After the LALM 84 tribute to benefit Children of Bellevue tonight, Im posting a few thoughts of gratitude on my personal page. Im doing so specifically because I want everyone I know on here to read them - not just those who like the series page. Tl;dr is this: Music is amazing, I love my friends; find a cause and give back to the universe. Longer version below. Beyond the $1,500 raised in just one evening for CoBs new Music Therapy initiative - a total matched only by the awareness we created, and the energy in the room - there was something else we did tonight on the stage at The Bitter End. We celebrated art, and the power of creativity and community. 35 amazing artists gave their time and talent to prepare and perform 21 songs from a great era in music, and over 90 people showed up to enjoy the show. Some donated, some came in free, some supported the night in various ways, some just showed up not knowing what they were in for - but regardless - they all cheered, and danced, and shared in the joy that was radiating from the stage. I couldnt be more honored to know all the people involved continually in The Leave A Lasting Mark Concert Series. I could gush for hours about how proud I am of people like Chris Kelly, who showed up almost 4 years and 25 shows ago as some random bass player, and has become a producer/sideman/MD/pillar of the community out of sheer force of will and passion for music. I could go on and on about Amy Rivard and her enthusiasm at performing these tunes, or Crystal Blue Persuasion, who will sing any song anytime anywhere, because she knows and loves every tune you can imagine. I can thank people like Scott Chasolen and Scott Tofte and Megan Cox for bringing gear and learning extra tunes and being friends for longer than I can recall now. I can shout out people like Jason Spiewak and Dawn Orlando for supporting this thing Ive created, and trusting me with their brands and their support. But heres the thing... I cant list every single person who make these shows amazing - there are too many. The sum of the parts is way way bigger than the individuals involved. WE as a community give back, WE as a creative group make this music happen, WE as a whole realize how little it takes to do so much good. Im spinning from how amazing these nights have become, and how powerful music can be, Im excited at the future of these events, and look forward to Oct 1st (Tom Petty), Nov 13th (Last Waltz) and beyond. Im hopeful that you read this, and want to get involved - as a fan, as an artist, as a supporter. Its all of us, caring just a little, that collectively shake the foundations of the status quo. Lets do big important things... together. One song and one set, one day and one dollar at a time. Find something worthy of helping, and help. It truly is that easy.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 05:39:04 +0000
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