ON SOLID GROUND MUSIC VIDEO & CD SOUNDTRACK
by Videos For Change Productions
On Solid Ground
Prep for filming "It's Who We Are"
Reggie Harris at Cohoes Music Hall
On Solid Ground hits the mark
An international leader for discussions on diversity, race and community.
Finishing touches by Breeanna Nichols
Cameraman Steve Cifarelli
Director Mike Camoin of Videos For Change Productions
Photographs by Anthony Salomone aka the shadow.
Give whatever you can ...
"On Solid Ground" is a work of passion and purpose. It's a 13 song CD, inspired by the challenges of COVID-19 and the upheaving of national and global unrest.
"We Can Change" is the music video from this new song collection, produced by Mike Camion of Videos For Change. Scroll on down this page to preview the video.
Join us now as we near the finish line. Become a "Believer." Give what you can to be a part of the solution, in some small way. The CD will be ready to ship later next month.
Artist's Statement
We have all suffered deep losses in the past year. The level of change and tragedy has touched us all, directly, indirectly, physically, emotionally and spiritually right to our very core. The tragic loss of loved ones spans our national and global communities into the hundreds of thousands And the loss of our accustomed way of living, our inability to make a living and to help those we love, in both simple and complex ways makes every day stressful and threatens to steal our joy.
And through it all, the specter of the COVID-19 virus has haunted our every breath. We have been scarred and discouraged… dismayed and devastated. Our senses dulled and assaulted by too many horrific incidents of insanity. And by a trainload of social injustices launched by uncaring national leaders who encouraged our fellow citizens to choose hate and dissension over love and compassion.
We took to the streets in record numbers. We rose up and went out, despite the danger—and chanted, cheered, sang and put our bodies on the line. We faced police lines and tear gas and many who had never, ever protested before came together in the name of justice and said “We will not let this happen in our name!” We will not rest till this storm is over!”
So now we ask “How did we get here?” Is this who we are?” The answer is clear. This IS who we are BUT it is not who we HAVE to be. And we look back to those who have shown us the way in the past. Though it has taken years to unite, we say “We hear you and we are ready to do our part!”
For some, this shaking of norms has left us feeling uncertain and vulnerable. But this is also a time when we have been asked to open our hearts, to listen to new ideas, to open our eyes to the needs of the greater world. We are being asked to change for the better.
With all the loss and the changes … with all the devastation (emotional, personal and physical), we still have our lives. And even more importantly, we have each other.
This new CD is an acknowledgement of our history, as much as it is also my vehicle for spreading my feelings of optimism and of hope gained through hard work.
I see that hope by looking back to one who we lost last year. The Reverend C. T. Vivian. A civil rights leader who worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, he was a Freedom Rider, preacher, and community organizer and member of the SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee). While his public work began in the 40s, he was a leader in the struggle until the day he died in 2020. Meeting him in Birmingham, AL in 2015 gave me a new sense of strength and courage that is now part of these songs.
And it is part of my message to you. “It’s who we are…but we can change!”
"Leadership is found in the action to defeat that which would defeat you... You are made by the struggles you choose."
--- Reverend C. T. Vivian
So, we stand before the mirror
And we say “Why, Why, Why?
How did we get this way?”
Chorus: It’s who we are! It’s who we are!
Perhaps, you sense our urgency. These lyrics and this music video deliver a timely message. Fortunately, Reggie completed recording in Fall 2020 for It's Who We Are and 12 other songs found ON SOLID GROUND, yet there's much work to do. $20,000 of funds will apply toward completion of the CD, music video, artwork, promotion and distribution.
This Crowdfunding campaign ends mid-March, and our plan is to have the CDs ready to ship to you within four to eight weeks after our successful campaign closes. In addition, we will also be sending the CDs to radio and internet stations, and your contributions to this campaign will also help us to reach a broader audience. Distribution for the music video is being arranged as well. Of course, as a "Believer" in this campaign, you will be the first people to see the finished production.
With your timely support, a rapid turnaround for release is possible. Give whatever you can.
You may pledge and pay online, or to avoid additional fees, mail check payments of any size to:
From The Heart, 1013 Harbor Blvd #53, Oxnard CA 93035
Make a Note in check's memo: ON SOLID GROUND
$19,180 RAISED
$20,000 GOAL
| This Appeal | 244 | 96% |
| has ended. | Believers | Funded |
