Riverfolk receives $10,000 grant to address community needs

Armenian music came to the Blacksmith Shop Concerts for the first time ever with Ara Topouzian, who shared incredible stories of his culture and music. This was the last concert in Feb 2020 before the pandemic shuttered Riverfolk’s doors.

As part of a $1.5 million total grant focused on supporting midwestern arts and culture organizations through the COVID-19 pandemic, Arts Midwest and The Resilience Fund has granted Riverfolk Music and Arts $10,000 to address some of the most pressing needs and opportunities that exist for the arts and culture in under-resourced rural areas.

The Resilience Fund’s goal to invest in historically under-resourced arts and culture organizations across the United States as they work to weather the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in 61 selected organizations across the midwest who each received $10,000-$50,000 as a one-time investment to assist with promoting the arts in these communities.

“We are so excited about this additional assistance as it will help us ensure many more residents will have access to our programming,” said Aileen Rohwer, Director of Riverfolk Music & Arts Organization. “We plan to use these funds to reach isolated individuals and those that lack internet connection.”

To help in this effort, Riverfolk has reached out to the Manchester District Library (MDL) to add to their hotspot lending program, with 10 additional hotspots that can be utilized by individuals wanting to view Riverfolk’s livestreams or take online music lessons. Stacia Serafin, MDL Youth Librarian, will be creating some beginning ukulele videos that can be utilized by parents, grandparents or older siblings joining in on her singing and storytime videos. About 10 ukuleles will become part of the library collection of items that can be checked out for anyone wanting to learn to play the instrument. Additional lessons on ukulele will be available through Riverfolk, Rohwer said.

“We will also be able to use the funding to continue offering a sliding scale on our monthly livestream programming from the Blacksmith Shop and send musicians to more business locations for socially distanced live music,” Rohwer added. “Watch out for musicians at the Manchester Area Historical Society and Acorn Farmer’s Market and Café this month. Any other businesses wanting live music that have a space where a few musicians could set up (in a socially distanced format), contact riverfolkmusicandarts@gmail.com.

Another venture under consideration is to have a roving neighborhood van of live festive music visiting homes to serenade the streets with a PA system. “We are open to other ideas or requests for music- and art-related activities to help our entire community benefit from our programing,” Rohwer concluded. “Since these funds were unanticipated and a surprise, the board will be meeting to discuss other opportunities to assist our community. Public participation is always welcome at our monthly meetings which occur the first Monday of the month.”

Upcoming concerts that can be viewed via Crowdcast, include December 26 CAS Faculty Holiday Carols and Songs; January 23 Aaron Jonah Lewis; February 27 Pan African Youth Orchestra; March 27 Annie & Rod Capps; April 24 Gemini; and May 22 Joe Reilly. REGISTER for these concerts at this link. Crowdcast Concerts offer an enhanced concert-going experience that allows you to connect with people all over the world through the chat box, or watch the concert at full screen. The broadcast includes multiple views of the performers and special conversations with the musicians in real time. And even if you aren’t available at the time of the concert, you can get a link to watch and listen later!

Riverfolk also plans to provide year-around music once again with a return of the annual summer Gazebo Concerts (again, socially distanced!) once the weather is amenable.

Although #GivingTuesday has passed for this year, there is still time to help Riverfolk continue its outstanding programs throughout 2020 and as they look ahead to 2021 programming.

• Share posts on social media (Facebook or Instagram)
• Tell your story of connecting with Riverfolk–did you attend a concert or have a child taking lessons, did we perform in your neighborhood or outside your business?
• Help someone you know with access to programming–for example, help them get a hotspot from the MDL (for more information, call 734-428-8045).
• Invite someone to the Crowdcast livestreams.
• Sponsor lessons for a child, or donate art supplies to the schools
• Consider volunteering to help Riverfolk make even more connections with our community
• Give at riverfolkmusicandarts.org

Riverfolk’s programming is supported in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts and Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.