A group of volunteers bound by their love of music is making sure that the music doesn’t stop just because the pandemic has prevented live performances.
Singer-songwriter Crys Matthews says that she will bring her musical messages of social justice to New Jersey virtually.
“Even in the virtual situation, we’re able to still connect. We’re able to still elicit the same feeling that so many people get when they see us perform,” Matthews says.
Matthews is among the performers whose concerts are being streamed by The Folk Project, a project based on the fact that everyone’s music has value.
The Folk Project is a volunteer nonprofit organization. Mark Schaffer says that when the pandemic hit, the organization changed so that it could host virtual events each week.
The group will hold its first drive-in concert with performers Toby Walker and Vance Gilbert.
For touring artists like Matthews, these concerts are a crucial way to earn income while venues are closed by the pandemic. Most of the Folk Project shows are free to watch, but viewers can make online donations directly to the artists.