Dear Friends,
Today I want to share Band Central’s approach to making the world a better place (ie, social activism). Our goal is to help audiences experience powerful music connected to important community causes. In joining music and social activism, we help audiences experience authentic energy and joy. These experiences help tip the collective consciousness towards peace, love and hope for the future. Shifts in collective energy have the potential to solve major social problems.
The Band Central strategy for coping with conflict and unease is to discipline ourselves to look at what we can do, in our families and our communities, to make the world a better place. When the big picture perspective seems broken and without hope, we focus on the neighborhood perspective. What does that mean? We focus on 3 things:
First we focus on having FUN by making and enjoying music - Band Central is built around sharing joy in the present moment, where we visualize social activism as a joy, and we care for our own needs while helping others.
Second we focus on PURPOSE by using everyone's respective talents and influence to inspire people through powerful music, to raise awareness, and to raise critical funds for important causes.
Third we focus on ATTRACTION to build a network of support. By exchanging positive energy we can improve our health, wealth and relationships. Through being generous and heart centered, we attract nonprofits, musicians, volunteers, donors, sponsors, media and audience members that resonate with this feeling. We are using the word “attraction” intentionally based on three great books worth exploring, 'Think And Grow Rich' by Napoleon Hill, 'The Power Of Positive Thinking' by Norman Vincent Peale, and 'You Can Heal Your Life' by Louise Hay.
During our May Band Central Radio program I asked our guests how they approach making the world a better place. Here are compelling points they shared:
“When social activism is joyful we serve ourselves while serving others. Helping one person at a time has more of a impact and ripple effect than we normally perceive, so please go find someone to help.” - Amiee Turner, Executive Director at Team Woofgang & Company.
"We got to make this land a better land than the world in which we live. And we got to help each man be a better man with the kindness that we give”. Ben added, “there’s no better way to achieve this than through music. Simply put, music makes the world a better place.” -Ben Jaffe, Artistic Director at Preservation Hall Jazz Band quoting great New Orleans pianist and composer Allen Toussaint.
“Take action and get engaged in steps toward improving the community based on whatever skills and resources you have. Band together with other like minded people.” -John Torres, Singer/Songwriter and General Manager at Park City Music Hall.
Last month the 2023 Fairfield County Community Well Being Index was released, providing us with key data on the well-being and quality-of-life in our county. This neighborhood view shows us we have more to do to create a stronger community.
Fairfield County has the second highest income inequality in the US with the 6 wealthiest towns earning a median income that is 4 times the median income in Bridgeport. In these same 6 towns, 82% of graduating high school students earn a college degree within 6 years while in Danbury that number is 40% and in Bridgeport it is 20%. Housing costs in excess of 30% of monthly income is generally considered a cost burden; across Fairfield Country rental rates were above 50% of monthly income, posing significant strain for families to supply basic necessities.
Band Central is proud to be working with nonprofits and their clients to improve the wellbeing of our neighbors who need a helping hand. We hope you'll join us.
Peace and love,
Rob & The Band Central TeamDuring our May Band Central Radio program I asked our guests how they approach making the world a better place. Here are compelling points they shared:
“When social activism is joyful we serve ourselves while serving others. Helping one person at a time has more of a impact and ripple effect than we normally perceive, so please go find someone to help.” - Amiee Turner, Executive Director at Team Woofgang & Company.
"We got to make this land a better land than the world in which we live. And we got to help each man be a better man with the kindness that we give”. Ben added, “there’s no better way to achieve this than through music. Simply put, music makes the world a better place.” -Ben Jaffe, Artistic Director at Preservation Hall Jazz Band quoting great New Orleans pianist and composer Allen Toussaint.
“Take action and get engaged in steps toward improving the community based on whatever skills and resources you have. Band together with other like minded people.” -John Torres, Singer/Songwriter and General Manager at Park City Music Hall.
Last month the 2023 Fairfield County Community Well Being Index was released, providing us with key data on the well-being and quality-of-life in our county. This neighborhood view shows us we have more to do to create a stronger community.
Fairfield County has the second highest income inequality in the US with the 6 wealthiest towns earning a median income that is 4 times the median income in Bridgeport. In these same 6 towns, 82% of graduating high school students earn a college degree within 6 years while in Danbury that number is 40% and in Bridgeport it is 20%. Housing costs in excess of 30% of monthly income is generally considered a cost burden; across Fairfield Country rental rates were above 50% of monthly income, posing significant strain for families to supply basic necessities.
Band Central is proud to be working with nonprofits and their clients to improve the wellbeing of our neighbors who need a helping hand. We hope you'll join us.
Peace and love,
Rob & The Band Central Team
TAKE A BREATH
For this month’s Take A Breath we repeat a book recommendation we offered last year specifically about breathing, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art. Below check out a 12 minute YouTube link where author James Nestor explains 5 ways to transform your breathing!
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT
This month we're featuring Team Woofgang - a nonprofit helping young adults with developmental disabilities to be happy and thrive, and Park City Presents - a new nonprofit that supports the vitality of music, arts and culture. Watch the latest live stream of Band Central Radio program featuring Amiee Turner from Team Woofgang, John Torres from Park City Presents, and Ben Jaffe from Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Hear about their initiatives in their own words.
0.00 - Rob Interviews John Torres, Park City Music Hall, Park City Presents
6:15 - John and Rob perform “For What Its Worth”
9:30 - Rob interviews Amiee Turner from Team Woofgang & Company
21:45 - Rob interviews Ben Jaffe from Preservation Hall Jazz Band
29:30 - Closing segment - Life Colors by Rob Fried
