Songs in solidarity
Cal Poly’s Music Production Union (MPU) has come out with a series of virtual concerts available for streaming on their Twitch channel. The interactiveness of the series sets it apart from other live streams.
“Our fundraiser revolves around artists in the club running their own sets and bringing in funds for the amount of time played,” said The MPU board.
Each artist will perform differently, whether it be through asking questions from the audience or taking song requests. This concert series is a great opportunity for local musicians and bands who are looking for a way to connect with their audience and community.
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly altered the way in which musicians both create music and interact with their fans. This concert is a special platform for artists to do just that, while also giving back to the San Luis Obispo Community.
“Each week we have more and more donations, interest and dedication to the fundraiser,” said the board.
For every dollar donated while the artists are performing, another minute will be added to their standard 30 minute set. This creates an incentive for viewers to donate. The longer the artists play, the more questions they can ask and songs they can request.
“We care deeply about the racial inequity we see on a local, state and national basis and we wanted to contribute something to the change that our fellow community members are bringing about,” said MPU board.
Therefore, the beneficiaries of this fundraiser are local, San Luis Obispo organizations related to Black Lives Matter.
The first organization receiving funding is the Free Tianna Coalition. The past few months, residents of San Luis Obispo, along with citizens all over the country, took to the streets to protest police brutality and systemic racism. These protests were largely a part of the widespread social movement, Black Lives Matter.
Among local protesters was Cuesta College graduate student Tianna Arata who was arrested on criminal charges for her involvement with the peaceful protests downtown. She is now facing possible lifelong changes and consequences.
R.A.C.E. Matters SLO is the second organization supported by this concert. The organization’s mission, since its founding in 2016 in response to the murder of unarmed black men by law enforcement, is to amplify the voices of Black and other People of Color.
They strive to engage locals in racial and social justice causes in order to create a community that celebrates diversity and is inclusive to the core. They present anti-racism workshops, special events and other cultural projects.
This concert series began on September 18th, 2020 with a performance from The Elaborate Owl. A week later, WOLF & ZERO played and Week three consisted of a performance by folk/country artist ho-mocha. The week four performance on October tenth was a surprise guest Kahonukai Boro who performed a DJ set.
There are no further upcoming concerts listed on their website, but it seems that, as long as there is a demand, the intimate concert series will continue.
Visit their website here to check out the upcoming performances and donate to support the local beneficiaries. If you are a musician interested in playing, direct message @mpucalpoly on Instagram.
