Fans missing performances by the Longmont Symphony Orchestra can get a taste of the group’s brass quintet tonight as part of a new series aimed at creating a community-building experience in the digital realm.
Today’s installment of the Summer Sundown Music Series, presented by Longmont nonprofit Homeless Outreach Providing Encouragement, better known as HOPE, will feature the Symphony quintet. The livestreamed concert will be followed by a talk on mental health, social stigma and discrimination by Tim Arnold, program manager for the Ready to Work Program at Bridge House.
The concert and talk series continues every other week through Sept. 2, and will highlight a variety of musical genres and a number of community issues. It will do so virtually, with all the shows and talks livestreamed. Unity of Boulder Church is providing its auditorium as a performance space and its tech expertise to stream the shows.
HOPE Development Director Kimberly Braun in an interview in June said her goal was for the series to offer a little something for everyone’s tastes. The artists performing represent a range of musical styles from bluegrass to Brazilian to Celtic to rock ‘n’ roll to Swedish to symphonic. The after talks also will explore a broad range of subjects.
The suggested donation for each concert is $20, with half of the proceeds going to performers and half to HOPE, and Braun said she is hopeful donations will be enough to compensate musicians at least nominally.
HOPE’s programs include overnight shelter for the homeless in partnership with local churches, navigation services through the Boulder County Coordinated Entry Program, a bicycle distribution program, and a day shelter that provides food and access to showers, internet access and services, such as tax preparation assistance. The nonprofit also recently launched a safe lots program, partnering with a local church to provide parking slots as safe spaces for those made homeless because of job loss or other circumstances.
The concert starts at 7 p.m. Learn more about the Summer Sundown Music Series and register or donate here.
