Music That Matters – Up with People

Arts As A Social Change Agent: The Art In My Heart

In honor of National Arts In Education Week Coming Up September 9 – 15; Guest post from Walter Belcher, Director of Camp Up with People, Co-Director of Up with People Jr. and Show Director of Up with People

As a professional actor, singer, and director – coupled with being an alumnus of Up with People and working with AmeriCorps – an ‘artist activist’ is a large part of who I am.

While the concept of using the arts as a tool for social justice is not a new concept, using the arts to address injustice that spans the globe is a major part of my life today.

When we think of ways to spark social change, we normally think of legislative changes, laws, petitions, etc. We think of political activism as the primary method. We also use community service to make a dent in the numerous social challenges our society faces, often overlooking the value of the arts.

We forget that the arts can spark these changes as well.

“The arts can unassumingly provide us with new ways of thinking without making us defensive.”

The arts can be used as a way for us to interrogate our current beliefs, spark new ideas and critically examine ourselves and the world we live in. We seldom think about the arts and the invaluable role they can play in breaking social barriers and bridging socially constructed differences. Using the arts as a tool for social justice, encompasses a wide range of visual and performing arts that are specifically created to raise critical consciousness, build community, and motivate individuals to promote social change. The arts have been an agent for change in many ways.

An inspirational anthem of the civil rights movement in the 60’s, “We Shall Overcome” continues to fuel a movement against discrimination. Broadway continues to artistically use the theatre to address unpopular subjects head on. Sitcoms such as Will and Grace, and reality shows like Ru Paul’s Drag Race have been raising awareness, and promoting healthy family dinner debates since they first aired.

Flashy flash mobs have been choreographed to interrupt “business as usual.” The arts allow us to be entertained while being informed. Even globally, Hollywood blockbusters such as Black Panther and The Greatest Showman poignantly demonstrate the power of art in pride, affirmation, representation and belonging. The arts have always given us permission to laugh, to cry, to look inward and to begin to discuss outwardly. Maya Angelou left us with literary art that challenges and inspires. Whether visual arts or performing arts, the arts allow us to have difficult conversations that may not be easy or popular.

As seen through the Up with People show, the arts transcend language, unify cultures, build communities, and create connections on an emotional level. The arts communicate our shared humanity, while challenging us to evaluate our normative behaviors. The arts bring us together, yet challenge us, our community, and even the world.

“If more people were for people… there’d be a lot less people to worry about and a lot more people who care”

Show Premiere: How We Create Music that Matters

Music has the power to evoke emotion, bring us together and inspire action. That’s why, for the past 53 years, Up with People has used music as a universal language to lead people toward positive change. To do so, our shows need to express a powerful message, but many people don’t know what goes into creating that message.

“The magic isn’t the person holding the microphone, it’s the tangible power of people from 20 different countries standing behind them singing the same message,” says Eric Lentz, Senior Vice President of Up with People. The message we convey in our show needs to cross geographical, cultural, and religious boundaries.

Up with People’s will be premiering the new rundown for ‘Live On Tour 2018’ this Friday August, 24 in Denver, CO. The Live On Tour 2018 production focuses on our shared hopes for a better tomorrow. Details and tickets can be found here: https://upwithpeople.org/events/denver/

FORMING A MEANINGFUL MESSAGE

At Up with People, we understand our world is ever-changing and that our production needs to change with it. That’s why having knowledge of current events, societal concerns, and understanding what is and isn’t resonating with people is vitally important to what we do. In order to create the best show possible, we need the help of others, which is why we look to three resources.

1. WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE WORLD?

It is important that we stay up-to-date with world conditions and events because our mission at each city we visit is to cater not only to the physical but the emotional needs of the people there. For example, in Mexico, we decided to sing “Cielito Lindo,” translated to mean “Sing and Don’t Cry,” a song sung when first responders found someone after the earthquake. It was our way of speaking to the hearts of the Mexican people after a tragedy.

