As I was saying in part 1, music is magical in its abilities to transcend sorrow and hard work. We all know we're going through some hard times.
~ 1/2 million people die of starvation each month
~ 83,000+ people die of malaria each month
~ 1 in every 1,218 Americans are HIV+ but don't know it
~ 156,000 adults die of HIV/AIDS each month
~ 23,000 children die of HIV/AIDS each month
~ 33 million people living with HIV/AIDS
15+ million children orphaned by HIV/AIDS
~ 835,000 people died of water born illnesses last month
~ 185,000 children died of water born illnesses last month
~ 58,400 E.R. visits every month in US from "properly prescribed" drug reactions
~ 13,350 prescription drug deaths per month in US
1,124 confirmed cases of swine flu (influenza A H1N1 virus) worldwide
27 confirmed deaths from swine flu (influenza A H1N1 virus) worldwide
Take small comfort in the baby steps of social awareness that one person alone can ignite. "When the night has come...and the land is dark, and the moon...is the only...light you see," wrap yourself in this warm blanket of thought - look up, look out, look forward - keep seeking, and you too shall find someone, somewhere is waiting to "stand by me."
Take a feel good moment to view a professional video below of musicians all around the world singing for their supper on the streets, one coin, one bill at a time. They are all inspiring, uplifting, phenomenal artists.
Grandpa Elliott from New Orleans, LA, with his face and voice round, glowing with character, takes home my 1st prize in this wonderful video montage. Beaming full of heart and goodness, his bass voice rattles with a timbre that will permeate your own calloused soul. Loosening muscles, opening minds, you'll find yourself realizing, "but for the grace of God, there go I."
click for video
Featured artists:
Rodger Ridley - Santa Monica, CA Clarence Bekker (aka CB Melton) - Amsterdam
Washboard Chaz - New Orleans, LA Twin Eagle Drum Group - Zuni, New Mexico
Grandpa Elliott - New Orleans, LA Francois Viguie - Toulouse, France
Cesar Pope - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Dimitri Dolganov - Moscow, Russia
Roberto Luti - New Orleans, LA Geraldo & Dionisio - Caracas, Venezula
Junior Kissangwa Mbouta - The Congo Pokei Klaas - Guguletu, South Africa
Django Degen - Barcelona, Spain Sinamuva - Umlazi, South Africa
Stefano Tomaselli - Pisa, Italy Vusi Mahlasela - Mamelodi, South Africa
For more info: World Health Organization, swine flu, h1n1 virus, Ben E. King, Stand by Me
Jennifer O'Neal Simmons - Wilmington NC Indie Music Examiner
