Singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy played an intimate but powerful acoustic livestreamed set as part of the "Together At Home" virtual series on Friday.
Kennedy’s audience was temporarily transported to a concert hall with his soaring, textured vocals as he played the piano and acoustic guitar for "Rome," "Dancing Under Red Skies," "For Islands Fires and Families," and "Without Fear." The emerging artist called on his fans to practice social distancing and support the World Health Organization (WHO) in its fight to end the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
"I’m practicing social distancing and that’s why I’m home, that’s why me and other artists around the world are doing this to just hopefully reach out and provide some support with the music we make, but also to drive home the instruction to make sure you distance yourselves socially and stay home unless it’s essential," he said.
Kennedy talked about how he’s in the process of making a home studio and opened his set by sipping a cup of tea to loosen his voice.
He launched into his songs at full volume, giving his fans the closest thing possible to an in-person concert.
In between songs, he urged fans to go to globalcitizen.org/coronavirus to learn more about how they can help.
"The best thing you can do, and the most important thing you can do, is social distancing yourself — and make sure you stay at home until this is all over," Kennedy said.
He ended his set with a promise to livestream again soon and asked fans for song requests for next time.
The "Together At Home" campaign was launched on March 16 by Global Citizen and the WHO. Artists, actors, and influencers have joined the campaign to bring people comfort, encourage them to practice social distancing, and show support for the WHO’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
Globally, more than 972,640 people have been infected by the coronavirus and 50,325 people have died from it, according to the WHO. The WHO is on the frontlines of fighting the pandemic, working with governments to coordinate responses, supporting health care workers, and delivering essential supplies. The organization is also working on potential treatments and vaccines.
There are a number of ways that you can help contain the pandemic and minimize the societal damage. You can practice social distancing to flatten the curve of coronavirus. When everyone stays home, infection rates drop, and hospitals are better able to respond to the crisis.
You can also support local community groups that are providing various resources and health assistance to people affected by the pandemic.
By visiting Global Citizen’s "Together At Home" campaign page, you can learn more about coronavirus and find ways to get involved in your community.
The "Together At Home" series has featured dozens of artists and influencers, including Chris Martin, John Legend, Chloe X Halle, H.E.R., Jon Batiste, The Lumineers, Grace Weber, and more.
There are many more virtual events to come, including this weekend’s lineup:
- Emile Sandé on Saturday at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET
- Jeremy Loops on Sunday at 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET
- Stephen Puth on Sunday at 12 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. ET
You can see all of Global Citizen's COVID-19 coverage here.
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