There’s no denying that music festivals are fun but it is not often that they are also philanthropic! Google is looking to change all of that with the introduction of a new festival made up of a series of five concerts. Presented by Pixel, Google’s latest entry into the world of smartphones, GOODfest is billed as “a first-of-its-kind lifestream festival for good” and a “celebration of progress, positivity, and the power of people to push the world forward.” Proceeds of each show go to non-profit organizations.
Earlier this month, The Untitled Magazine got to experience the first ever GOODfest show. Held at Brooklyn’s very own BAM Cafe and centering around the theme of generosity, the night was MC’d by Madame Ghandi. The activist, drummer, and free-bleeding London Marathon runner, got the crowd revved by starting off the night with a high-octane set of tracks from her EP, Voices. She then handed the stage over to Preservation Hall Jazz Band who segued their boisterous and brassy set into a special collaborative performance with vocalist Shilpa Ray.
Shortly afterwards, the featured band of the night, Glass Animals, delivered a wavy, stripped-down show that included several tracks from new album, How To Be A Human Being as well as old favorites, “Black Mambo,” “Hazey,” and of course, “Gooey.” 100% the proceeds of the show went to Donors Choose, an organization that helps public school teachers receive funding for special projects.
Since that debut GOODfest show, Pixel has hosted concerts for humanity, the Earth, and equality with the likes of Gogol Bordello, Nick Zinner, D.R.A.M., and more. Last week’s sold-out show in Oakland featured none other than Solange.
December 21st at the Ace Hotel Theatre in Los Angeles, will bet the final GOODfest show. The headliner is D∆WN, she is set to perform with The Miguel-Atwood Ferguson Ensemble which will feature Bilal, The Album Leaf’s Jimmy Lavalle, and more. Proceeds from the concert, which centers around the theme of love, will go to the Southern Poverty Law Center, an extremely important organization who will need the support more than ever as they continue their efforts to fight bigotry and hate in post-Obama America.
Do your part in supporting social progress and listen to great music at the same time! Check out past highlights from GOODfest concerts here and buy tickets for the final show here. If you can’t make the show, tune in to the official website to catch the livestream.
