Music outreach
We believe music can change the world. Do you? If so, it’s time to make some noise. Join Oxfam and our network of volunteers—along with musicians and bands like Coldplay, WILCO, Angelique Kidjo, and Arcade Fire—in a global movement to overcome poverty and injustice.
Some of us are born into relative peace and prosperity, while millions, through no choice of their own, are born into poverty. We all know this isn’t right. But it’s hard to know how one person can help.
That's where Oxfam comes in. We're teaming up with volunteers and supporters in the music industry—including musicians, labels, managers, and media—to build a global movement for change. With the power of many voices speaking together, we can call on companies and legislators to change the laws and practices that keep people in poverty. We can also raise awareness and inspire action on some of the world's most urgent issues, like the global food crisis and the human cost of climate change. But we can't do it alone. We need your voice. No matter who you are, or how busy you are, you can make a difference.
Here are a few ways you can help:
- Take action. Poor people are hit hardest by natural disasters, which are increasingly due to global warming. Global leaders are negotiating a climate change treaty this year. Urge President Obama to negotiate a fair global deal to help those who are most affected.
- Volunteer at a concert or festival. Help Oxfam spread the word while joining your favorite bands and musicians against poverty. We're looking for volunteers to table at concerts by Coldplay, Bloc Party, Ben Sollee, and Thievery Corporation, among others. Sign up to learn about opportunities in your area.
- Join the conversation. Visit our blog and talk with people about what matters to you. Or link your blog to ours and help get the word out.
Look for Oxfam volunteers at these upcoming shows. Find concert volunteer opportunities in your area.
Arctic Monkeys
- 12/6 - Chicago @ Riviera Theatre
- 12/8 - Washington @ 9:30 Club
- 12/11 - New York @ Terminal 5
- 12/13 - Boston @ House of Blues
State Radio
- 10/29 Burlington, VT, Higher Ground
- 10/30 Burlington, VT, Higher Ground
- 10/31 Northampton, MA, Calvin Theatre
Thao With The Get Down Stay Down
- 10/27 -- Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural Center
- 10/30 -- Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
- 11/3 - Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs
- 11/4 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
- 11/5 - Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church
- 11/6 - Washington, DC @ Black Cat
- 11/7 - Richmond, VA @ The Canal Club Downstairs Lounge
- 11/11 - Houston, TX @ The Studio @ Warehouse Live
- 11/12 - Austin, TX @ Mohawk
- 11/17 - Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room
- 11/19 - San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
- 11/20 - Pomona, CA @ The Glass House
And check out a guest post from Thao on our Oxfam America blog!
We support Oxfam America because they save lives, help people overcome poverty, and fight for social justice," says Bloc Party singer Kele Okereke. "Oxfam helps our fans become activists by showing them how take action to change things for the better."
Bloc Party isn't the only artist teaming up with Oxfam to build a global movement for change. Other bands and musicians working with us include Angelique Kidjo, Arcade Fire, Bell X1, Ben Sollee, Cat Power, Coldplay, Crowded House, Dave Douglas, DJ Shadow, Editors, LCD Soundsystem, M. Ward, Missy Higgins, Nicole Atkins, O.A.R., Ra Ra Riot, She & Him, Sigur Rós, State Radio, