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“Music has the power to bring people together like no other art form.”
— Michael Franti
Based on my personal experiences, it is difficult to argue with the truth contained in the above quote. Music truly does have the power to bring people together. Get a group of like-minded people together who admire the same band or artist and there is no telling what kind of power they hold. The charitable group 9 North White is one such example. 9 North White started with members of a Jason Isbell Facebook fan page giving away concert tickets to deserving folks. Today, 9 North White is an involved grassroots movement. The group’s unassuming (and somewhat reluctant) leader, Jack Van Vlack, heads up efforts to provide aid and support to the people of Appalachia, Alabama, and other disadvantaged regions of the U.S.
I interviewed Jack for the second episode of Roots Music Rambler Podcast. Click PLAY above to learn more about Jack, the inspiring story of 9 North White, and how music brought it all together.
00:18
Intro to philanthropist Jack Van Vlack and the charitable group, 9 North White.
1:10
How 9 North White came to be. It all started because of some kind and generous members of a Jason Isbell Facebook fan page that started giving away concert tickets to some deserving folks.
5:20
How the ticket giveaways work.
7:55
The beginnings of 9 North White’s fundraising efforts.
11:45
How Eastern Kentucky became the focus of 9 North White’s fundraising and charitable efforts.
13:00
How Eastern Kentucky singer/songwriter Tyler Childers fits into the picture. Also, how artists’ hometowns and upbringings have influenced their music and songwriting.
16:10
9 North White’s efforts also stretch into Alabama, and why music enthusiasts must visit Muscle Shoals.
17:10
Influence by artists like Jason Isbell is what prompted me to start my blog, Roots Music Rambler. I want to visit the places that influenced my favorite artists.
18:15
9 North White’s current efforts in Lawrence County, Kentucky. Bringing an urban farming initiative into a rural community and employing locals who are in recovery.
25:20
9 North White trying to inject some hope into the lives of folks who are having a tough time.
28:58
The story behind the name, 9 North White.
33:50
Big, exciting announcement!
36:30
Put Alabama and Eastern Kentucky on your travel wish list!
40:10
Making donations to 9 North White via PayPal.
41:00
Not only ticket giveaways and fundraising. 9 North White also hosts raffles!
Where to find 9 North White and how to donate:
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