The Next Chapter: Taking Second Line Arts Collective to New Heights

Since my last post, I've been on the move. A quick stop in Little Rock and now I'm back home for a few days before heading to my favorite place on Earth—New Orleans. It's not just the city's vibrant culture and music that draw me in; it's also where my best friend, Gregory Agid, and I founded Second Line Arts Collective (SLAC), a non-profit aimed at revolutionizing music education.

This Monday, we have a pivotal meeting that could significantly elevate SLAC's financial standing. We're in talks to form a partnership with a highly reputable brand. For those unfamiliar with the non-profit sector, funding is often the lifeblood that sustains these organizations. It comes from various sources—large foundations, individual donors, and product sales. For the past eight years, our team has been working pro bono, fueled by a shared vision to change the way music education is approached, not just in New Orleans but globally.

Our initial goal was to address a glaring gap in academia: the lack of practical guidance on making a living through music. Over time, our mission has expanded. We're now also focused on introducing young audiences to the rich tapestry of New Orleans' music and culture, while creating new avenues for students to earn a living as teaching artists.

The upcoming presentation is a milestone for me personally—it's my first in-person pitch. I've done plenty of these over Zoom, but face-to-face interactions have their unique set of challenges and opportunities. We're a small but passionate team of five, committed to paving a brighter future for the next generation of musicians. The road ahead is steep, but we're in it for the long haul—or at least as long as we can sustain our pro bono efforts.

I'm optimistic that the universe will soon recognize the impact we're making and reward our dedication with supporters who share our vision. As we prepare to make a significant funding request that could cover at least two salaries for the next year, I'm asking for your positive energy and well wishes.

So, what projects are keeping you busy these days? I'd love to hear from you.

Until next time,

Darrian