Shaleah Feinstein Wants You to Let It Rip on Political Leaders to the Sounds of Classical Music
World renowned musicians come together to raise funds for The Alliance Against Sexual Assault
Photos Courtesy of Shaleah Feinstein
Elevator pitch, what would you tell a person on the street to get them to ‘Haven on Earth?’
Hey you should come to this fundraiser concert at a women owned boxing gym to raise funds and awareness for The Alliance Against Sexual Assault. We have world renowned musicians playing jazz to pop to classical. It’s not just a concert though, there will be punching bags, self defense instructors, local art for sale, tarot readers, alcohol and more.
The classical music community doesn’t do a lot of fundraisers and events like you’re doing here. What inspired you to produce this one?
There are a lot of conversations I have, during coffee with a friend, at gigs, or in the locker room at the Met Opera, where I hear that people have a deep desire to help their communities, especially during these political times. I felt like I was having the same conversations in multiple different spaces, with artists in all walks of life. I’ve been waiting for a long time to start throwing events like these, but a friend told me sometimes you have to build the plane while you're flying it. So I picked a date during Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the rest is history. I am so happy to include some of my friends I've had these conversations with in hopes to connect them with other like-minded artists.
“There are a lot of conversations I have, during coffee with a friend, at gigs, or in the locker room at the Met Opera, where I hear that people have a deep desire to help their communities, especially during these political times.”
What do you feel audience members get out of an experience like this versus what an artist in the classical music community could gain from either participating, producing their own events like this, or by supporting classical music events like this?
I feel that an event like this creates an approachable, meaningful and engaging concert experience for audience members. It is a chance for anyone to see top level performers without paying for a ticket to the symphony or having to deal with the intimidating and unfamiliar stigma that some performance spaces inherently have. Also, they know their money is going to a relevant and important cause.
For artists, sometimes it can feel like we aren’t making a difference with our performances, or it can be isolating spending hours in the practice room while the world is on fire. Creating, participating, or supporting an event like this creates another meaningful chance to share a craft we have spent our lives developing.
I believe that being part of an event that directly raises funds and awareness for important issues gives a lot of fulfillment to artists, or anyone who feels hopeless or frustrated.
“I believe that being part of an event that directly raises funds and awareness for important issues gives a lot of fulfillment to artists, or anyone who feels hopeless or frustrated.”
Tell us about the organization ‘The Alliance Against Sexual Assault’ you’re raising funds for with this concert.
The Alliance leads New York City’s mission to end sexual violence through education, prevention programming, research, and advocacy for policy change. They pursue their mission by centering those most impacted by sexual violence, working through an anti-oppressive and trauma-informed approach. They center those who are historically underserved, including BIPOC, immigrant, LGBTQ+ communities, and low-income communities. The Alliance was founded in 1999 by a coalition of rape crisis programs. They continue to be the only organization leading a coordinated response to sexual violence in NYC.
I have worked with them before on a concert similar to this and it was a very powerful evening. The Executive Director of The Alliance, Emily, will be speaking at this event and providing resource materials.
What can people expect coming to ‘Haven on Earth?’
They can expect a choose your own adventure evening! There will be punching bags with the faces of political leaders, type-writer poetry, tarot readers, sound healing, five live music sets, five local artists sharing their work, a local photography company, and local alcohol sponsorships! Many different collectives and charities are coming together and it is a great place to learn about other events taking place in the city, and possibly get involved with them.
“Many different collectives and charities are coming together and it is a great place to learn about other events taking place in the city, and possibly get involved with them.”
What’s the part you’re most looking forward to with this concert?
Everyone involved, from the musicians to the artists to the people helping work the event, are doing this for free. While none of us are getting paid, and ideally there is a world where these concerts will support artists financially, I am very much looking forward to seeing everyone’s passion and contributions shine and create an amazing energy and experience.
My partner has been helping me with emails, ideas, running around picking up alcohol and art donations and so much more. We have put in hours and hours of work together. I am so thankful for everyone who has helped me put this on and I can’t wait to see my communities meet. It’s going to be a sick crossover episode.
What’s your biggest wish for this event?
I want to raise a shit ton of money for The Alliance Against Sexual Assault. Additionally, I would love to provide a safe community space for people to discover different resources, have fun, meet people with similar passions and hear incredible music!
To purchase tickets for ‘Haven on Eart'h’ CLICK HERE.
Interview: Karlye Whitt
Editor-in-Chief: Karlye Whitt
