alternate venues and Altruism

I have taken a temporary hiatus from playing the regular old venues (bars, clubs and the like) in favor of shows at different mental health facilities and locations where people have restrictions placed on them that disallow them from going to a "normal" concert. For those who don't know me, I've had some personal experience in the system.

I am playing at an Art and Wellness Festival on June 9th in Fulton, NY at 1:15 pm in Vorhees Park. The whole thing goes from 11am-7pm. This festival promotes mental wellness and supportive arts for those labeled mentally ill. It is put on by Catholic Charities of Oswego County and their offshoot, Step by Step Clubhouse ( a support center). There is food and lots of other good stuff, so check it out if you're in the area. Jamie Notorthomas also plays.

In the near future I will be starting an open mic coffee house at Hutchings State Psychiatric in coordination with their staff. The facility has received some criticism from my peers in the mental health system. However, I have found that mental health providers are usually kind people, but the sense of entitlement that our current health system allows at times makes for an arrogance that can harm patients. I hope to help invigorate things on some level.

I will likely be the headliner for another Wellness Festival in Syracuse, NY, on the Hutchings campus. This won't be until probably late August or September.

I am also in the process of setting up small scale performances at inpatient psych wards around Syracuse.

Basically, I really want to play for a good cause at a time when I feel our country is on a crooked path. peace to you,
Ben

the rhymes they are a changin'

Hola, soy Benjamin de la Garza, tu presentador modesto.
Yes, friends. I am de la Garza, your humble and most hospitable host (as in you may receive internet hospice on this very page!).


I am here to quietly inform you about my musical endeavors.
And of course I will promote my painstakingly crafted album.
I hope to stand on the shoulders of the great musical spirits, so as to glimpse that coveted musical heaven on earth: those spine tingling, heart warming sensations that captivate, yet free your soul.

Dino BBQ in Syracuse, NY

Here I am on a late fall's night at the dino BBQ in 2006. I was sick as a dog, but a nice woman gave me a ginger ale before going on. Maybe it helped. whatever the case, I felt like I was going to fall off stage. But I staggered into this quaint rendition of my song "Mellow Heart", lyrics not yet included here. Here is a quick clip.