Interview with Jesse

1. What social issue is the most important to you and why?

I would have to say education. Both of my parents were teachers (my dad still is, but my mom has moved up the ladder a bit) and instilled a great respect for the profession in me (though I don’t think I could ever do it). In addition to that, I have a firm belief that a proper education leads to individual advancements in many qualities of life. If there were a method of providing such an education to those that need it, I think things such as housing, food, and health care would follow more easily. Obviously the problem is the cost of providing the education.

2. What type of program is needed in your community?

To be honest, I’m not quite sure. I haven’t done that sort of research. I did ask my mom (who works for the state education system) whether there were any state schools that had cut their music programs (i.e. expanding Fire Child). However, she could only tell me who might know that answer.

3. What involvement have you had with nonprofits or your community? 

H4H – I have helped build in Milwaukee; New Orleans – I volunteered, sadly only, two times under different organizations to rebuild post Katrina. I wish I had the money to do it more, it’s a beautiful city and a fabulous opportunity; Invisible Children – My friends and I ran a two day music festival in summer of 2007 back home and raised ~$1,100 for the charity; Ethiopia – my mom and I visited my eldest sister there while she was writing a college paper. We spent a month there and volunteered at a local neighborhood library teaching English classes during that time. The kids were out of school and I was extremely surprised at how eager and filled both the library and classes were. Various soup kitchens and pantries over the years.

4. How did you get interested in helping out with charities?

A belief instilled by my parents. I am one of those that lends support to C4Cs concept of youth volunteering leads to future volunteering and will attest to it. Something inside of me believes that those with something should use what they have to help others lead better lives. Be it time, money, or opportunity.

5. Do you prefer mp3 or Cd?

Vinyl.

6. What songs are currently in your ipod or cd player?

Hmm… Sadly I don’t use my iPod much any more and I haven’t used a CD player in a while. So, I’ll use the Top 25 off my iTunes even though that will probably even surprise me! 

Dear Valentine – Guster
Sailing to Philadelphia – Mark Knoplfer
Smashed - James Labrie
Mad World – Gary Jules
Natural Elements – Acoustic Alchemy
Drink the Night Away – Gaelic Storm
No Poetry – Gary Jules
Work It Out – Jurassic 5
Try Not To Breathe – R.E.M.
Smart Went Crazy – Atmosphere
The Ghosts – Joey Leal (a local artist)
The Kind – Shearwater
In Your Eyes – Bela Fleck
Wishing Well – Buckethead
Tears In Heaven – Eric Clapton
Survivalism – Nine Inch Nails
Lullaby Requiem – Neil Finn
Bastard – Ben Folds
Sketches of Spain (For Miles) –Buckethead
Lighting Rod – Guster
Annie Waits – Ben Folds
Mess – Ben Folds Five
All In the Waiting – Buckethead
Parachute - Guster
Elements – Lemon Jelly

And like I said, that even surprises me. I haven’t listened to a lot of those songs in a while. My favorite band to push is always Stukenberg, an absolutely amazingly talented local group that has always supported any charity events we’ve conducted. Any classic rock / folk music also (i.e. Billy Joel, Paul Simon (w/ or w/o Garfunkel), Bob Dylan, etc. etc.)… the list is endless and includes many genres.

7. What skills do you think you have that contribute to an organization?

In terms of concerts for charity: some experience, I am the one that pretty much reaches out and does the contacting as well as the majority of the organizational part for the company. I have a great ear for music (or so I like to think). I can recognize good musicians from okay ones, but also those that will attract people. Creativity. One of the major things that drive me is the desire to understand how things work. Not just so I can say, oh this is what’s happening and act smart, but because I love to apply that knowledge to new things. Using what I know innovatively should have been put as one of my hobbies. Finally, perfectionism (which I view to be one of my most important qualities). I refuse to be a part of anything that I don’t believe is top notch and am constantly tearing things apart in my head to see if I can improve on them. I understand that nothing is ever perfect, but (especially when it comes to events) I want the audience to walk away with a ‘wow’ expression. In short, my theory behind that is to work through the performers. If the performers are happy, they’ll give a better performance that the audience will enjoy more. I recognize and take pride in my draw to perfection. I could also speak of my lofty goals that accompany this trait, but will not because that would take up another page.

8. What do you think about the idea of Concepts4Charity’s mission to engage youth in philanthropy through sports and the arts?

I think it’s a great idea, for the obvious benefit to the nation, but in a business way too. If you think about it, you are activating youth early in hopes that they will activate later. You’re creating a future market for yourself J.

9. How did you hear about Concerts4Charity ?

Web searching. Looking for entertainment / charity internships.

10. Any Final Thoughts you would like to share?

Not really, just that I look forward to the possibility of working with everyone.