Bread & Roses Performance at CPMC
Whenever I’m back in the San Francisco Bay Area, I always enjoy an opportunity to perform as part of the Bread & Roses concert series. This non-profit, 501(c)3 organization is “dedicated to uplifting the human spirit by providing free, live, quality shows to people who live in institutions or are otherwise isolated from society.” I have performed a number of concerts with this organization and, to be honest, I’m not sure who gets more out of the shows - me or the folks I perform for at these various institutions! It’s truly an amazing experience to share the gift of music with people in these, oftentimes, less-than-ideal situations and see how just a simple concert can change their day, bring a smile to their face or, in more extreme circumstances, get someone moving who typically hasn’t (or can’t) for a variety of reasons on a daily basis. We all have fun, end up singing and dancing together, and pretty much agree that it all ends too soon.
Earlier today, I performed for a group of patients in a rehabilitation center at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, CA. All sorts of folks from all walks of life came to listen and it was a hoot running through my original material, and then taking requests from some of the older folks who were interested in hearing some Motown, country, and classic rock. In particular, there was a terrific response to my interpretation of Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” from some of the women in the room… Good singing, ladies!
If you are a musician, or just a fan of the power of music, please consider donating your time to this wonderful organization. I fully support what they do and encourage everyone to take a few minutes to learn a little more about their mission and how each of you can help. Check out their website at www.breadandroses.org or call them at (415) 945-7120 to learn more, and tell ‘em I sent ya!
