Inspired by viral videos of people singing together on their balconies in Italy, one Richmond musician wants to do the same thing here.
Sarah Kane, a local musician and photographer, is organizing the event RVA Sings on Sunday, April 5 at noon. Participants are being asked to step out onto their porches and balconies to sing or play along to Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds.”
Like many people, Kane said she’s felt isolated under federal and state restrictions on socializing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I know that, you know, we’re safer this way, but it’s still really emotionally difficult and makes you feel disconnected,” she said.
Kane says she is hoping that getting folks involved with a synchronized performance will help bring back a sense of community that’s been lost. She chose Sunday specifically because it is the day when people would normally connect with friends over brunch or go to a religious service.
Kane emphasized that you don’t need to be a musician to join in on the RVA Sings event.
“You can just step out and listen or play the song on your phone, whatever that looks like for people,” she said.
So far, hundreds of people on Facebook have indicated they will participate in the event on Sunday. Fellow musician Tom Signorelli said he plans to sing “Three Little Birds” out on his porch.
Signorelli said the event is a good way to help lift people’s spirits during these trying times.
“If we can get everybody out and just sing a song, or if somebody hears it and it makes them smile or the pop their head out of their house for a few seconds, I think that’s a good thing,” he said.
You can find more information about the RVA Sings event here.