Our Mother Earth rests under a blanket of snow here in Anishinaabe Aki, the land of the People of the Three Fires, Michigan. She reminds us of the importance of stillness and renewal, and gives us the hope of spring within the dormancy of winter.
We have made it to 2021, and what a journey it has been! As we grieve those who have died as well as the multitude of losses we have suffered in 2020, let us anchor ourselves in hope for the possibilities that lie ahead.
Indeed we have many concrete reasons to hope; the days are getting longer, COVID vaccinations are starting to be distributed, and we will soon witness the inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris, signaling much needed relief from the past four years of divisive and destructive politics and policies. President-elect Biden has nominated the first Native American cabinet secretary in his choice of Deb Haaland for Secretary of the Interior. Yes there are many reasons to be hopeful!
We are hopeful not only for a "return to normal," but for new ways of living and working together that can bring healing change to our society and our world. How can we live in ways that generate justice, peace, compassion, understanding, and respect for all people and all beings?
I am excited to offer my humble contributions in this coming year to these new and old ways of being together. I have been inspired by my friend and fellow songwriter Sue Fink, in whose Virtual Dream Cafe series I will participate on January 6th, to continue to develop creative ways to share music virtually. I hope you will join us and experience the warm and intimate online musical experience Sue curates.
In that spirit I am happy to announce the launch of Children of the Earth, an online children's music series using Zoom, which will occur every Thursday afternoon for 6 weeks starting January 14th. I am inviting families and classrooms to join me in these live and interactive virtual concerts. Come to any or all Thursday sessions and sing, dance, and play together from the comfort and safety of your home.
And in the end of January I am looking forward to teaming up with some of my fellow Earthwork Music artists for a virtual Songwriter's Summit for Resilience. Come vision, create, write, and sing with us!
May the music remind us of the many reasons to be grateful, hopeful, and loving while staying rooted in the present moment. Let us continue to cultivate the spaciousness and possibilities for hope to bloom in this new year.
Yours in the music,
Joe
Joe Reilly 2021 Live Streams of Hope
January 6th,VIRTUAL DREAM CAFE 8:15 ET, Donations, Online on Zoom, Registration Required
Community. Communion between audience and performers. Inspiration, anticipation, spontaneity; SHARED transcendent moments. Do you miss these things? The Virtual Dream Café (VDC) attempts to recreate this atmosphere, via Zoom (interactive environment). Join Michiganders Joe Reilly and Scott Fab, and Chicagoan Sue Fink, as they share a plethora of thought-provoking songs, perfect for the new year.
Join Joe Reilly for his weekly concert series for kids of all ages. Joe will share selections from all three of his children's albums, teaching lyrics and accompanying movements. Parents, guardians, caregivers, and siblings are also encouraged to participate in this interactive, educational, and fun online musical series. Register for any or all sessions. You will be sent a Zoom link after you register. Donations can be made per child, per family, or per classroom according to your ability to pay. You decide what amount works for you!
January 18th, CIRCLE OF UNITY University of Michigan Martin Luther King Day
3pm ET, Online on Zoom
The Michigan Community Scholars Program will celebrate MLK and his legacy with the community at our 15th Annual Circle of Unity. Join hundreds of University and community participants via Zoom for this virtual event celebrating the life of Dr. King and his legacy of racial justice, nonviolence, and unity. All are welcome: students, staff, faculty, families, and children, as the audience is encouraged to participate as we honor Martin Luther King Jr. through song, dance, and spoken word. We will be joined by local musician favorite, Joe Reilly, in addition to performances by student musicians and spoken word artists.
Link to Remote Event:https://umich.zoom.us/j/98418077221
Featuring workshops led by Audra Kubat, Dede Alder, Elisabeth Pixley-Fink, Nicholas James Thomasma, Joe Reilly, and Seth Bernard, $60, includes lifetime access to all the workshops, tickets can be purchased at Earthwork Music.
BRING JOE TO YOU! Joe is available for virtual concerts in your home or classroom. Email Joeto make your request and bring him to you!
