Bread & Roses marks 50th anniversary
Founded in Marin in 1974 by folk music icon, the late Mimi Fariña, Bread & Roses is celebrating its 50th anniversary in the spirit of its founder by putting the spotlight on the thousands of people and hundreds of community institutions it has been serving with free entertainment for the past half-century.
In 2023, Bread & Roses presented 509 concerts for 54,399 audience members served by 67 facility partners across eight Bay Area counties, connecting audiences in social service settings with musicians and performing artists. Close to 300 volunteer performers are involved each year.
The shows take place at community settings including assisted living facilities for seniors, hospitals for veterans, recovery centers for adults and special needs schools for children. The group has been working with Cedars of Marin for many years.
“We serve nearly 200 adults with developmental disabilities who have regularly benefited for decades from the compassionate and wonderfully talented Bread & Roses volunteer performers. Whether in their seats or jumping in the air, our folks love their time with the musicians,” said Chuck Greene, Cedars executive director. “Another benefit of the experience is that all the artists gain tremendously by connecting with individuals in need throughout the community.”
During the pandemic when many institutional audiences were severely restricted, Bread & Roses expanded its program model. In addition to its traditional indoor concerts, it facilitated live virtual shows and outdoor programs at large food bank distribution centers as well as other community settings.
In honor of its landmark anniversary, Bread & Roses is planning a number of events beginning with its spring benefit concert, The Golden Jam, at the Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley on May 23.
To make a contribution, sponsor an event or volunteer, visit breadandroses.org, email info@breadandroses.org, or call 415-945-7120.