GALVA, Illinois—May 19, 2020—The music industry was among the first to close and will be among the last to reopen as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, placing musicians who depend on income from live performances in very dire financial positions.
To support musicians during this critical time, Heartland Connections, through non-profit support of the Galva Arts Council, has launched the Play it Forward campaign. This aid program will distribute 20 grants, starting at a minimum of $500, to musicians facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19 and broadcast a live stream of a performance by the artist, recorded without an audience, where additional tips will be collected for the performer.
Below is the schedule for the live stream concerts:
Saturday, May 23rd, 2020
4PM: Tom Sharpe
5PM: Brook Hoover of Surf Zombies
6PM: The Wildwoods
7PM: Avey Grouws Band
8PM: Craig Gerdes
Sunday, May 24th, 2020
4PM: Barry Cloyd
5PM: Daniel Watkins
6PM: Bryce Janey of The Janeys
7PM: Angela Meyer
8PM: Joe Stamm
Saturday, May 30th, 2020
4PM: Amber Hendricks & the Maintenance
5PM: Lewis Knudsen
6PM: Dee Mill of Art of ILL Fusion
7PM: The Empty Pockets
8PM: Kris Lager
Sunday, May 31st, 2020
4PM: Tyler Sjöström
5PM: Jenny Lynn Stacy
6PM: Stone & Snow
7PM: Edward David Anderson
8PM: Chicago Farmer
Concerts will be streamed live from the Heartland Connections Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Organizers of the campaign are asking community members to send videos of ways music is helping you at this time or has helped you during challenging times in the past, inspiring stories from the community, and messages of hope. Videos submitted will be shown at breaks between artists during the live streams. Videos can be uploaded at PlayItForward.rocks or emailed to john.r.taylor@gmail.com.
Those who wish to contribute to this fund please visit PlayItForward.rocks online or mail a check to Galva Arts Council, PO Box 29, Galva, Illinois 61434 with a memo of “Play It Forward”.
Play It Forward is brought to you by Heartland Connections, through non-profit support from the Galva Arts Council, is made possible by generous support from presenting sponsors the Levitt Foundation and Galesburg Community Foundation.
Additional support is provided by Done Right TV & Security Solutions, Bishop Hill Creative Commons, Bishop Hill Bakery & Eatery, Galva Historical Society, Anderson Family Coffee, Small Batch Sessions, The Heart of the Story by Gary Metivier, Levitt AMP Galva Music Series, Peoria Music Live, and Trademark Vacations.