Concert to benefit nonprofit’s suicide prevention and anti-bullying programs

PHOENIX (December 15, 2022) – Founded in 2018, the UBU (pronounced “you be you”) Project was created with a mission to prevent youth suicide, addiction, and bullying, through social/emotional performing arts integration residencies. On Saturday January 28 at 7:30 p.m., UBU Project Founder and recording artist David Simmons and his brother, Academy Award Winner & Broadway Star JK Simmons (Spiderman, Whiplash, Juno), will headline the second annual UBU Benefit Concert: “Light Your Corner of the World” at Desert Stages Theater. This entertaining and engaging event will feature live performances by the Simmons brothers, Kim Zinevich of The Bellwethers, and other notable performers.


“We’re looking forward to a night filled with songs and stories that will engage and entertain the audience,” says David. “And of course, all funds raised will go directly toward our lifesaving programs.”

David, or “Mr. David” as he’s known by UBU Project participants, founded the nonprofit to help others experiencing the struggles he faced in his past. Having been given a second chance at life after a failed suicide attempt over a decade ago, he has now helped thousands of youth gain a new perspective through the UBU Project programs that are delivered through residencies in K-12 schools, youth centers, group homes, and juvenile detention facilities.

The UBU Project offers three distinct performing arts residencies that focus on music and songwriting, movement anddance, and theatre and drama. The week-long interactive residency programs engage and utilize performing arts skills and curricula to introduce, support, and enhance the work being in classrooms and after-school programs. Each program is student led, with students creating their own original song, movement combination, or theatrical pieces. 

Tickets to the January 28 UBU Benefit Concert: “Light Your Corner of the World” are $50 or $100 and can be purchased at https://www.desertstages.org/ubuproject/

About UBU Project

The UBU Project is a performing arts education outreach organization specializing in social-emotional performing arts integration (SEL-Arts) residencies in K12 schools, youth centers, group homes, and juvenile detention facilities.