FLINT, Michigan — Earthwork Music is a collective network that weaves together culture, community, and collaboration. The brainchild of Michigan musician Seth Bernard, the collective is a way to unify fellow musicians while amplifying original music and environmental awareness. Since 2001, Earthwork Music has hosted annual harvest gathering concerts and festivals, special tribute shows, empowerment projects, collaboration with nonprofits, record releases, and more.
Their latest ensemble tour of
Earthwork artists brings 22 different musicians to music venues all over the Lower Peninsula this Spring. Stops include The Ark in Ann Arbor, The Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, The Alluvion in Traverse City, Ludington’s Center for the Arts, and in Flint. On Thursday, May 2 at 6:00 p.m. — the second night of the tour — the show comes to the
Flint Local 432.
Each night, the lineup varies, making each show a different, unique experience. Flint native
Amber Hasan returns to the area for a special hometown show, as part of the ensemble tour.
“I was born, raised, and educated in Flint although I have moved away. Flint will always be home,” says Hasan.
The performer has been surrounded by music her entire life and began playing piano at six years old in Flint Community Schools. By 14, she was teaching piano at Summerfield Elementary. Inspired by early influences such as Curtis Mayfield, The Last Poets, Kurtis Blow, and LL Cool J, Hasan enjoys using music as a means of storytelling. The Hip-Hop artist uses her voice as an instrument.
Hasan initially became involved with the Earthwork Music collective at a Flint event.
“I was performing at an event to raise awareness about the Flint Water Crisis at the University of Michigan-Flint and met one of the Earthwork founders, Seth Bernard,” she says. “Seth and I (and other Earthwork members) became friends and collaborators and after about a year, I was invited to join the collective.”
The artist enjoys being a part of the collective, appreciating the collaboration, and genuine support from other artists.
“Everyone is diverse and brings their own flavor to the group, but when we all come together, things flow organically,” she says.
As for the Flint stop of the tour, Hasan is excited to take the stage at Flint Local 432 again.
“Flint can expect an eclectic mix of music that covers a wide range of genres from performers who are passionate about bringing quality musical experiences to audiences around the world,” she says.
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Seth Bernard, Michigan musician and founder of Earthwork Music, waves to the crowd during a performance. (Photo credit: Shawn Roach)
Chris Good is another Earthwork Music collective member who will also be performing at the May 2 concert.
“We're really excited to come to Flint for the first time to reconnect with some old friends, make some new ones, and celebrate the one and only, Flint native Amber Hasan who is an Earthwork artist and will be featured on the entire tour,” Good says.
Many of the Earthwork musicians have performed on the Flint Local’s stage before, and have been involved in various youth programs there over the years.
“We know that they have such a rich history of being a cultural cornerstone in the community, hosting so many incredible acts while nurturing the local scene,” Good says. “Sounds like the perfect spot for an Earthwork Music show, right?!"
The mission of Earthwork Music’s commitment to community shines through its music releases, events, and advocacy. Part of what Good enjoys most about this tour is the opportunity to encourage and inspire community healing through collective musicianship. That collaboration with dear friends and music makers also provides an inspirational comfort to the performers as well.
“There is a commitment to community embedded in Earthwork Music and its members — both creatively through the arts as well as in many environmental, social justice, and youth empowerment efforts across Michigan and beyond,” Good says.
“It's been my experience that when that spirit of collaborative creativity gets expressed freely, it can be truly transformative within a culture that is so often steeped in competition and comparison. It's been such a joy and honor to be a part of such a dynamic crew of artists."
The Earthwork Music Collective ensemble tour takes place at the Flint Local 432 on Thursday, May 2 at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are available here. For more on Earthwork Music, visit: earthworkmusic.com