The show—and fundraiser—must go on
For the chair of the Music Department at The University of Texas at Arlington, social distancing may prevent live, in-person shows. But it hasn't stopped the music altogether.
Dan Cavanagh's jazz piano recital, originally scheduled for April 7 at the University Club, has changed locations. He will now perform live from his living room on a freshly tuned baby grand piano as part of a fundraiser to support the student emergency assistance fund at UTA, which music students are eligible for.
The event will be livestreamed on YouTube at 7 p.m. on April 7. There is no fee to watch the live show, but donations are welcome for UTA’s Emergency Assistance Fund to benefit students affected by the pandemic.
“We hope to find ways to help our students remain in school after this potentially devastating event,” Cavanagh said. “Helping our students earn their degrees and improve their lifelong
economic position is something UTA is very good at, and the funds raised from this concert will help accomplish that.”
Cavanagh said he hopes that in these uncertain times, the concert will provide a brief interlude and an opportunity to connect with others around art and culture.
“People are looking for some sense of normalcy and some way to connect in real-time with other people,” he said. “With shelter-in-place, we are in the middle of a time when we can't be physically close to each other. Art can bring people together at one time to share an experience.”
The music also helps Cavanagh pass the time and make the most out of staying at home.
“Music has always provided an outlet for me to explore feeling and emotion in a different way than written or spoken word,” he said. “It is also directly a way to create joy in our house, where five of us are all staying at home together, all working on computers for school or work. Music is a passion of mine, and it helps to be able to explore and participate in that passion during this time.”
Watch the live stream concert Tuesday, April 7, by following this link: https://tinyurl.com/dmc4720.