We also change the language of each performance depending on the country we are in. That’s not to say that every song is sung in the native language, but the introduction and messaging between songs is presented by a native cast member. We want to make sure that our audience easily understands our message.

2. FEEDBACK FROM CAST MEMBERS

Our cast members play a big part in the creation of our shows. Not all of the individuals who tour with Up with People come from a performing arts background, but they all want to make a difference in the world. That’s why their help in crafting the message behind our shows is so important. Their feedback is valuable and unlike any other, because they spend the entire tour fully immersed in the culture of the country they are in through their time spent with a host family. They can see and feel when a certain message resonates with a particular audience. Perhaps, while volunteering with locals, they learn about new issues facing this population.

So, we ask our cast to gather objective feedback from others and tell us what they think about the shows as well. We want to know which songs they connect with, and which they didn’t.

3. LISTENING TO MUSICAL INFLUENCERS

Well-known singers and songwriters can use their fame to reach an audience of millions. That’s why we listen to prominent names all over the world who are addressing significant issues in their lyrics and reaching young audiences. For example, in 2017 the Broadway musical “Dear Evan Hansen” struck a chord with audiences and critics and won the Tony Award for Best Musical. A powerful work of art about the struggle to connect, the show deals with mental health and family life in a moving, contemporary way.

We listen to the style of the song. Is it rock or pop? Is it upbeat or more like a ballad? Then, we take our observations and create a song list that caters to what youth are listening and reacting to. We believe it is the best way to ensure our message is resonating with our audience.

We understand that the world is ever-evolving, but we also know that the need for positive change is persistent. Together, we will continue spreading hope to the world.

A Letter from the President & CEO

Up with People President and CEO, Dale Penny, answers questions during a recent cast tour.

Dear Up with People friends,

Sometimes I’m asked, “In a world with all the needs, the divisions, the violence and fear, why does Up with People exist?” What does a “musical program” have to add at a time like this? My response is those are exactly the reasons Up with People is more important today than it has ever been! When has it been more critical? Nelson Mandela once said, “It is so easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build.” Up with People is more than a musical program. It is a global community – cast members, alumni, host families and supporters – acting on their ideals to make peace and build.

WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?

People of every nation and every culture yearn for a more hopeful and peaceful world. Too often, however, we see intolerance, hate, incivility and violence growing throughout the globe, and many have become fearful and suspicious of others. Genuine peace can only come from mutual respect, understanding and trust.

Our world needs leaders and citizens who radiate a sense of optimism, celebrate our shared values, respect our differences and act to build trust. For 53 years Up with People has been fostering those principles through music, social action and global learning. To build a healthy future we must stand up for our ideals.

WHERE DOES UP WITH PEOPLE STAND?

We believe in our common humanity – Every person, regardless of race, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability or social standing deserves equal dignity, respect and justice. We seek to understand and appreciate our differences while focusing on shared values to build trust and a sense of community.

The world needs more hope – By promoting global understanding, fostering relationships across cultural boundaries and connecting with a multi-cultural world, we help break down walls of mistrust and create an optimistic and hopeful vision for the future.

Youth have the desire and power to change the world – The greatest long term impact will be made when young people become catalysts for change in their communities and world. Inspiring youth to find their voice and take action is our path for impacting all people.

We work through music and positive action to inspire and uplift – Through music and social action Up with People provides a platform for young people to express their ideas and beliefs, embrace and celebrate their individual cultures and heritage, understand their responsibilities to others and practice global citizenship.

WHAT IS OUR MISSION?

We empower young people to be positive agents of change for a more hopeful, trusting and peaceful world!

Music and Mental Health: A Powerful Force For Social Change

Music is, has been, and always will be a powerful social change agent. Music has long been used by movements seeking social change because it speaks to everyone. It’s the universal language that can inspire and be the voice that gets through even the thickest of walls. When problem solvers get together, music often plays a role in their strategic solutions. Music has the ability to expand our horizons and open our minds to new ideas.

