LA Songwriters..Interested in a life-changing gig?

[asiabackpacker]

Hello LA songwriters!First, let me share with you one of the most amazing experiences of my life (and it didn't cost me anything!)....I've been working for a couple of years now with a charity called the Art of Elysium (http://www.theartofelysium.org/)I've gotten on this kick for the past couple of years which I think all of us get on at some point in our life where we want to give back, contribute, help make other people's lives better.So I got turned onto the Art of Elysium by another artist who was obviously feeling the same way.For the past couple of years now, I've been playing regularly for sick children in hospitals all over LA. Kids with all ranges of illnesses from terminally ill children, to children going through treatment for cancer or other illnesses.If you think about it, these kids lay in a hospital bed all day. Many of them are scared out of their mind (even though they don't usually admit it). These kids are so damn strong, so brave, and so damn inspiring.They're sitting there with tubes and chords attached to them for days, sometimes weeks, or even more, listening to the endless beeping of hospital machines. Trying to keep themselves upbeat or distracted. Then some guy or girl shows up in their room, sits with them and plays them a few songs, even getting them to sing along, and clap their hands. And they smile. And what they feel changes, even just for a moment.For those few minutes, they forget all the bad stuff. Sometimes their parents are in the room too, and in the joy that comes from bringing the life and the love of music into the challenging hospital environment something beautiful and unexplainable happens. For those few moments there is no disease, no illness. Just the joy of music and the connection that it brings. And I believe that in that opening, a healing takes place.Getting to do this work, and use my musical gift in this way has changed my life profoundly. I don't share it to brag, or to make out how great I am. Just to share what I've experienced through being able to do this, and hope to turn on others that are interested in doing something similar.We're not all in a position to give at every moment in our life, and that is totally fine. We all need to take care of ourselves first. And I know that many of you are already giving in amazing ways! But I know there are some of us who do want to give, and are ready to give, but who just haven't yet found a vehicle to do so yet.So the Art of Elysium is the charity that does these programs, and I fully endorse them. I tried a few different ways to give back before I found them, and the unfortunate truth is that many charities are disorganized, poorly run, and make it more work than it should be to get involved. They are an amazing and beautiful group of people, well-connected, and very well organized. I believe by getting involved with them, you can benefit your musical career in almost every way possible.ANYWAY, I didn't mean to harp on about the charity. But once I get started talking about them... I came on here to mention an event that I am doing with the charity this weekend, and helping them recruit other artists.If you are interested in getting involved in something like this, there is an event this weekend that could be a great opportunity.I've done this event twice now, and it's been a truly life-changing experience...The charity takes a group of artists up to Camp Ronald McDonald in Idylwyld (about an hour out of LA). They do an annual weekend program for kids with brain-tumors who fly in from all over the country to spend the weekend together up at the camp, with their families, and other kids who are going through the same thing.Then each of the artists splits off with our own group of kids. Teach the kids a bit about songwriting, and then write a song with our group. My first time, my kids wanted to write a song about bravery, so that was what we wrote. We wrote a song that still inspires me. The kids came up with all the words. I just helped them put it to music.The in the evening, all the camp comes together, and each artist gets up with their group of kids, and sings their song for everyone.It is truly a life-changing experience, it is a powerful experience, and something that will not leave you the same. Yes, it can be challenging and confronting, but it can also be deeply moving and inspiring working with these amazing kids, and giving them an amazing gift.If you're an artist interested in this event, please shoot me an email. Or if you're interested in getting involved in the charity for other events, shoot me and email and I'll put you in touch with the good people over there.Thanks for taking the time to read this!!!Elliott

[sgs4u]

Elliot, I'd love to hear/read more about this. Sorry I live in Vancouver at the moment... but could you send a link to more info?Steve Soucy(energ@shaw.ca)

[robertjennis]

Great stuff. I think I will do something here in Central Florida like this. I have been thinking of playing at some shelters anyway. Thanks for the confirmation that I need to get out there and give of myself more. God Bless

[mewziklvr]

Wow Elliot, you are truly "God's child" man. Great job!! Wish I was a musician.D.

[GREAT IDEA]

That's a great idea. Not only do you get experience with your songs but you also expand your own life experience.

Don't forget about the aged population too. There's many assisting living places where seniors live out their lives in isolation from the rest of society. These are the heroes who built all the good things in our world, and yet when they get old; we isolate them.

This should stop and your music could be the start of it.

[cosmicint]

Hi Elliott, I'm a non-performing songwriter in LA and hope that I can help in some way. Let me know. Thanks! Donna

[Noah Silver]

Cool idea Elliot. I read your post last night and emailed them to see if I could help at all.

[cardell]

Very inspiring post Elliott!

Stuart