On Saturday, May 30th, over 70 artists and thousands of fans came together for Quarantine Comes Alive, a virtual music festival that raised over $160,000 for a litany of charities via the comprehensive PLUS1 COVID-19 Relief Fund.
The 15-hour live stream marathon featured virtual performances of music from scores of nationally touring acts including veteran organist Robert Walter who debuted a new instrumental composition, “Cronkite”.
Robert Walter, the 20th Congress bandleader who plays with everyone from Greyboy Allstars to Mike Gordon, performed the track solo from his home, overdubbing various keyboard tracks on top of himself again and again. The spacey result, which amounts to an entire ensemble from just keyboard-based instruments, showcases not only Walter’s versatility but the versatility of his machinery. Between his Rhodes, synthesizer, electric piano, and more (all backed by a drum track), Walter becomes a one-man band capable of reaching the same improvisational heights as any four- or five-piece act.
If you enjoyed the performance, Walter asks that you make a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Watch Robert Walter perform “Cronkite” for Quarantine Comes Alive below:
Robert Walter — “Cronkite” – Quarantine Comes Alive
Presented by Live For Live Music in partnership with PLUS1 and Nugs.TV, Quarantine Comes Alive was conceived as a way to celebrate and support musicians, provide fans with unique musical experiences from the comfort of their couches, and raise money for comprehensive COVID-19 relief during this time of uncertainty. All funds raised from the donation-based event will be split evenly between the artists on the bill and the PLUS1 COVID-19 Relief Fund, which works directly with leading non-profit organizations like Sweet Relief, MusiCares, Center for Disaster Philanthropy, World Central Kitchen, Partners In Health, Trans Lifeline, and Backline to provide aid where it’s needed most. For more information, head here.