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. The purpose of this social movement is to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illness and mental health. Additionally, Mental Health Awareness Month strives to reduce the negative attitudes and misconceptions that surround mental illness.

Up with People believes music has a role to play in addressing these often times under-discussed mental health issues. Roller Coaster (Won’t Let You Go) is a song featured in Up with People’s current production and addresses the issue of mental health with lyrics like:

Sometimes I feel lonely in a crowd
Sometimes I stay silent though my mind is calling out
Sometimes I feel so up I am sky high
Then I plummet down below ground, I get lost inside

Listen to the full song here.

Up with People isn’t the only non-profit that believes in the power of music to affect social change. To Write Love On Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide and provide valuable resources for those struggling with mental health issues. One of those powerful tools in this mission is music.

TWLOHA Music and Events Coordinator Chad Moses explains:

“Ever since To Write Love on Her Arms began 12 years ago, music has been central to our message and growth. This really wasn’t a calculated decision or a result of marketing focus groups, it just felt simple. The hope has always been to meet people where they naturally come together, and it turns out that music provides an incredible common ground. Think for a moment about your favorite artist, or album, or song. It is likely your favorite because you relate to it on some level, because at some point of interacting with that musician or song you feel heard, or seen, or less alone. Music reminds us that there are things in life worth singing about, worth screaming about, worth dancing about, and worth sharing with other people. That last bit is what is most important. Your life, like your favorite song, deserves an audience – deserves other people. We would encourage a continuation of that sharing. Depression, addiction, self-injury, suicide, anxiety, and eating disorders have a way of convincing us that we have waived our right to interpersonal connection; but Music can serve as a counterpoint. We encourage people to lean into music to be reminded that dissonance can be resolved, and that there is beauty in a change of tempo. Music reminds us that Rests are important. Music, like your life, increases in value when it is shared, when there are more ears to receive it and more perspectives for you to take in that will only make you appreciate the tune more. If it is true about melodies, then it can also be true about your existence.”

Music has the very real power to change individual emotions and the world. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues it’s important to know that you are not alone and that there is help available. Chad recommends seeking help today:

“We don’t always get to choose all the details of the stories that we are living, but we do have a certain amount of say-so in who and how we share these stories. Simply put, not now or ever have you been expected to figure things out all by yourself. Whether you are navigating heartache or addiction or questions of survival, there is hope and there is help. We have seen this play out countless times over the years, where people in a moment of pain have sent an email or a text or called a crisis line and were reminded there are options. We get to see people year after year at events and festivals continue their stories. They often share their journeys with counseling and therapy and support groups. And virtually without fail, they say how other people have helped them towards recovery and help. If you or someone you love is looking for help, please visit twloha.com/findhelp for a growing list of options on where you can start that search. If you have questions, feel free to send an email to info@twloha.com and if you need immediate help we would recommend texting “TWLOHA” to 741741 to connect with our friends at Crisis Text Line.”

It’s important for people to realize the simple act of discussing feelings and sharing experiences with others can be life changing. The more you connect, the more you can feel supported and realize you truly are not alone.

On this roller coaster life you live
When you got nothing left to give
You are never alone
We won’t let you go

Earth Day – 10 Ways To Embrace Our Home

Every year, Earth Day–April 22nd–marks the beginning of the modern day environmental movement. In the United States, Earth Day’s seeds were planted in 1970 when large leaded gas guzzling cars and industry polluted the air, water and soil at an unprecedented level. The environment and the link between public health and pollution slowly began to seep into the public consciousness.

The idea came from Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson who was a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin. Inspired by young people who were making their voices heard in many political and social issues Nelson, along with conservation-minded Republican Congressman Denis Hayes introduced the idea to the media. Momentum gathered and on April 22nd, 1970, 20 million Americans took to the streets and trails across the country demanding a healthy environment in which to thrive.

