We would like to share some tips on how to best support our community -- particularly our musicians and performing artists as well as other volunteers -- and how we might better take care of ourselves during this troubling time. We are all isolated and know there are many folks who are struggling. It is our hope that our community will rise up and support each other as we can. Feel free to use and share these health tips and ideas for support.
Ways to support musicians and performing artists:
Commission creative artists for new work – ie. songs, portraits, furniture and jewelry
Buy CDs and merchandise from bands directly on CD Baby or Bandcamp
Send bands a tip via Venmo for the music you’ve already listened to
Pre-book a performer for a future house party date
Learn a new skill! Check out an artist’s virtual class or ask your favorite musician or performer about online lessons that can be done over Skype or Facetime
Tune in to bands’ live feeds
Buy concert tickets in advance for shows that are still on
Support artists on Patreon or Venmo
Ways to support your community:
Check in with a fellow artist
Reach out to an elderly neighbor or those with limited mobility
If an event you had tickets for had to cancel, consider donating those funds back to the organization
Support small business in other ways: comment on their Facebook and Instagram ads, write 5-star Yelp reviews, Google, and Facebook reviews
Support your local hospitals by sewing N95 type masks
Donate blood
Ways to stay creative and promote good mental health:
Clean commonly used objects - ie: cell phone, guitar, or microphones
Write a new song or poem - prompts: What does distance mean? Write something to comfort a friend from afar. Write a PSA song of your choice – think ‘wash your hands.’
Cover a new song
Start a jam session via live stream or Zoom
Try singing in a new language
Take a tip from The Singer and The Songwriter and try a “Mobile Music” show from your car
By Carrie Sownie, Development-Communications Associate
Graphics by Carrie Sownie