Whippoorwill Arts ~ Making a Difference for Independent Artists
Northern California (April 12, 2022)- Whippoorwill Arts is founded by friends and fellow musicians to Ramblin’ Jack, Nell Robinson and Jim Nunally, who not only toured and recorded with Ramblin’ Jack Elliott in 2014-2015 for the album Rose Of No Man’s Land but honored him with their Master Artist Award in 2020 which included a $25,000 grant. These funds supported Ramblin’ Jack, who as a touring musician at now 90 years young, used the slow pandemic-stricken time to practice with friends and musicians, Banana Lowell Levinger and Paul Knight, to sharpen his playing and develop the trio for performances now taking place in 2022. The lively arrangement on stage has brought joy to now hundreds of fans across select shows on Ramblin’ Jack’s “Stayin’ Out West Tour”-the first official run of shows since the industry shutdown of live shows due to COVID-19.
In addition to rehearsals, Ramblin’ Jack was able to find time for selecting a new instrument and through the kindness of friend and fellow artist Bob Weir, was able to select a fine D’Angelico he’s grown comfortable with for current live performances. The sessions and investment of time with friends and musicians would not have been possible without the 2020 Whippoorwill Arts Master Artist Award and Fellowship. Their generous grant supported stress-free months of practice and the wonderful opportunity to experience a virtual performance for the first time through a pre-recorded concert Ramblin’ Jack took part in for the online 2020 Whippoorwill Arts Festival of Americana Music. We are keeping an eye out for further event announcements here!
As an organization, Whippoorwill Arts has expanded opportunities to several underrepresented independent musicians and begun showcasing their works through LIVE and online performances, attracting pay and publicity for the artists. The concert series’ they produce include the annual Whippoorwill Arts Festival, monthly AARP Sponsored artist performances, special Music aLive events and workshops, plus so much more. Please visit Whipporwill Arts for your chance to catch a show or learn more about the important work being done to ensure independent artists have a voice in the industry and support to publicize their works and live performances.
One of their latest projects continues as an invaluable resource to the industry as a whole and produced tremendously insightful results that are being used to directly inform music industry practices post-pandemic. Check out “A National Research Study of Roots Musicians in the U.S” for more information and sign up for their newsletter to see how you can get involved in future efforts that help the artists and industry professionals alike. Read more about their mission to invest, uplift, and transform, here. We are grateful to our friends and colleagues at Whippoorwill Arts and encourage you to support this organization that is truly making a difference in the lives of independent artists!