Today Earth Day is observed in 192 countries worldwide, all coordinated by the Earth Day Network, chaired by organizer Denis Hayes. Earth Day Network estimates more than a billion people celebrate Earth Day each year.

So how can you make a difference and embrace our home planet? Here are 10 ways to make your corner of the globe a healthier place to thrive.

Switch To Reusable Bags. You’ve heard it before but if you haven’t already, start greening up your store trips today. Each year the world uses 500 billion plastic bags, many of which end up in waterways and the ocean killing wildlife and polluting the water we drink.
Volunteer. Get involved with local environmental nonprofits and volunteer opportunities to plant trees, clean up parks or maintain trails. For a list of events and ways to get involved visit the Earth Day Network.
Speak Up. Make your voice heard when decisions at a local or national level must be made that impact the environment. We all want clean air and water so make sure the environment also has a seat at the table.
Seal Home Leaks. As you heat or cool your home some of that precious air escapes causing your systems to work harder and use more energy. It’s estimated that in the United States, of the annual average $2,000 energy bill, nearly $400 of that is wasted because of leaks. Caulking areas where leaks are discovered is a simple solution that can both save you money and help the environment.
Drive Less. On short trips either walk or bike to your destination. Not only is this great exercise but you are helping to cut climate change driving greenhouse gasses from being put into the air.
Unplug Energy Vampires. Many people leave their appliances plugged in when not in use. One of the easiest ways you can make a difference for the environment is to unplug those laptops, hair dryers and phone chargers. Why? Even when not turned on, while appliances are plugged in, they are still pulling power from the grid.
Know Where Your Energy Comes From. The cleanest forms of energy are from solar and wind. Many energy companies all over the world allow you to choose your energy source or even install solar on your own property which over the long haul can save you money. Contact your energy provider today to explore your options.
Eat Your Veggies. Did you know that 20% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the meat industry? A growing movement of Meatless Mondays is making a real difference. Every year you go meatless just one day a week, is the equivalent to taking your car off the road for 320 miles. Oxford University recently released a study that found simply adhering to dietary recommendations — scientists say 5 to 6 ounces of protein a day is a healthy level of consumption — would reduce global food-related emissions by a third by 2050.
Buy Recycled Products. We’ve all heard of recycling. But what about buying and supporting companies that use recycled materials. Where to start? Buying recycled aluminum foil or aluminum products is one of the best ways to help create demand for this green product and save energy.
Turn off Lights When You Leave The Room. This seems like common sense, but many people leave the lights on in the entire home all evening. Simply turning off lights when you leave the room saves valuable energy which in turn helps clean the very air we breathe.

A popular song featured in the new Up with People show is called “Home.” This song is our way of celebrating Earth Day everyday and calling attention to the planet we all should embrace. Happy Earth Day!

Check out the song “Home” below:

Molding Our Message: How We Create Music that Matters

Music has the power to evoke emotion, bring us together and inspire action. That’s why, for the past 50 years, Up with People has used music as a universal language to lead people toward positive change. To do so, our shows need to express a powerful message, but many people don’t know what goes into creating that message.

FORMING A MEANINGFUL MESSAGE

1. WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE WORLD?

It is important that we stay up-to-date with world conditions and events because our mission at each city we visit is to cater not only to the physical but the emotional needs of the people there. For example,in Mexico, we decided to sing “Cielito Lindo,” translated to mean “Sing and Don’t Cry,” a song sung when first responders found someone after the earthquake. It was our way of speaking to the hearts of the Mexican people after a tragedy.

2. FEEDBACK FROM CAST MEMBERS

So, we ask our cast to gather objective feedback from others and tell us what they think about the shows as well. We want to know which songs they connect with, and which they didn’t.

3. LISTENING TO MUSICAL INFLUENCERS

Well-known singers and songwriters can use their fame to reach an audience of millions. That’s why we listen to prominent names all over the world who are addressing significant issues in their lyrics and topping the charts. For example, in 2011, Lady Gaga’s song “Born this way,” a pro-LGBTQ anthem that addresses self acceptance, reached no. 9 on The Billboard Hot 100 chart.

