So I've got this song, dealing with a situation that burns me. Not socially conscious really, just an angry little tune. I have to say as elated as I was to be chosen, I was really intimidated by it all, even more when I got to Kerrville and met you, your dad and the fine songwriter's with whom I shared the stage. I've thought long and hard about this, wondering what kind of joke the universe was playing on me, but I've come to realize that for me Music2Life is a gift, a call to consciousness, to help, to heal, and fight. I thank you for that and pray I'm up to the challenge.
Great news on one of next year's Music2Life contest review panelists, Shea Rose . click here
Garbage Percussion Workshop
When Music2Life Songwriting Contest finalist, Annie Dinerman, recorded her environmental song, "One Planet At A Time," she invited Rex Benincasa to join her with "garbage" percussion in the studio. In their recent eco-workshop at Dartmouth College (Summer 2011), Annie and Rex took their work a step further and helped students learn through music to take tangible action toward conserving their environment.
Eco-workshop participants both listened to Annie's song and witnessed Rex's demonstration of the various reclaimed "instruments" which he had actually played in the recording. Rex and Annie then helped students create and play their own "garbage" percussion while also talking about the amount of garbage Americans create, the value of repurposing and recycling, and being eco-smart consumers. Finally, students rehearsed as a "rhythm section" and chorus to perform the song with Rex and Annie at a campus concert.
"There's several ways of saying what's on your mind. And in states and counties where it ain't any too healthy to talk too loud, speak your mind, or even to vote like you want to, folks have found other ways of getting the word around.
One of the mainest ways is by singing. Drop the word 'folk' and just call it real old honest to god American singing. No matter who makes it up, no matter who sings it and who don't, if it talks the lingo of the people, it's a cinch to catch on, and will be sung here and yonder for a long time after you've cashed in your chips.
If the fight gets hot, the songs get hotter. If the going gets tough, the songs get tougher." – Woody Guthrie
During this world-wide celebration, many generations will come to recognize Woody for his contribution of hundreds of songs to our national (and international) consciousness; and his call to action for the citizens of our world. Music2Life is dedicated to carrying forward the timeless relevance of Woody's legacy, and all music for social change, to the next generation of artists, listeners and causes.
Click here to read the Woody Guthrie 100 Press Release
HITBOTS - A Note from Christine Lavin
Inspired by last summer's disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico I updated the song "Hole In The Bottom Of The Sea" (which we now call HITBOTS for short), corralled more than 50 musicians from all over (New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, California, even Bet Shamesh, Israel) to donate their time to record the new version, and Betsy Franco Feeney has created a childrens' book to go along with the song. We even have a bunch of professors and scientists who've joined us to make sure we get all the science right.
Yesterday we kicked off our "Kickstarter" fundraising drive. Our goal is to raise $10,000 by August 25th to get the book published. For as little as $10 you can become part of this project and with Kickstarter, if you don't meet your goal, all the money goes back to the donors. We hope that won't happen, but it's reassuring to know that your donation either officially goes to fund the project, or it stays in your pocket. The names of all who donate will be posted at the official HITBOTS website -- there are some wonderful rewards at every level of giving -- so you'll be helping out the environment AND burnishing your already wonderful reputation at the same time.
24 hours later we have 39 pledgers who've pledged $2,363 -- in just 24 hours we raised almost 25% of what we need! And there's 41 days more to go to get the rest. If we can get 50% by July 19th Betsy can put a deposit down to assure we get the recycled paper she wants -- so if you want to be part of this, the sooner the better!
The topics at hand -- teaching children about the environment and clean energy -- are so important.
The National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association's next conference in March 2012 in Baton Rouge, and if we hit our goal we will be presenting the book to them there (one of their scientists, Dr. Erica Miller, is one of our advisors). Hope you can join in our efforts to make this happen. And could you forward this around to any friends who have kids who might be interested? I'll send them the mp3, too. Please join us!
Ciao! Christine
Second Annual Teen Substance Abuse Awareness Through Music Contest
The GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares, together with the National Institutes of Health, have announced the second annual Teen Substance Abuse Awareness Through Music contest. The contest asks young musicians, ages 14–18, to submit an original song and/or music video promoting a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.
When Music2Life Songwriting Contest finalist, Annie Dinerman, recorded her environmental song, "One Planet At A Time," she invited Rex Benincasa to join her with "garbage" percussion in the studio. In their recent eco-workshop at Dartmouth College (Summer 2011), Annie and Rex took their work a step further and helped students learn through music to take tangible action toward conserving their environment.
The GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares, together with the National Institutes of Health, have announced the second annual Teen Substance Abuse Awareness Through Music contest. The contest asks young musicians, ages 14–18, to submit an original song and/or music video promoting a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.