Evan Birkhead’s Post

This article really moved me as I love to hear and watch a brass band. If you can help by donating or booking them for a kick here is the link in the comments section.

My escape.   I can still feel the tingle of excitement from our concert last Saturday.   Chelmsford Cathedral: Wow, what a venue. What an acoustic! We raised money for charity too which made the occasion even more special.   Choral singing has become a big part of my life over the past 10 years, or so. Being a member of 3 choral groups keeps me busy. My eclectic taste in music helps. And I can (occasionally) hold a note. This helps too 😊   A big boost to my singing endeavours came from being told (by a non-expert) that I couldn’t sing. Ironic, I know.   How many of us have taken onboard the advice of non-experts?   I guess, all of us have at some point in our lives, because the advice and opinion came from someone close to us and carried merit and value.   In my humble opinion, it’s always best for us to listen to our gut. Then, if we need advice, only seek it from people active in the space we are wishing to move into.   Blood, sweat and tears. Hard yards. Expertise. Experience. Yep, all are crucially important qualities in those we look up to and admire.   Step 1. Seek advice.   Step 2. Go away and add our own twist.   Step 3. Leverage both to create our own life-fulfilling experiences.   Perfect.   Thank you for reading. Enjoy your day.   #GutFeeling #Wellbeing #ChoralSinging PS: image is courtesy of Colin Michael on Unsplash

For those of my colleagues and friends who are interested in ancient Kazakh culture and heritage.. An article about centuries-old Kazakh musical instrument named Qobyz.. edited by my friend and mate from SISU Zhanar Adylbek.

Danny Kean story here, nearly 40 years of free music for all, read below and support if you can: On the road for almost 40 years, the same pickup truck with a piano in the back shared freely with everyone. After 20 years as a fee based performance vehicle, for the last 18 years the Traveling Piano has been operating with no fees, tips or commercial affiliation... no hook and with nothing but with pure Musical Fun, Friendship and Respect through Empowerment and Inspiration. Piano Man Danny Kean with his first pup Bo-ner in spirit and now Traveling Piano pup Mo, they have been focused on community outreach and especially for those struggling in life. Over 100,000 people have been on the piano seat and all through one-on-one individual musical interactions. Having originated in Philadelphia, PA the Traveling Piano has established itself now as a Downtown Las Vegas for the last eight years. Travels have happened throughout the entire Northern Hemisphere of America. The journey has been blogged daily since 2006 on the Traveling Piano's website www.travelingpiano.com The Traveling Piano operates in the most simple way possible without financial reserves, obligations, expectations, salaries or self-serving agenda for attention. 100% of all contribution is put into the truck, work and equipment. Online fundraisers happen only when the situation becomes dire for truck and equipment needs. The act of not accepting contribution in person with the Traveling Piano experience keeps the agenda pure. It creates trust and opportunity for healing in vulnerable environments where communities are severely hurting from tragedy. Giving freely without an exchange leads to intimate and personal interactions of trust and is a huge aspect of why the Traveling Piano's work has been successful. Currently the Traveling Piano truck is in a dire situation. Funding is necessary in order to continue operation. Specifically, a new carburetor and brakes are needed and for the sake of present-ability, serious cosmetic work as in a paint job, new front window and a replacement dashboard to get the speedometer and emergency lights working. The heat is destroying the piano and its sound system and a backup keyboard and speaker is necessary. Over the years people have suggested a new vehicle. This will not work considering the Traveling Pianos unique life and deep emotional and personal history. Cleaning it up and restoring its parts is the only way to go. The world needs the Traveling Piano's mission of truth in spirit. It is a safe space with positive energy and love and lets not forget the fun for all who come in contact with it. We all need fun now especially, eh? Will you help keep it alive? Please contribute... again and again. Just once is great too! And please share this contribution link on your social media and in groups. Spotfund: https://lnkd.in/e54Ra5hk Website: https://lnkd.in/ecXeC6Ji Venmo: Dan Kean @travelingpiano

