posted by
Helen Kelley on September 20, 2011 12:40
Baldwinsville resident Karl Sterling grew up in a musical household, so it was natural for him to have an interest in music.
After watching a performance by the legendary drummer, Buddy Rich, when he was nine years old, Sterling decided that drums would be his musical instrument to play.
With five years of studying and practicing the drums with his father, at the age of 13, he began playing in his dad’s band.
He’s been playing the drums for audiences in Central New York ever since.
One of his next performances will be at VOICES, a fundraising event for the Hiscock Legal Aid Society and Everson Museum of Art that celebrates the act of finding one’s voice, whether through art or legal advocacy.
Sterling has spent six months helping to coordinate and plan the entertainment program for VOICES, which will be held on October 6, 2011 at the Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison Street, Syracuse, NY 13202, from 5:30-8:30p.m.
Sterling freely offered his talent and considerable contacts among local musicians to support the combined mission of Hiscock Legal Aid and the Everson Museum in the presentation of VOICES – to help provide a platform to encourage and promote expression.
“I have known a lot of people over the years who really need this and I feel it is important to help in any way I can,” he said.
Touched by the plight of friends, colleagues, and clients in the Syracuse community dealing with challenges involving health, housing, and domestic abuse issues, he has actively participated in events and local organizations that specifically address these problems.
For years, Sterling was the co-chair for the local Make-a-Wish Foundation and he served on Board committees of the Arthritis Foundation and Vera House.
One of his most notable charitable endeavors was his Bicycling for Life event in 2005. Sterling and his son, Nick biked more than 1,700 miles over a period of 14 days, from Syracuse to Dallas, Texas and raised close to $20,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network in support of the Golisano Children’s Hospital and other Network affiliates.
In addition to gigging and doing bookings for several local bands, Sterling’s ‘day jobs’ have also included real estate sales and management of his rental properties. Having a passion for fitness and exercise, he is also a certified personal fitness trainer.
Sterling attended Onondaga Community College for two years, where he majored in music and studied percussion with several accomplished drummers, including: John Barker, Danny D’Imperio, Joe Morello, Mike Melito, Wilby Fletcher, and Mick Lewander.
Sterling is a man of few words who carries some powerful ‘sticks’ to express his voice. He is the pulse of the local musical community – a committed group of artists who freely give of their time and talents to help those in need.
VOICES offers an opportunity for guests to support two organizations that encourage and promote expression. Admission is $125 per person. Reservations are required. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.everson.org
