With growing awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement in America as well as our organization’s commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community, MUSIC Matters has a responsibility to use our voices to support the fight to end racial violence against Black people in America. We decided to take action in the way we do best—using music as a catalyst for social change.
Last Thursday we partnered with the Black Leaders in Art Collective at the University of Michigan to hold a virtual benefit concert. All proceeds will be going to the Detroit Justice Center, a non-profit law firm that works alongside communities to create economic opportunities, transform the justice system, and promote equitable and just cities. In the week leading up to the event, we spearheaded a fundraising campaign which raised thousands of dollars in support of the DJC. Using a shared love of music, we were able to highlight an important cause and come together with our community at the University of Michigan and beyond.
The success of our event is also due to our partner, BLAC. We are grateful to have worked on this event with the Black Leaders in Art Collective (BLAC), an organization founded by Black SMTD students to generate a safe space where Black and Brown students are able to uplift and empower each other through art. The president of BLAC joined us during our live stream to share the importance of coming together to engage with and celebrate Black art. MUSIC Matters has put together a Spotify playlist called “MM for BLM” that features songs by Black musicians that share important messages applicable to the continuing fight to end racial injustice in America.
Our first performer was Oren Levin, an indie folk-rock singer/songwriter. He kicked off our concert with his guitar and vocals, performing a Bon Iver cover as well as beautiful original music.
Next, Simone Clotile, a songwriter from Detroit and rising sophomore at the University of Michigan sang for us. She performed an original song, “Say Their Names,” which she wrote a few days after the murder of George Floyd. It was a powerful, heartfelt tribute to victims of racial violence in America.
Weekend Hours, an indie band based in Ann Arbor and Boston, performed some of their original music including a new song, “Say What We Want to Say,” complete with fantastic guitar, keyboard, and vocals.
Alan Williams recently graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in vocal performance. He played guitar and sang for us, including an impressive cover of “The First Thing You See” by Bruno Major.
Next, we watched and listened to Krit Kosoltrakul. Krit beautifully played the piano with songs that showcased amazing talent.
No Fun Haus was next in our lineup, playing the keyboard and singing for us before picking up his guitar for a fantastic cover of “Corduroy Dreams” by Rex Orange County.
Next, Joe Thomas, a Jazz and Sound Engineering double major at the University of Michigan, impressively improvised with his trombone. He also performed a powerful cover of “Visions” by Stevie Wonder.
Our benefit concert finished off with Peter from The Kelseys, an indie pop-rock band from Ann Arbor. They performed a cover of “Two Ghosts” by Harry Styles as well as some amazing original music (even an unreleased track)!
We would like to thank all of the amazing performers that shared their talents with us last Thursday, as well as everyone that attended the concert and donated to such an important cause. If you weren’t able to attend (or want to re-watch the incredible performances) check out our IG TV! Please continue to support Black artists, raise awareness, and take action to further the fight for racial equality.