The Heartbeat | Volume 7 | December 2020
A Message From Our Executive Director:
We are so thankful for all the support we have received in a time of ongoing transition that continues to present great challenges.

Throughout 2020, Bread & Roses has made a concerted effort to reimagine and uplift our nonprofit organization to keep moving forward. We have started many initiatives including a partnership to bring music to the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, as well as new programs including outdoor concerts, Zoom shows and virtual performances for our isolated audiences.  

Next year, we look forward to continued engagement with our entire community and all of our partners. We are committed to holding on to the hope and knowledge we have gained over the past 46 years to emerge with even greater strength, more viability and a bigger “tool kit” in 2021.

Dave Perron
Photo Caption: (l-r) Harpist Carlos Reyes with Dave Perron at the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Kerner
Featured Articles
Cultivating Connections in 2020: New Programs for Our Isolated Audiences

What has Bread & Roses been up to since March? We've been doing the Pandemic Pivot! It's a kind of dance that we have all been doing during this time called the "new normal." Since our main focus is making connections, here is how we are continuing to stay in touch.

Fall Appeal - Your Gifts Bring Much Needed Joy Thorugh Song

As we continue to shelter-in-place, we are all experiencing greater isolation and are in need of greater connection. Help us continue our song - to inspire hearts and minds -- and cultivate joy by bringing live music to audiences with little or no access to the hope and healing that it provides.
Send your gift today and help us keep singing about Bread & Roses for decades to come! 
Francesca's Holiday Playlist

Twenty modern and classic renditions of holiday themed songs by a few of our favorite artists. This playlist will be sure to make this season extra festive. Happy Holidays from Bread & Roses Presents!
Board Profile - Gene Barnes

Lisa Starbird recently had the opportunity to interview performer and Board Member Gene Barnes. Gene started his involvement with Bread and Roses as a volunteer musician in 2015 and joined our board in 2018. The photo shows Gene (on the left) performing with Heartstrings Bridge at our 2015 volunteer celebration aka The Jam.

Staff Profile: Dave Perron

Dave Perron has been at the helm as our executive director for the past six years helping to creatively sustain our organization.

His experience as a visionary leader, proven fundraiser and innovative thinker have helped to keep Bread & Rose Presents on an even keel in 2020 and bode well for our continued growth in 2021.

Photo Caption: (l-r) Jonny Moseley, Dave Perron and Kris Kristofferson at 2015 Spring Benefit
Top Five Health Benefits of Singing and Playing An Instrument

Most of us know that a balanced diet, daily exercise and mindful practices like meditation can do wonders for our health but it may surprise you to know that music can have just as significant an impact.
Our Board Members Favorite Holiday Songs 

Memories of winter holidays past are filled with music! We recently asked our Board of Directors for their favorite seasonal songs. Their number one favorite song is Joy to the World! Here are some of the other songs they like best at this time of year. 
Mimi Portrait
Special Holiday Gifts: Exclusive Mimi Prints Signed by Joan Baez

Joan Baez was inspired to paint a portrait of her sister the late Mimi Fariña as she was dressed for an appearance with the comedy troupe The Committee in 1967. All donations from the offering of the limited edition of one hundred signed and numbered archival prints benefit Bread & Roses ongoing programs.
Community Partner Profile - Steve Burd

Heidi James recently had the opportunity to interview our community partner, Steve Burd, Founder & CEO of Burd Health. Steve has been a loyal supporter of Bread & Roses since 2015 and we are very grateful for his generous support. "The mission of Bread & Roses - to provide hope, healing and joy through live music to isolated individuals - is one that resonates both with my personal values and those of my family."
Marian's Did You Know...that in the healing temples of Ancient Greece they would first "Call the Musician" and then the physician?

This was the prescribed routine at the Aesclepion, the first healing temple in Greece because the musician would play the right kind of music to make the "patient' more amenable to the physician's treatment.

This intersection of healing and music has become the central life focus for Dr. Bruce Victor, volunteer performer and member of the Circle of Advisors for Bread and Roses. 
"Music & More" Book Club Event

“On the Road with Janis Joplin" by David Byrne Cooke. Join us on Tues. Feb. 16 at 4 pm for our fourth Zoom Book Club meeting with Special Guest Dave Getz from Big Brother.

For a Zoom Invite:
Fall Outdoor & Virtual Concerts Benefit Bread & Roses

This fall, Bread & Roses decided to look at backyards the same way kids do. As a safe place where friends can gather, joy can be shared and hope can be created. In October, Bread & Roses hosted two "Night on the Lawn" Backyard Benefit Concerts. 
Jazz Up Your Holiday Meals with Phil's Secret Sauces

Board member Philip Pillsbury has a new company, Phil's Secret Sauces, Philip has been our Development Committee Chair for some time but we recently learned he's also been developing some delicious new recipes.

To jazz up your special holiday meals, try his Chimichurri (Argentina's favorite), Caesar Dressing or Dip and/or Ragu Alla Bolognese (Northern Italy's Favorite Sauce for Pasta or Lasagna.) 

(415) 497-0800
HopMonk Novato and KC Turner Presents: Benefit Live-stream on Thurs. Dec 17 at 7 pm featuring Loudon Wainwright

Tickets are $20 and a portion of proceeds will benefit Bread & Roses. Don’t miss Loudon’s amazing wit and uplifting musical experience for a safe holiday celebration.

Loudon will present holiday songs, stories, and poems performed virtually in front of his very own fireplace in Suffolk Co., NY. Selections will include LW3 seasonal classics like: "Suddenly It's Christmas", "Thanksgiving", "Conspiracies", "I'll Be Killing You This Christmas", and his Hanukah song, "8 Nights A Week".
Bread & Roses Presents | breadandroses.org