We understand that the world is ever-evolving, but we also know that the need for positive change is persistent. Together, we will continue spreading hope to the world.

How To Become An International Rock Star

Music can be a powerful vehicle for change. It inspires both the people who listen to the lyrics and the musicians who deliver the performance. With the rise of popular TV shows like The Voice, American Idoland even YouTube channels it seems everyone wants to become an international rock star. The world is full of talented artists but the truth is that the odds of making a living as a world traveling musician are about .0000001%. If you are incredibly talented, charismatic, driven and happen upon a bit of luck your odds increase to .0000002%. But this doesn’t mean you should give up on your dream of international rock star fame…

What Is An International Rock Star?

A performer who gets the opportunity to travel the world, sing, dance, meet with world leaders, and inspires thousands of adoring fans is to us, an international rock star. Let’s first take a look at the traditional route, before diving into a way to achieve rock star status this year…

Learn How To Play An Instrument – This instrument could be guitar, drums or even your voice. You can’t be an international rock star if you have no ability to perform so start today.

Make Sure You Love Music Not Just The Idea Of Fame – Of those who make it as famous musicians, most have a deep love of music. Authenticity is what lasts so be sure you don’t just love the idea of becoming famous.

Practice, Practice, Practice – This can take years and countless hours. If you want to become any kind of artist you’d better hone your craft.

Share Your Music – Get on stage and share your music with friends. The more you get over stage fright the more likely people are to gravitate to you and listen to what you have to sing. Book as many gigs as you can. Nobody can discover your music if you only play for yourself.

Upload To YouTube – The modern day launching pad to so many musical careers, YouTube has become an essential tool for aspiring musicians. Upload high quality recordings of your music.

Never Give Up – Aspiring musicians must come to terms with the fact that they may never perform for millions of people. But that can’t stop them. Even if that never happens, the music is enough, and that inspires them to never stop.

How To Become An International Rock Star As Soon As This Year…

Since 1965 Up with People has been sending young musicians to perform all over the world and inspire others. Even people who have never performed have the chance to become international rock stars even if just for a year. Over 22,000+ alumni have performed for thousands of people including dignitaries and celebrities all over the world. Our rock star cast members have even performed at multiple Super Bowl halftime shows!

The tradition continues. In fact right now as we speak, the newest cast of Up with People participants, is getting ready to head out on tour and become the international rock stars they may have never known they could be. A common misconception about Up with People (and becoming one of our international rock stars) is that you have to be a musician. While we do attract some incredible talent, we also have participants who have never before stepped out on a stage. We believe this adds to the passion and incredibly unique experience that is an Up with People show.

The music they will perform reflects the mission of Up with People which is more necessary today than it has ever been. The combination of recent world developments, the rising tide of optimism in the youth of today, and the necessity to activate hope led to the theme for Up with People Live On Tour 2018: keep hope alive. A brand new show that will be performed over the next year for thousands of people worldwide.

How did these young people become international rock stars? They decided to travel the world with usand other young people representing 15+ countries from around the globe.

Want to see a show? The world premiere of Up with People Live On Tour 2018 has already sold out! See world tour stops and dates here.

When Up with People Dominated Super Bowl Halftime

With the big game fast approaching Up with People takes a look back at our role in the Super Bowl Halftime show. Our organization comes up a lot in conversation this time of year in countless lists both online and on American television. Including our pregame performance at the 1991 game, Up with People has played five Super Bowls, more than all but five NFL teams! Although we may no longer perform on this stage, we continue to tour the world with a new show and a message that is now more relevant than ever.

Repost – ESPN.com Article “When Up with People Dominated Halftime” by Doug Williams

Long before superstars took over the Super Bowl halftime show, there was Up with People. Between the marching bands of the earliest games and Michael Jackson’s appearance in January 1993, four halftimes were filled with hundreds of energetic, clean cut kids who danced, sang and had smiles so perfect they could make a dentist weep.

