Art of the Song Darfur Special

Summary:

This special edition of Art of the Song explores the inspiration behind "We Are All Connected," a benefit CD of original music created as the Berklee College of Music community's effort to reach out and send a message of hope to the victims of the crisis in Darfur, Sudan.

Website:

http://artofthesong.org/darfur.html

Tones:

Engaging, Inspiring, Sound Rich

Language:

English

Description:

Art of the Song, a nationally syndicated public radio program presents a special documentary, recounting the uplifting true story about the creation of "We Are All Connected," a CD of original music inspired by the crisis in Darfur.

The special program begins with the journey of three American women to Darfur, and illustrates the power of artistic expression as a communications tool in the global community.

The Art of the Song Darfur Special is based on an interview with Linda Mason, chairman of Bright Horizons Family Solutions and wife of Berklee College of Music president Roger Brown. Mason traveled to Darfur with Liz Walker, news anchor for WBZ-TV; and activist Rev. Dr. Gloria White Hammond on a research trip. As a customary gift to her hosts, she brought two songs written by Berklee students for the women and children in the refugee camps. When the music was played for the refugees, they joyously explained that the gift of song makes them know we understand. The refugees returned the gift with their own song and dance. Their recorded voices were taken back to Berklee, and a song competition launched within the entire Berklee community. The result was "We Are All Connected," a CD of music written and performed by students, faculty and alumni of the renowned college, creatively intertwining the voices of the Sudanese women into the songs. Proceeds from the sale of the CD will benefit the MercyCorps Darfur Fund.

The Art of the Song Darfur Special will feature music from the CD as well as interviews with Linda Mason and others involved in the project.

Art of the Song, hosted by the performing/songwriting duo, John and Viv, is a one-hour weekly program with music and interviews exploring inspiration and creativity through songwriting and other art forms. The program is heard on over 100 public radio broadcast outlets across the country, and the special will air on many additional stations. Listeners should check with their local public radio stations for day and time.

Funding for the Art of the Song Darfur Special is provided in part by Jim and Jane Levitt and MercyCorps.

For the "We Are All Connected" project, visit www.berklee.edu/darfur/ or contact Creative PR: 888-233-5650.

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