Editorial: 50 years later, Bread & Roses still making impact in Marin

Mimi Fariña’s belief that live music can make a difference has endured, even strengthened, growing its list of performances and volunteer artists, over a half-century. 

Fifty years of working to bring live music to people, young and old, shut away in hospitals, prisons or institutions is a milestone worth celebrating.

That’s the impressive work of Bread & Roses, a Marin-grown idea that the late folk singer Mimi Fariña raised into a nonprofit that today produces 600 free shows a year at 125 Bay Area institutions.

That averages more than one performance every day of the year.

Close to 300 performers put on shows every year.

Ms. Fariña’s vision – borne from a heartfelt belief that people need art, beauty and music to truly feel alive – was to lift the lives of those who need it.

Over 50 years, Bread & Roses has brought live music and entertainment to more than a million people in jails, hospitals, senior homes, juvenile detention centers and homeless shelters, striving to make their lives a little better and bringing them “hope and song,” as folk singing legend Joan Baez said when she framed the gift of her sister’s work.

For the artists, their performances were a gift, as well. Likely a reminder of the power and effect of their artistic talent, beyond their commercial success.

Ms. Fariña died in 2001, but the work and service of Bread & Roses has continued.

Her dedication inspired others to continue the organization’s important work, to see the need and to strive to fill it.

The organization’s history and success is legendary.

Veteran IJ writer Paul Liberatore, Ms. Fariña’s loving partner, wrote a beautiful tribute to her and Bread & Roses and its leaders and volunteers in the IJ last week.

Many remember its annual festivals that brought Joni Mitchell, Stephen Stills, Richie Havens, Graham Nash, Herbie Hancock, Judy Collins, Pete Seeger, Jackson Brown, Kris Kristofferson and, of course, Baez, for benefit concerts at the Greek Theater in Berkeley.

Robin Williams, Lily Tomlin, Boz Scaggs and Bonnie Raitt performed many benefits for the nonprofit.

In recent years, Nash and Kristofferson have continued to perform at Bread & Roses Presents benefits. Today’s executive director, Dave Perron, has also brought in a younger generation of talent, such as boygenius, Lucius, Hozier and Lukas Nelson.

Marin singer-songwriter Matt Jaffe, a longtime Bread & Roses volunteer performer, is a member of its board of directors.

He will also be performing at Bread & Roses “Golden Jam” 50th anniversary benefit on May 23 at the Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley.

Michael Pritchard of Santa Venetia – the well-known comedian, motivational speaker and a former public member of the IJ editorial board – is a longtime volunteer performer for Bread & Roses.

The benefit of the performances, large and small, is clear, he says, in his video message posted on the organization’s website.

“We see time and time again how the arts unite audiences and the diverse people we serve. Music brings all people together for hope and healing. As Mimi once said, all we really have to do is show up and play, and the healing happens.”

Whether the artists are performing at The Cedars of Marin, The Redwoods seniors complex, the veterans home in Yountville or detention institutions, those small performances make a big difference in the lives of those who get to see and hear live music.

Mimi Fariña’s belief that live music can make a difference –  especially to those whose circumstances mean they can’t go to a concert or a nightclub –  has endured, even strengthened, growing its list of performances and volunteer artists, over a half-century.

Bread & Roses is a good song, a fine story and a reassuring example of heart and humanity that since 1974 has touched both audiences and those who perform for them.