ANN ARBOR, Mich. – This week, Ann Arbor-based band Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds have been using their own studio to host virtual concerts to support Ann Arbor music and musicians.
Held through Facebook, the live-streamed “Live from the Bird House” concerts are a venue for musicians to perform during public safety concerns about the novel coronavirus.
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Audiences are able to pay for a virtual ticket through Venmo or Paypal so as to support the musicians and production crew.
Through email, Erin Zindle, of Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds, said that the decision to start the concert series was obvious. She had the resources, the necessary equipment, a crew and the space (her own basement). After making some calls, the project came together quickly.
According to Zindle, the Ann Arbor community has been supportive of the virtual concerts.
“I have been overwhelmed with the response from people who are enjoying the music with a new appreciation. It’s so easy to take things for granted until they are endangered or taken away. I think we have become a culture that has undervalued music and musicians in general, especially independent artists and local events. In the light of the threat of this virus we are undergoing a cultural shift that is making us rethink what is important to us,” said Zindle through email.
“People are feeling the music in a new way, listening more deeply. The songs seem to take on new meanings, everything feels more important, our emotions are amplified. People are tuning in, they are opening up their hearts and their wallets and I have felt a flood of support and gratitude from listeners. I have a strong call on my heart to keep this going as much and as long as possible because we need the music more than ever."
Find “Live from The Bird House” concerts here.
Here is a schedule of upcoming concerts:
Saturday, March 21
8 p.m -- Laith Al-Saadi
Sunday, March 22
8 p.m. -- Alex & Erin (Erin Zindle & Alex Holycross of The Native Howl)
Monday, March 23
Macpodz Mondays (satellite projects involving electric jazz quintet The Macpodz)
Wednesday, March 24
7 p.m. -- Jason Dennie & Rochelle Clark
Past concerts can be watched through the Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds Facebook page.
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