CAU Virtual Concert Series
The sounds of different genres of music are as loud as ever this summer, even as most listen to music at home instead of a concert hall. Everyone with an internet connection is invited to listen in together for a week-long virtual concert benefiting Community Access Unlimited (CAU) from July 6-11.
“It will be a week of nights of music that we hope everyone will get entertainment out of while we are stuck at home, with the added good cause of raising money for CAU,” said Saranya Thana, fundraising and events director at CAU. “Our artists all have different vibes to their music to cater to everyone’s tastes.”
CAU is a statewide nonprofit that strives to integrate people with disabilities and youth at risk into the general community through comprehensive supports.
From folk-country singer Jesse Lynn Madera and alternative pop singer Sara Ontaneda to handpan artist Dan Mulqueen and jazz guitarist Juan Mungia, a diverse selection of music will be showcased on the CAU Facebook page starting at 7 p.m. each night. Singer Chrissie Limos and electronic artist Matt Pelosi round out the lineup to offer variety for everyone listening.
Those who tune in are encouraged to donate what they can to CAU to support the agency’s ongoing essential services for hundreds of adults and youth around New Jersey. From support coordination and behavioral services to employment support, the agency has built out remote operations wherever possible through the coronavirus pandemic and invested in Personal Protective Equipment for staff and members. Essential staff who work directly with people with disabilities and youth at risk continue to support members on a daily basis.
Madera, who lives in Nashville, said she was happy to donate her talent for the benefit concert and hopes listeners find her music hopeful.
“I really love to perform live and I’m not sure how it will translate over the internet, but I really enjoy connecting with people and I hope my music brings some hope to people and some strength when they’re confronting big emotions,” she said. “I like to write about things that are kind of difficult.”
New York City-based jazz guitarist Juan Mungia added that he was eager to share his music with new people online.
“I hope people can enjoy the music and forget the whole situation of the world for a while,” he said. “For me that’s the whole idea of being an artist is to be able to give people an outlet to have a good time. For me I just like to see people happy.”
New York City-based Sara Ontaneda sings in both English and Spanish with a fusion of pop influences. She said she hopes her music will bring listeners peace during these difficult times.
“I’m more than happy to share my music for a great cause,” Ontaneda said. “I believe that everyone should have equal opportunities to live their best life. I really like what CAU stands for and I believe in the work they do.”
To learn more about CAU, visit caunj.org or follow the agency on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Learn more about supporting the agency and become a monthly donor at caunj.org/support-us/.
About Community Access Unlimited
Community Access Unlimited (CAU), celebrating more than 40 years in 2020, supports people with special needs in achieving real lives in the community. CAU provides support and gives voice to adults and youth who traditionally have little support and no voice in society. CAU helps people with housing, life skills, employment, money management, socialization and civic activities. CAU also supports opportunities for advocacy through training in assertiveness, decision-making and civil rights. CAU currently serves more than 5,000 individuals and families, with the number served growing each year. For more information about CAU and its services, contact us by phone at 908-354-3040, online at caunj.org or by mail at 80 West Grand Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202.
