On Sunday, June 28th, over 50 artists and thousands of fans came together for Justice Comes Alive, a one-day, virtual festival harnessing the power of music to bring about collective change in response to racial inequality. The donation-based streaming event generated $55,000 and counting in funds for the participating artists, who remain out of work as the pandemic continues, as well as a number of social justice-oriented causes via PLUS1 For Black Lives Fund.
The 12-hour livestream marathon featured enlightening conversations and virtual performances by an array of artists from around the world including celebrated guitarist Eric Krasno who offered a moving rendition of the Ben E. King classic “Stand By Me”. The video finds Krasno in his studio laying down a delicate rhythm track for the poignant rendition of the call for brotherhood.
Using a cajón, an afuche, and the snapping of his fingers, Krasno built a percussive bed upon which to lay his guitar and vocal harmonies. While the song obviously doesn’t contain any of the fiery blues guitar work Krasno has made his hallmark with groups like Soulive and, formerly, Lettuce, the power of this rendition comes from the gentle and moving nature of his graceful version.
If you enjoyed the performance, please consider making a donation via www.JusticeComesAlive.com. Watch Eric Krasno perform”Stand By Me” from Justice Comes Alive below:
Eric Krasno — “Stand By Me” (Ben E. King)
In addition to his solo performance, Krasno also sat down with Justice Comes Alive co-host and longtime musical collaborator Nigel Hall for an illuminating conversation about racism, inequality, and “how white people can come correct.” Watch the entire conversation between Eric Krasno and Nigel Hall below:
Justice Comes Alive Conversations – Eric Krasno and Nigel Hall
Presented by Live For Live Music in partnership with PLUS1 and Nugs.TV, Justice Comes Alive was conceived as a way to harness the power of music to bring about collective change in response to racial inequality. All funds raised from Justice Comes Alive will be split evenly between the artists on the bill and the PLUS1 For Black Lives Fund, which was developed to address and continue the fight against anti-Black racism and violence in the U.S. Directly supporting organizations like Equal Justice Initiative, Impact Justice, and The Bail Project, the PLUS1 For Black Lives Fund focuses on empowering Black communities, movement building, keeping people out of the criminal justice system while dismantling it more broadly, and a collective, international narrative change toward the equitable treatment of Black people. 30% of the PLUS1 for Black Lives Fund is also committed to small grants for Black and Indigenous-led grassroots efforts combating racism. For more information on Justice Comes Alive, head here.