caring for those who seemed sad or not themselves, by simply saying hello and talking to them for 15 minutes, or giving them a free CD as well as her contact info. She had a heart of gold that she just wanted to share. Helping those who could not help themselves. When little did any of us know, the struggles she was facing herself.
On Nov. 9, 2016, friends and family lost Max to suicide.
On Thursday and Friday, the Buffalo music scene is coming together in remembrance and support for an event titled “Hope For Tomorrow.” This will feature artists from the area and beyond performing to raise funds for Max’s organization A New Hope along with Hope for the Day which is well known in the Warped Tour community, often being an active part of the tour.
Hope for the Day focuses on suicide prevention and mental health education through self-expression platforms to achieve outreach, education and prevention. As their slogan states “It’s OK not to be OK, have hope.”
All proceeds from these events will be donated to these two charities and we would like to also remind you “If you’re struggling, please talk to someone.”
/// other shows ///
- Riddim Night Birthday Party: 8 p.m. Thursday at Milkie’s on Elmwood
- Local Hip Hop Showcase: 6 p.m. Friday at Stamps … the Bar
- Rescue Dawn’s Hometown Show: 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Mohawk Place
- Ponzo Houdini: 7 p.m. Saturday at Mohawk Place
- Seventh Sign & Vincent Bonelli: 8 p.m. Saturday at Evening Star Concert Hall
- Dark Waves Ent 4th Anniversary: 8 p.m. Saturday at Dnipro Ukrainian Cultural Center
- House of Borgeous: 9 p.m. Saturday at VENU
- Make America Love Again: 9 p.m. Saturday at Nietzsche’s
- Squatch “We Out Here Live” EP Release Show: 10 p.m. Saturday at the Music Room
Greg Burt is a Concert Promoter/Sound Guy/Music Supporter/Keyboardist/etc. He can be reached at Greg@FTMPEvents.com. For the full FTMP show calendar, visit www.FTMPEvents.com.