It was a four scoop helping of wholesomeness before the era of big acts and (sometimes) big headaches. There were no wardrobe malfunctions, middle finger salutes, phallic shadows, bleeped out lyrics or homemade American flag ponchos. Just a legion of well choreographed teens and 20-somethings singing tunes for that year’s Super Bowl theme.

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Over an 11 year period, from 1976 to ’86, Up With People was the headline act at Super Bowls X, XIV, XVI and XX.The group has more Super Bowl halftime appearances than any other act.

But each year about this time, Eric Lentz starts seeing “the lists.”

Before every Super Bowl, writers revisit every aspect of the game’s history, with top 10s of the best and worst games, plays, venues, commercials … and halftime shows. Each year, it seems, Up with People takes a beating.

Fortunately Lentz, Up With People’s senior vice president and executive producer, has a thick skin.

“We see the pundits and we see the top 10s and the bottom 10s, and we show up on all sorts of lists,” he said recently from the organization’s offices in Denver.

More often, the “pundits” aren’t kind. Wrote one reviewer in 2011 of best/worst halftime acts: “Book Up With People once? Shame on you. Book Up With People four times??? Shame on us all.” And this one, by the San Francisco Chronicle in 2010, that rated Up With People’s Motown tribute at the 1982 game in Pontiac, Mich., as the worst show ever:

“I hope you were throwing the football in your front yard during halftime shows in the 1970s and early 1980s, which all seemed to feature Up with People or Carol Channing. Up with People always had a creepy weird cultish quality, with exaggerated dance moves, brightly colored yet chaste clothing and industrial grade happiness. The group’s ‘Salute to Motown and the 1960s’ was the worst of its four Super Bowl appearances. The performances featured the whitest people in the world performing music mostly identified with African American culture. Imagine watching the cast of ‘Bonanza’ performing in a Tyler Perry play.”

To be fair, Up with People had several African American performers that year, and that particular performance has been praised, too. A Washington Times story in 2012 ranked the group’s Pontiac show as ninth best and refreshingly wholesome when compared to more recent acts, noting: “[they] were as inoffensive as puppies eating ice cream and apple pie.”

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To Lentz, the shots just bounce away.

Maybe their act wasn’t cool. Maybe Up with People’s performances (alive forever on YouTube) look corny, old fashioned and woefully out of place, sort of like Pat Boone rapping.

“I laugh it off,” Lentz said. “I consider the source. I don’t let it bother me because what your organization is about, at the end of the day, is not putting on Super Bowl halftime performances. It’s about changing lives. Not just the lives of the students that travel with us, but the lives of the families we stay with, the people we do service for and every community tour, showing that young people can communicate a positive message of understanding. That may sound like a company line, but it’s true, otherwise I wouldn’t have been working here for 15 years.”

It may surprise some to find out that Up with People is still singing and dancing across the globe.

Founded in 1965 as an organization to promote good will and perform community service, Lentz describes it as a cross between “Glee” and the Peace Corps: The Glee Corps. It’s smaller than it was back in its Super Bowl era. It now sends out about 200 cast members (from the U.S. and other nations) to tour each year rather than the 600 or 700 in the ’70s and ’80s.

The group performed at the opening of the Rose Parade as recently as 2011, but it’s no longer in demand to play big sports events. Lentz knows times have changed too much for Up with People to do another Super Bowl. Now, mega celebrities are selected months in advance and hyped to bring in the largest audience possible. With the game, cutting edge commercials and a headline act at halftime, the Super Bowl is a ratings bonanza, and UWP doesn’t fit.

