GangstaAngels

A recent editorial in the NYTimes referenced the “Music America Needs” which, as you all know by now, hooked me. 

I’ve always had an eclectic taste in music and love all types…African and Latin rhythms, blues and jazz, rock n roll and motown, classical, bluegrass, and country. After reading the article, I was dying to know: what is Gangstagrass?

Jazz, America’s music, celebrates musicians jamming together. Could the editors be referencing the beauty of people jamming together? Music has always been an international language. Musicians who don’t know each other's language know and welcome their music. 

I was pleasantly surprised to learn about how a group I am a member of, Braver Angels, invited Gangstagrass to their convention. Braver Angels is a nonpartisan organization attempting to encourage facilitated dialogues across the polarized political landscape. The goal: to nurture what we have in common rather than what keeps us polarized.

I’d never heard of Gangstagrass. They’ve been around since at least 2010 when they were up for an Emmy for their song “Long Hard Times To Come”. Curious, I asked Siri to play some of their music. There is something about the rap lyrics and the background of bluegrass that makes this senior citizen, for the first time in her life, enjoy rap. I might even say love it as I found my body swaying to the music. 

The members of Gangstagrass are a far cry from gangsters. The group comprises a stay-at-home dad, an MIT grad, and another from a family of cops. Their goal is to use music to depolarize the American landscape. The Braver Angels artists in residence was their first foray into the political minefield. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited about this. 

Now, you might be asking yourself: what does this have to do with the business community? You tell me. I have a few ideas but I would love to hear yours first. Please write me at info@bovaenterprises.com