The Street Muse Project has launched a Kickstarter for
their latest endeavor which seeks to document street performances in
Africa. Says Len Albright, urban sociologist and half of the
team behind the project, "We see music as a way for people to form an
emotional bond with another person. We see this emotional bond at the heart of
cross-cultural learning and compassion. The history, politics,
and humanitarian crises of many East and West African nations are
very complex and challenging. Through the sharing of music and musicians'
stories, the Street Muse Project will offer all who participate a way to form
an emotional bond and starting point for learning and engagement. The stories
and music of individuals can lead us all to broader themes of humanity.
We see value in the power of music to inspire learning."
His collaborator on the project is dynamic
multi-instrumentalist Gull (Nate Rappole). Over
the past 5 years he has been performing as a street musician across the United
States and Mexico and is known for the percussion project that involves the
simultaneous playing of the drums and guitar. In the Spring of 2011, Nate
was joined on a tour of the American South by Len Albright, who had recently
completed a PhD in urban sociology. They discussed the possibility of
interviewing musicians on the streets in other parts of the world and how the
sharing of this could open pathways for creative politics and experiences
across the globe. The Street Muse Project was born.
You can learn more about the project, watch Gull in action,
and donate at the Street
Muse Project Kickstarter. Gull will also be performing a special
"virtual busking" countdown at iconic New York City spots in the
hours leading up to the end of the Kickstarter campaign this Friday and
Saturday. Keep track of him and watch him play via his Facebook
page.
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