“I think [it’s] the reality of how the entertainment industry works now and the corporate dollars,” Lentz said, explaining the change. “Obviously this year you’re going to see Beyonce with Pepsi splashed all across her, right? The industry and landscape have changed so significantly. Personally, would I like to see us back? By all means. I think Up with People could do an amazing job with halftime. … But realistically, we would need a major corporate funder and we’d probably need a name [performer to pair with], because that’s what people are used to now.”

Dr. Robert Thompson watched those Up With People halftime shows and agrees with Lentz. Thompson, the founding director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University, said the group probably was a bit out of place even when it was doing Super Bowls, noting comedians were making fun of it at the time. But that might say more about society than Up with People.

“I think generally, since the 1980s, we have been so deeply mired in irony and the era of postmodernism, and anything with that degree of sincerity and that lack of irony generally ends up being targets,” he said. “People make fun of it. A lot of people make fun of anything that’s hyper sincere and doesn’t engage in the kind of deep irony that’s been so much a part of the way we communicate, especially the way younger people communicate. And I guess by younger, I mean anybody under 65.”

The fact the NFL didn’t invite Up with People back to do the 2005 show after Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction” in 2004 exposed her right breast was a final signal the group isn’t coming back.

“They were so wholesome,” said Thompson. “How could you say anything against the message of breaking cultural barriers and creating understanding and all that kind of stuff? And I think as nice as they were, today they would seem completely out of place in a Super Bowl halftime show. Although I’m surprised and there was some talk after the Janet Jackson thing that that might have been just what the doctor ordered. But no, they went back in 2005 to Paul McCartney. He was the safe choice.”

Plus, Thompson knows the NFL had to change its show. Halftime was the most “disposable part of the broadcast,” he says a time people could step away. The NFL has now made that must see, too.

“Those superstar acts are more in line with the violence (game) and glitz (commercials) of the entire telecast than Up with People would be”, Thompson said. “Even a wardrobe malfunction isn’t all that incompatible.”

“All those people [were] complaining, ‘Oh, Janet Jackson’s breast was exposed for half a second! It’s destroyed all the children!’” Thompson said. “Whatever made them think that the rest of what went on during the Super Bowl was really good for children? Fourteen beer commercials associating beer with happy times and all those [erectile dysfunction] commercials and the violence of the sport? They made it sound like Janet Jackson’s breast was exposed during the playing of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ The Super Bowl is not that.”

Jim Steeg was an executive in the NFL for 30 years and the league’s senior vice president for special events in charge of just about everything related to the Super Bowl (including halftime entertainment) from 1979 to 2005. To Steeg, Up with People was the perfect act for the ’70s and ’80s. He and the NFL were pleased with the group’s performances and the crowd receptions were positive a reason UWP did four halftimes. But the times and technology that made the group appropriate 2535 years ago have evolved.

Back then, there were no giant screens that allowed people sitting in the upper deck to see the face of a superstar performer. Back then, nobody thought to recruit a mega act to do a halftime show. At that time, said Steeg, the theory of the halftime show was that it needed to “fill the field” so every person in the crowd would be close to the performance. A lone performer on a stage at midfield would have been lost to ticket buyers.

“You couldn’t have a centrally focused, one person type performance,” Steeg said, noting the lack of giant video boards. “What you were seeing was what you saw right in front of you. You didn’t have the ability to look to your right or your left or, in the Jerry Jones world, look up above to see what was going on down on the field.”

So, the idea was to provide a “spectacle,” and Up with People could do that with 500 people weaving, dancing and singing across the turf. Giant video boards, willing celebrities and changing expectations soon made UWP obsolete as a halftime option, but Steeg says their act should be seen through the lens of that era, not this one.

“This was before everybody thought that stars wanted to participate,” he said. “That ’82 [show], they seemed like the absolute perfect match because they could do all the Motown music, and that was before you’d think about having Smokey Robinson or Gladys Knight or whoever perform in the halftime show. It was foreign to the thought process.”

To Steeg, that show in Pontiac was terrific.

