Crys Matthews

Black Humboldt, Color Maiz, Queer Humboldt, and Trinidaddies invite community to come to a workshop and performance by Crys Matthews on Monday, May 13. Crys Matthews mission is to "amplify the voices of the unheard, to shed light on the unseen, and to be a steadfast reminder that hope and love are the truest pathways to equity and justice". This performance/workshop celebrates the community of the participating organizations and their allies, acknowledging the ongoing visions and actions of local peoples working toward a more just and caring world. Details: Crys Matthews, Monday, May 13, 7pm Synapsis Union: 1675 Union Street, Eureka Cost: By Donation ($0-$20)...all encouraged to attend Crys Matthews will also be performing a concert with new music at Gregg Moore's place on the back side of the Creamery on Tuesday, May 14. About Matthews: crysmatthews.com Already being hailed as “the next Woody Guthrie,” Crys Matthews is among the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers. A powerful lyricist whose songs of compassionate dissent reflect her lived experience as what she lightheartedly calls "the poster-child for intersectionality," Justin Hiltner of Bluegrass Situation called Matthews’s gift "a reminder of what beauty can occur when we bridge those divides." She is made for these times and, with the release of her new, hope-fueled, love-filled social justice album Changemakers, Matthews hopes to take her place alongside some of her heroes in the world of social-justice music like Sweet Honey in the Rock and Holly Near. Of Matthews, ASCAP VP & Creative Director Eric Philbrook says, “By wrapping honest emotions around her socially conscious messages and dynamically delivering them with a warm heart and a strong voice, she lifts our spirits just when we need it most in these troubled times. “I believe in hope,” Matthews said. “As a social-justice songwriter, it is my duty to keep breathing that hope and encouragement into the people who listen to my music.” And, from the title track to the last track, Changemakers does just that all while tackling some heavy topics like immigration, the opioid crisis, Black Lives Matter, and gun safety to name a few.“ Ani DiFranco said, “People used to make records as in a record of an event," said Matthews, “so I hope that these songs will serve as a time capsule, a record of the events of the last four years and what it was like to live through them.” Crys Matthews's thoughtful, realistic and emotional songs speak to the voice of our generation and remind us why music indeed soothes the soul. “A passionate and powerful blend of infectious Americana melodies and folky instrumentation, Matthews delivers her honest songwriting through a beautifully raw and unfiltered lens. Oozing soul, her voice bleeds with emotion and gratitude, while simple piano melodies and upbeat percussion fill you with appreciation and love for the people around us who fight for change.” -Ear Milk Matthews’s music helps to recruit those allies. Her songs encourage confrontation with tough issues. In the great tradition of folk music, Matthews brings listeners in with sweet sounds that grab them by the heart, and just as they are cradled in her soulful voice and her deft handling of an acoustic guitar it’s as if Matthews says, “Now that you’re here, we’ve got some things to talk about.” -Pride Source --