Songs for Haiti

What has happened to the country of Haiti is truly tragic.  Sadly, though I have to admit that I have practically ignored what has happened. If you’re anything like me, if there is a problem that you can’t fix, you like to pretend like it doesn’t exist.  Well I have been reminded lately of how big of a difference our generosity can make in times like this.  Even though I can’t be there in Haiti to help out, that doesn’t mean that I can’t have an impact on their world.

So today I want to shine a light on an organization that has chosen not to ignore Haiti.  Instead of just sitting at home and writing a check, the people at Paste Magazine are using the influence that God has granted them and have started a campaign to raise funds for the relief effort that is taking place in Haiti right now.  They have asked artists from across the globe to donate songs that they would give away to those who donated to the relief fund.  Right now there are over 200 artists that have contributed mp3′s for this cause, with a good portion of them offering exclusive unreleased songs.

Part of me feels a little sleezy trying to entice you into giving by telling you about all of the great music you can get if you do. But then again, if writing this post means that more money will be given, and more lives will be positively affected, then that is all that matters.  I hope that those of you who are reading this recognize the great opportunity to “love your neighbor” through financial gifts and are doing so regularly. But that is another matter. For right now I have some great tunes to tell you about.

Paste has managed to get an excellent and very eclectic group of artists to participate. Of Montreal, Bruce Cockburn, Switchfoot, State Radio, Deer Tick, Andrew Bird, The Decemberists, Duncan Sheik, Ludacris and literally hundreds more have given songs to help the people of Haiti.  And these aren’t just cheap b-side tracks that would’ve remained unheard.  There are some real gems to be found in this musical smorgasbord. So head on over to SongsforHaiti.org and make a difference while you download music today.

NPR Gives Away 12-Song Folk Sampler

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Newport Folk Festival.  This historic event is taking place this weekend (Aug. 1-2) at Fort Adams Park in Newport, RI.  Pete Seeger, one of the co-founders of the festival will actually be there performing both nights.  Tonight he’ll be joined by Judy Collins.  The line-up is pretty incredible, including both the legends of folk music and the contemporary pioneers.  Yesterdays line-up was simply stellar with acts such as The Decemberists, Fleet Foxes, Billy Bragg, The Avett Brothers, Iron & Wine and more.   I can only imagine what musical euphoria was experienced in Newport yesterday.  Amazingly enough, today has just as great of a line-up with Joe Pug, Deer Tick, Elvis Perkins, Josh Ritter, Neko Case and of course closing with Pete Seeger and Judy Collins.  I know what you’re thinking, and I feel your pain.  Why can’t events like this take place closer to us.  Well even though we may not have gotten to experience this historic weekend, thanks to NPR we don’t have to leave this weekend empty handed.  The great folks at NPR Music have put together a 12-song folk sampler made up of artists that performed this weekend at the Newport Folk Festival.  It’s a great playlist and is completely free to download.