Fund in Mac Miller's Name Launches with L.A. Concert
Remembrances of the late rapper continue with a Pittsburgh-based charitable fund, an all-star concert in Los Angeles and more.
It has been less than a month since Mac Miller, the Pittsburgh rapper who found a global fanbase, was found dead in his California home. His death was confirmed by family members on Sept. 7, just weeks before he was set to tour in support of “Swimming,” his latest — and final — album.
Miller — born Malcolm McCormick — grew up in Point Breeze and graduated from Taylor Allderdice in 2010. Since his passing, his Pittsburgh fans, friends and family have found every opportunity to mark his passing and build Miller’s legacy.
On Sept. 11 at Frick Park landmark Blue Slide Park — also the title of a hit song and album Miller released in 2011 — thousands gathered for a candlelight vigil. Some of Miller’s old high school friends and even his grandmother spoke to the crowd; DJ’s played his music and fans teared up at the sight of an impromptu memorial set up for the recording artist.
Weeks after the vigil, Miller’s family announced a philanthropic fund created in Miller’s memory through The Pittsburgh Foundation. The Mac Miller Circles Fund will focus on bringing youth programming and resources to underserved communities, specifically through the arts and community building.
In a press release, Miller’s family released a statement commenting on the goals for The Mac Miller Circles Fund, explaining that the community was one of Miller’s many passions.
“Malcolm had a passion and commitment, not only to the arts, but to creating, deepening and protecting the idea and practice of community,” the statement read. “The Mac Miller Circles Fund will continue his vision of giving access and opportunities to kids to explore the arts and to have a positive impact on communities across the country. He cared very much about working to make the world a kinder place and we will continue to do just that.”
To celebrate the inception of the fund, a benefit concert will be held at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on the evening of Oct. 31. Many prominent musicians and friends of the late rapper — including Chance the Rapper, SZA, John Mayer, Travis Scott, Ty Dolla $ign, Schoolboy Q and more — are set to perform at the show, dubbed “Mac Miller: A Celebration of Life.” Tickets for the event are on sale now.
Though the memorial concert is set to take place in L.A., Pittsburgh fans will have another chance to remember the young icon.
Miller was set to play a homecoming show on Nov. 24 at the Petersen Events Center. Fans have instead arranged another memorial that evening, allowing friends and supporters to gather in Blue Slide Park in lieu of attending what would have been Miller’s first show back home since 2015. Nearly 5,000 fans are currently interested in attending this event, according to its Facebook page.
In response to news of the local event, the Miller family issued the following statement through their publicist Nick Dierl:
"The family of Malcolm McCormick, known best to the world as Mac Miller, has become aware of a number of fraudulent events recently announced under the guise of fundraising for causes on his behalf. It should be known that the only event sanctioned by his family and contributing to The Mac Miller Circles Fund is the “Mac Miller: A Celebration Of Life” event taking place in Los Angeles on Oct. 31. While the intent of further celebrating Malcolm’s life through these various efforts is appreciated, it is important that it be known to paying fans which of these are official or not. For all official Mac Miller news and information please refer to tmmcf.org"
