*R&B Singer / Songwriter Guordan Banks will present a A Night of Reflections, an online live concert on Friday May 8, 2020 to benefit the Mirror Musicians Fund (MMF).
The effort, started by Banks as an initiative to help working musicians and industry members impacted financially by the COVID-19 Pandemic, was first funded by the sale of antimicrobial masks designed to help contain the crisis and “flatten the curve”. A Night of Reflections will stream LIVE via YouTube at 4PM PST/7PM EST. Donations to the MMF will be requested upon RSVP and during the hour long live performance.
Guordan Banks (jour-DAN) exploded on the scene in 2015 with the R&B smash “Keep You In Mind” becoming the first Independent R&B artist to reach #1 on Billboard. The success of which led to Chris Brown appearing on the remix, inclusion of the track on Issa Rae’s soundtrack for Insecure (S1), and the honor of being chosen for President Obama’s Valentine’s Playlist.
Musicians are the lifeblood of the music industry. With so many tours and shows abruptly cancelled due to the Pandemic, musicians have been left high and dry. It’s my intention to help ease the pain where I can via the Mirror Musicians Fund
Last year, before any hint of COVID-19, Banks lit up the charts again with “Can’t Keep Runnin’” erasing all doubt about the Philly native’s staying power in the fickle world of contemporary R&B. As a songwriter, he’s penned for John Legend, Kanye West, Keyshia Cole and Lalah Hathaway among others. Hathaway’s Grammy Award winning album “Lalah Hathaway Live” includes the song “Mirror” which inspired Guordan’s recent entrepreneurial and charitable efforts. For each mask sold at www.mirrormusiciansfund.com , a free mask is provided to first responders and health care workers.
“You have to find a way to make it…these clouds aren’t letting up for awhile. Sometimes you have to make the mirror your best friend. And maybe then you’ll find some peace within…love yourself when no one else can.” – MIRROR
In a nod to Mental Health Awareness Month, the lyrics of “Mirror” speak to self-love and self care. Many who are isolated during the COVID-19 quarantine report a range of emotions from stress to depression. Gig workers, like musicians, who suddenly lose their only source of income are under additional stress. For this reason Guordan Banks encouraging participation in the #mirrorpoetrychallenge to share their experiences during this difficult time.
Banks and The Mirror Musicians Fund encourage anyone experiencing anxiety and stress to practice “self-care” by seeking assistance. NAMI, the National Association for Mental Illness provides a list of Top Helpline Resources available here.