Music That Matters Archives

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

Posted by Up with People on September 6, 2018 [supsystic-social-sharing id=’1′ style=’color:#ffffff !important’]

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 …

Show Premiere: How We Create Music that Matters

Posted by Up with People on August 23, 2018 [supsystic-social-sharing id=’1′ style=’color:#ffffff !important’]

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 …

A Letter from the President & CEO

Posted by Dale Penny on June 20, 2018 [supsystic-social-sharing id=’1′ style=’color:#ffffff !important’]

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 …

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Topics: Insider, Music That Matters

Music and Mental Health: A Powerful Force For Social Change

Posted by Up with People on May 3, 2018 [supsystic-social-sharing id=’1′ style=’color:#ffffff !important’]

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 …

Earth Day – 10 Ways To Embrace Our Home

Posted by Up with People on April 19, 2018 [supsystic-social-sharing id=’1′ style=’color:#ffffff !important’]

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 …

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Topics: Insider, Music That Matters

Molding Our Message: How We Create Music that Matters

Posted by Up with People on November 16, 2017 [supsystic-social-sharing id=’1′ style=’color:#ffffff !important’]

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. “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 …

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Topics: Music That Matters

How To Become An International Rock Star

Posted by Up with People on March 1, 2018 [supsystic-social-sharing id=’1′ style=’color:#ffffff !important’]

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 …

When Up with People Dominated Super Bowl Halftime

Posted by Up with People Super Bowl on January 25, 2018 [supsystic-social-sharing id=’1′ style=’color:#ffffff !important’]

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 …

How Do We Keep Hope Alive?

Posted by Up with People Tour on January 18, 2018 [supsystic-social-sharing id=’1′ style=’color:#ffffff !important’]

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 …