Hope, Love, and Devotion: Part 1
“The work of building something powerful and massive begins small, begins in relationships where we can be ourselves, be accountable for our mistakes, be called into loving changes, be in mutual power.” — Adrienne Maree Brown
This is a resoundingly difficult time in our world. Human suffering, eco suffering, cultural and biological suffering. Moments of joy and hope have never been so precious, so profound, and so urgent. I recently heard the musician Sonny Singh at the amazing musical venue The Local in Saugerties. He spoke about his belief that “hope, love, and devotion are crucial to our struggles and our collective survival.” He spoke of this as part of his spiritual, educational, and musical practice. All that he said, the warm and clear philosophy he shared in his music and as he spoke to us, infused the concert he gave that night — and I have been thinking about it ever since.
His words were on my mind as I attended events — classes, performances, rehearsals, and celebrations — with the good folks at The Next Festival of Emerging Artists in Upstate NY and in New York City this month. It was an amazing way to experience my new coworkers and their passion for music and/as community. Let me explain…
The Next Festival offers young musicians an exhilerating two-week residency in New York. The experience incluces everything from room and board to classes and rehearsals to mentoring with remarkable guest artists to three public performances for a wide audience. A Pay-What-You-Can structure means that the residency is open to anyone who qualifies — at whatever cost, including nothing, works for them.
The results are electric — great friendships, remarkable performances, and the kind of artistic community, experimentation and ‘serious play’ that builds in beauty and power. Dare I say that I cried during all of their performances? THIS is how we make a better world, by creating spaces for community and “mutual power,” and this is how hope and love become crucial tools in our struggles for a better world.
Thank you Next-Fest. Long may you shine!
— Caroline
“We artists attempt to tap into the emotional, subconscious, and spiritual realms. With our sounds and visuals, I simply hope my work makes people feel something. We are living through desperate times and I hope my music becomes a place of solace for listeners. I hope my music helps listeners begin to envision the world they want to live in. Once we can imagine it, we have no choice but to act.” — Sonny Singh