“I love that halftime show because it was Motown and we were in Detroit and it was a great tribute to [Motown stars], and I’m not sure anybody else could have done it better than they did,” he said. “Then this transition starts to come a little bit where you get a star, or Blevel stars, until you got to the A list.”

On Super Bowl Sunday, Lentz and others in his organization will do what they often do and trade messages about Beyonce’s halftime show.

“We all blow up each other’s Facebook walls when we see the latest performance and whether Up with People should be back, or good riddance that we’re not,” he says, laughing.

But he knows the shows today have far more “wow factor” than UWP can offer.

“The Black Eyed Peas, if you go back and look at them [in the 2011 show, you don’t see so much the performer as the technological wizardry,” said Lentz. “And that’s what makes us unique. … There’s a reason our name has the word people in it. Our performances are not about star power. They’re about the power of hundreds of young voices coming together to express a belief in world peace, which some may consider naïve, but that’s what we believe in. So I like seeing that power coming together. I just don’t know if the world would want to see that over Beyonce and the Black Eyed Peas.”

How Do We Keep Hope Alive?

How Do We Keep Hope Alive?
By Eric Lentz and Michael Bowerman, co-writers of the Up with People show

How do you measure hope? In a recent edition of Time magazine, guest editor Bill Gates assembled articles from a diverse collection of writers and public figures, including Trevor Noah, Malala Yousafzai, Ava Duvernay and Bono to answer that question. A central theme ran true to all of the articles – despite what we may read in our daily news feeds, there is more reason for optimism today than there has been in decades.

For over 20 years, we have been honored to work for Up with People, an organization whose mission is to inspire people to make a positive difference in the world. As Artistic Director and Music Director, we are responsible for leading the writing process for each new Up with People show. We are incredibly honored to have this responsibility, and we do not take it lightly. As songwriters, we find ourselves surrounded on all sides with inspiration for songs, and at the same time, we see the stark reality that the mission of Up with People is more necessary today than it has ever been. The combination of recent world developments, the rising tide of optimism in the youth of today, and the necessity to activate hope led to the theme for Up with People Live On Tour 2018: keep hope alive.

Hope needs to be activated… it’s more than a song lyric or a greeting card. Hope without action is just an emoticon: nice, perhaps fun to look at, but ultimately one-dimensional. Our goal with this new show is to activate hope: to inspire people to make their own personal commitment tokeeping hope alive in their communities. As always, the stars of the production will be aninternational cast of young people from 20 countries – what makes the Up with People show special is the combined power of these diverse young change-makers joining together in a common message of unity.

The thematic thru line or ‘red-thread’ of the show is the pursuit of the answer to this question:how do we keep hope alive? Throughout the 2-hour concert experience, the audience will be encouraged to actively engage in the search for answers to this question. New songs such asStronger Together, What I’m Feeling Now, Maybe I, Roller Coaster, and Keep Hope Alive pose questions and raise awareness. Recent favorites like Home, Party ‘Round The World, Footsteps of a Girl, Crossroads and Through Your Eyes return to the show and address universal questions such as the environment, gender equality, the migrant crisis and global perspective.

Up with People’s famous pop medleys are still a part of the show but are much more than just an “era” retrospective. The medleys are connected to the ‘red thread’ of the show and are themed on three key aspects of the Up with People student experience: Travel, Perform, andImpact.

We invite you to join our international network of Hope Activists: in the comments section below, create your own personal commitment to keeping hope alive by answering this question: how will I keep hope alive?

We look forward to hearing from you, and maybe we’ll see you on tour!

Get Involved

FORMING A MEANINGFUL MESSAGE

1. WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE WORLD?

2. FEEDBACK FROM CAST MEMBERS

3. LISTENING TO MUSICAL INFLUENCERS

Up with People President and CEO, Dale Penny, answers questions during a recent cast tour.

FORMING A MEANINGFUL MESSAGE

1. WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE WORLD?

2. FEEDBACK FROM CAST MEMBERS

3. LISTENING TO MUSICAL INFLUENCERS