A Message From Dave Perron
- Samantha Dueñas
- May 7, 2024
- 2 min read
Dear Friends,
As we reflect on our organization's journey, we are thrilled to share that this year marks the 50th anniversary of our commitment to bringing free live music and the performing arts to isolated audiences in institutional settings across the San Francisco Bay Area.
For half a century, Bread & Roses has been dedicated to spreading the joy and healing power of music to those who need it most. Through our tireless efforts and the generosity of supporters like you, we have been able to create meaningful connections and inspire hope in the hearts of individuals facing isolation and challenging circumstances.
Since the founding of our organization in 1974 by the late Mimi Fariña, our mission has been rooted in the belief that music has the remarkable ability to transcend barriers and uplift spirits. At every performance, whether for youth in special need schools, residents in nursing homes, or inmates in correctional facilities, we have witnessed firsthand the power of healing through song.
As we celebrate this significant milestone, we are reminded of the countless lives that have been touched and inspired by our programs. However, our work is far from over. The beauty of Mimi’s vision is that the need for accessible live music has remained constant through the years. As we look ahead, we are faced with new challenges and opportunities to expand our reach and impact our isolated audiences even further. With your support, we can continue to bring the healing power of music to those who need it most.
Your generous contribution will enable us to:
Expand our programs to reach more individuals in need
Support the talented musicians who dedicate their time and talent to our cause by providing unique opportunities for human connection
Create unforgettable and enriching musical experiences that inspire hope and provide healing
As we embark on this journey together, we invite you to join us in celebrating 50 years of music, healing and community. Your donation, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Use the QR code at the bottom of the page or the accompanying envelope to make your tax-deductible contribution today.
Thank you for your support and belief in our mission. Together, we can make a lasting impact and bring the transformative power of music to even more of our neighbors most in need of uplifting.
Sincerely,
Dave Perron
Executive Director
Photo above: Aline and Emmanuel at The Tamalpais, Photo by Peter Merts.
It’s easy to underestimate how much “free” matters here — for a lot of institutions, any extra programming just won’t happen if there’s a fee attached. I’m wondering if you’ve noticed different reactions depending on age group, like kids responding more to rhythm and participation vs seniors responding to nostalgia. Kind of a random comparison, but seeing your focus on dignity and presence reminded me of how personal style can affect mood too, like https://stylelooklab.com talks about in a different context.
What you said about “meaningful connections” landed for me — live music is one of the few things that can make a room of strangers feel like a community for an hour. Do performers get any prep about trauma-informed approaches, or is it mostly learned by experience? Total sidebar: I once stumbled onto this site while making a flyer, and it made me appreciate even more how much the human part (the actual performance) can’t be automated.
It’s striking that you’re celebrating 50 years and still talking about expansion — that says a lot about how much unmet need there is. Are there particular institutions (nursing homes vs special need schools vs correctional facilities) where it’s gotten harder to book performances lately? Not to derail, but your note about “new challenges and opportunities” made me think of how fast directories like https://hrefgo.com change — keeping things current is a job in itself.
Mimi Fariña’s original idea still feels kind of radical: treating access to live art like a basic need, not a luxury. I’d love to hear how you handle the “first few minutes” of a performance in tougher rooms where people might be guarded. Off on a tangent, the way music cuts through barriers made me think of CaesarCipher — different topic, but same idea that there’s always a way to get a message through.
The part that stuck with me is how consistent the need is — isolation doesn’t go away just because the calendar turns. Do you ever get feedback from residents/inmates about which kinds of performances feel most “human” to them (solo, full band, familiar covers vs originals)? Side note: when you mentioned hope and routine, it weirdly reminded me of BlockBlast — small repeatable moments that add up.