Ongoing Support for Beneficiary: Sgt. Jacob Garmalo Memorial Fund
Recently, Fiery Hope held a benefit concert to support the Sgt. Jacob Garmalo Memorial Fund, which honors a young officer’s memory by raising money to help the formerly incarcerated to overcome financial obstacles and re-enter society. The Fund was created shortly after the 21-year-old Leyden resident was killed when his motorcycle collided with a vehicle in 2016, but it has been dormant since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Departing inmates sometimes need help obtaining a driver’s license, birth certificate or other documents needed to open a bank account, apply for a job or get an apartment.
Our packed concert on April 27 at the United Church of Bernardston, MA was part of an effort that succeeded in raising over $8,000 for the Garmalo Fund. We are grateful to The Uncles, the fabulous trio who collaborated with us on the concert.
Although the concert is behind us, our support for the Garmalo Fund continues. We encourage anyone who'd like to boost this worthy cause to send contributions to:
The Sgt. Jacob Garmalo Fund
c/o Greenfield Savings Bank
400 Main St. Greenfield, MA 01301
An evolution of the Amandla Chorus
We are committed to acting with determination and hope-filled hearts during this era of increasing injustice and environmental crisis. For this reason, we’ve decided to change our name to Fiery Hope.
Founded in 1988, our chorus is based in Greenfield, Massachusetts and made up of singers from all over the Pioneer Valley. The name Amandla, suggested by a South African member, comes from the Zulu word for “power.” We continue to celebrate the power of community.
Every season, we present new works in addition to gems from our vast repertoire and work with guest artists to round out our mission of singing world music while remaining deeply rooted in our community.
We sing for justice, freedom, and peace—songs new and old, some from around the world and others written right here. In performance, we wear sashes made of cloth from many lands to remind each other that we belong to a global family.
Singing Serenades!
Our singing work continues despite changes to our world. We’ve launched a new project, “Soulful Serenades,” which enables us to bring music to people in safe groupings.
A poignantly beautiful serenade recently took place for a 68-year-old man with Stage IV pancreatic cancer. He and his wife of 50 years sat on their deck, soaking up our loving sounds. They said they felt deeply comforted by our visit at a time when family members could not travel from across the country to see them.
If you’d like to request a Serenade, call Eveline at 413-773-8655 or email eveline@amandlachorus.org
If you’re able to lend support as we continue our work, we appreciate any and all donations. Even a very small gift can help. Checks may be made out to “Amandla, Inc.” and sent to P.O. Box 223, Greenfield, MA 01302
PLEASE NOTE: Eveline MacDougall, founder and director of Fiery Hope / Amandla, is out with her first book, published by Haley’s. You may order Fiery Hope: Building Community with the Amandla Chorus by visiting FieryHopeBooks.com
The Amandla Chorus performs ''Ode to Joy''
Amandla Chorus Director Eveline MacDougall shares stoires about Pete Seeger with Rus Peotter. Eveline, Doug Reid, and the Amandla Chorus perform "Ode to Joy" with special lyrics by Seeger and a member of the chorus.
WGBY's Tribute to Pete Seeger recorded April 23, 2014 and aired March 4, 2014
Amandla Chorus sings ''Malala''
The Amandla Chorus sings an original song by Eveline MacDougall, "Malala," in tribute to Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. Recorded in concert at the Edwards Church, Northampton, Massachusetts, April 30, 2016.
Stay In Touch
To learn more about Fiery Hope contact our director, Eveline MacDougall, at 413-773-8655 or eveline@amandlachorus.org
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