A Clark County band is utilizing its music to help the efforts of Council for the Homeless.
The Martin Avenue Mules Roots Duo — Clark County residents Clancy Kelly and David Benedicktus — carried out every week over the summer season on the First Friday Artwork Stroll in Vancouver and donated the proceeds — about $700 — to the Vancouver-based nonprofit, which presents shelter and housing sources and hire help, amongst different providers.
The duo fuses their love for American roots music — a mixture of blues, gospel, and nation — with a dedication to social justice.
“It’s about giving back to the community and having a little joy along the way … and showing people compassion,” mentioned Benedicktus, who performs harmonica.
Kelly and Benedicktus have been taking part in collectively for many years with a repertoire that features songs relationship to the Nineteen Twenties.
Their bond was fashioned within the Nineties once they met at church on Father’s Day. The duo fashioned after they took courses via Vancouver nonprofit Jam Periods, which helped them arrange gigs.
The 2 determined to donate their First Friday earnings to Council for the Homeless as a result of neither wanted the cash and so they wished to make use of it to uplift the group.
“People might not give money to a couple of old white guys playing music. But if you see the Council for the Homeless, people might donate trying to make an effort to help,” mentioned Kelly, who performs guitar and sings.
In addition they have been requested to open the Council for the Homeless’ Gathering for Change annual fundraiser in October.
“David and Clancy’s music shows the importance of art in social change. They bring awareness to community issues and engage people in important causes. Council for the Homeless appreciates their gift of music and support in fundraising for our mission,” mentioned Charlene Welch, chief development officer for Council for the Homeless.
Benedicktus, who’s retired, mentioned watching his mother and father’ work within the inexpensive housing and civil rights motion and his profession in psychological well being fueled his drive to help causes together with homelessness.
Kelly, who retired from the development business, is equally captivated with serving to these in want and has volunteered with numerous charitable organizations.
“I don’t have the wherewithal to physically help people, but I can get on the train that is helping people. That’s where we are and what we are doing,” Kelly mentioned.
For Benedicktus and Kelly, music shouldn’t be solely a type of leisure however a strong software to attach folks to historical past.
By way of their music, the Martin Avenue Mules Roots Duo brings consideration to historic threads of social justice which can be woven into the songs they carry out.
On a latest afternoon, the duo sat in a espresso store with sheet music unfold in entrance of them.
Benedicktus’ finger traced every line of the lyrics. The 2 would pause each different line to animatedly break down the importance behind the phrases.
The songs wove in themes of civil rights, housing, homelessness and resilience.
“I Can’t Help but Wonder Where I’m Bound” by singer-songwriter Tom Paxton of Chicago is about rising up and questioning in case you are headed in the fitting path. The music from 1964 additionally touches on housing. The duo learn the lyrics:
“Properly when you see me passin’ by and also you sit and also you surprise why
And you would like that you just have been a rambler too
Nail your footwear to the kitchen ground, lace ’em up and bar the door
Thank your stars for the roof that’s over you.”
The 2 plan to persevering with elevating cash for the nonprofit.
“Music is powerful,” Benedicktus mentioned. “It connects us to our emotions. More importantly, it connects us with our community.”