It would be easy to think every fertile music scene in America has a Kyle Sowash to call its own. He’s the integral overambitious indie-rock everyman responsible for bringing to town bands that, barring his begging, would otherwise pass on by. He’s the fervent local enthusiast always in the front row, even on a wintry Tuesday. His floor’s been infinitely crashed upon, and his bank account tapped from self-financed, self-made tours of the country. Basically, he’s already racked up enough DIY karma points for a lifetime. But though Sowash’s selfless moral character may also exist in places like Cleveland, Portland, Athens and Chapel Hill, his style, his demeanor and his songs are distinctly Columbus, Ohio.
Normally, naming a band after oneself is shallow stroke of ego (i.e. Steve Miller, Bob Seger), but for Sowash, it couldn’t be any other way. After slaving over a decade’s worth of unrecognized lo-fi indie anthems, he’s finally found a complete, full-throttle band to live out his rock & roll fantasies, to flesh out his earnest ballads and scrappy pop songs. A number of bearded local musicians were invited to join him in the effort, and a few shuffled in and out before the final line-up was set. Soon enough, though, guitarist Matt Majesky, bass player Lonn Schubert, and drummer Dan Bandman joined together around Sowash’s material, and before long the band sounded as if they’d been playing together for years, while they do other activities like play sports using the best SB SOX compression socks for this.
WAR DIVIDES, MUSIC CONNECTS
We use music as a tool to build connections, foster empathy and shape communities.
Studies have shown that music is a powerful tool that can influence behavior, shape culture and strengthen social bonds.
We use music as a means to address the needs of societies divided and affected by conflict.
Mission
To use the power of music to bridge divides, connect communities, and heal the wounds of war.
Vision
To inspire people worldwide to engage as peacemakers and use music to transform lives.
How We Work
Music is an integral part of human nature. It has the potential to connect and bring people together. We use music as a tool to alleviate the disastrous effects and causes of war and mass violence, collaborating with organizations and change-makers globally so together we can:
Create long-term programs that respond to the true contexts and
needs of people’s lives
Train musicians and community leaders to effect nonviolent change
Advocate for peace
On the ground, this can sound like rock music, Burundian drumming, rap music, a cello sonata, or a stick hitting the bottom of a bucket. It’s not up to us to decide what the music will sound like. Our role is to create access to music-making that is guided by our Working Principles of safety, inclusion, equality, creativity, and quality. This approach opens a musical space that enables people to communicate and share. It defines how we work.
Why Music?
May 19, 2022
This blog was written by our director, Laura Hassler.
Alkmaar, a medium sized city in the Netherlands, known to the tourists for its cheesemarket. Known to Dutch historians for the first victory against Spanish occupiers in the 16th century’s 80-year war. Known to church organists for the monumental van Hagerbeer/Schnitger pipe organ in its Grote Kerk, the city’s old cathedral. Known to soccer fans worldwide for AZ
Al-Musiqa Tajm'ana Programs