When Long Beach musician/singer-songwriter Marti Walker wrote a self-proclaimed “little ditty” 5 years ago, she had no idea that it would one day inspire a massive peace event thousands of miles away. The English/Spanish-language song speaks of global unity and tolerance of cultures, and evokes images of individuals from different countries and ethnicities, joyously dancing “hand in hand.” Devahuti, the founder of Conciencia Con Amor, a humanitarian and socially-conscious group based in Concepción, Chile, heard the song at a local alternative healing workshop and was immediately inspired to produce an event that would do just that.
On this November 24, Conciencia Con Amor will present “Toma Mi Mano, Somos Hermanos.” Starting at the famous Catedral de la Santísima, hundreds or more will march throughout the city, hand in hand, in a show of support for global peace and unity. There will be music, poetry and dance performances, including a performance of “Take My Hand” and other selections by Marti Walker, accompanied by musicians and dancers from Concepción – a statement of the power of music to heal, uplift, inspire and unite across geographic, racial or political boundaries. So far, Conciencia Con Amor has received in-kind support for the event from El Instituto Nacional de la Juventud (National Institute for Youth) and Plan C Centro Cultural (the municipality’s cultural center). More support from local businesses and individuals in Concepción is anticipated, including television and press coverage.
Although some financial assistance is expected for “Toma Mi Mano, Somos Hermanos,” it is unlikely that the coordinating grassroots organization will have the funds to cover the songwriter/performer’s travel expenses. For this reason, she is asking for donations from the community to help her travel to Chile, so that she may personally share this moving message and song, which was the inspiration for and theme of the event. She is offering free album downloads via her web site (www.martiwalkermusic.com) to anyone who donates $25 or more. “It is my life and my passion to write and perform music that inspires and uplifts – and that reminds us that every thought, word and action truly changes the world we live in. This is a dream come true.”
Marti’s next local concert is a Brazilian/Latin/jazz gig at Brix Wine Bar in Sunset Beach on Sunday November 15 from 4-7pm. You can also hear her once a week, providing music for yoga classes at Svastha Health in Long Beach. She is currently compiling material for her upcoming globally-inspired pop CD, and is also working on a yoga and meditation CD.