Tell us how you combine your music with your activism/involvement in the community?
As much as I can, I lend my voice, band and organizing skills to fundraising efforts and awareness campaigns for community organizations and projects. This Spring I played a benefit concert for the Adjoin Fund, an emerging organization formed to join with African American male youth, grades six through eight, on their quest to become better readers. For the past five years, I’ve volunteered to produce and coordinate the music stage for the Artists of the Wall Festival. It’s a project of the Loyola Park Advisory Council. The festival just completed its 22nd year. It brings together neighbors of all ages to collaborate on a 600-foot lakefront mural at Loyola Park Beach in Rogers Park. Complementing all of this joyous creativity is a free music festival. Of late, I’ve been singing at far too many tributes/memorials for much loved activists and community leaders. I’ve figured out that there’s a healthy chunk of my calendar year where my volunteer efforts take up more time than work that generates income. But so far, it feels just right.
What are some of the upcoming gigs/concerts/projects you’re excited about?
The summer is a busy time for me: outdoor concerts, private events and my music director duties are ongoing. On September 3, I’ll be performing at the Chicago Jazz Festival! I’m so honored and excited.
http://jazzinchicago.org/jazzfest/lucy-smith/
YouTube Channel:
Electronic Press Kit
http://www.sonicbids.com/2/EPK/?epk_id=79330
Websites:
http://www.autumninaugusta.com