Want to watch an original music video with a program evaluation theme? Then I invite you to sign up for my EIA newsletter. I love to write books, plays, and songs. This year is a special musical style-inspired holiday wish. But, you’ll only see it if you sign up. Sign up at the bottom of the page here --> https://lnkd.in/eaydn4rQ #buildingacultureofevaluation #organizationalculture #evaluationintoaction #charismith #cultureofevaluation #nonprofit #evaluationmadesimple #nonprofitgrowth #teachingofevaluation #evalcapacitybuilding #newsletter

There are a couple of new blog posts on our site. I invite you to see what we have recently done in Burundi and Pakistan! https://lnkd.in/gw8e6iMD #musicians, #support #nonprofit

#Strummerfest is not the world's -- not even this Region's -- largest festival. It doesn't always get the biggest names in music, though we do get some great ones. But we don't care about that. We bear a great name (that of the illustrious Joe) and serve great causes in a great community, and we care about *that*. We care about the people who participate in our shows, and the people who receive help from the charities we support. We care about doing and representing something good in our community. It is always appreciated when our efforts to be good attract a positive reaction. Lately, we've appreciated the kudos and encouragement offered by a few of our governing leaders. Here's some we've received this year, from Justin Trudeau #JagmeetSingh and #ElizabethMay Thanks to each of them for their kind words and attention. *** P.S. Yeah, you can tell, we're not quite anarchists (though some of our friends and supporters are, and that's okay by us too), but we do believe in holding government's feet to the fire, so to speak. When they are inclined to acknowledge the good we seek to do, they are also forced to acknowledge, in some way, what *is* good, and where their attention and efforts ought to be directed. Let them know you appreciate their support of causes and events like Strummerfest. Make sure they know you want their policies to reflect the kind of principles we try to uphold. #strummerfest2023

Be wary of ticket fraud There’s been lots in the news about fans losing out money for concert tickets over scams. Last year more than 8,700 people reported that they'd been a victim of ticket fraud, losing a total of £6.7 million. As we’re approaching the festivals and summer concerts season, it’s important that you protect yourself from losing out money and missing out on an event you’re looking forward to. We can help you understand your consumer rights, how you can buy event tickets online safely and what to do if you need a refund. Check our advice on event tickets. https://lnkd.in/eqs2mx7e

How Charity Events Can Boost Your Music Career Learn how participating in charity events can open doors for musicians. Discover the benefits of giving back and how it can lead to paid gigs and increased recognition. Be unique, memorable, and make a difference in your music career. #CharityEvents #MusicCareer #GigsOpportunities #GivingBack #Musicians #SuccessTips #Networking #CommunityBuilding #CareerGrowth #MusicIndustry

This initiative to improve and expand the information about African film and television on Wikipedia is necessary work that addresses a critical gap in the documentation, archiving, and accessibility problem that hinders the full appreciation of African cinemas at home and worldwide. The Africa Narrative, a non-profit committed to promoting African cultural influence globally, is partnering with FESPACO and the Wikimedia Foundation for an edit-a-thon campaign. The goal is to address the underrepresentation of African cinema on Wikipedia, the most popular online encyclopedia, broadening global awareness and appreciation for Africa's creative output. The initiative, driven by the AfroCreatives WikiProject (ACWP), kicked off with a social media promotion campaign on April 18. The actual dates of the edit-a-thon event, where participants will actively edit and contribute to Wikipedia articles related to African film, runs from May 18 - June 1. You're encouraged to actively participate by spreading awareness about the FESPACO Edit-a-thon. You can also engage with hashtags, the primary hashtag being #ACWPFESPACO24. You can also participate if you're knowledgeable and/or passionate about African cinema. Register for the Edit-a-thon and contribute to Wikipedia articles about African film and television. I'll dive deeper into this later. In the meantime, learn more about the initiative here: https://lnkd.in/g2FqfcB9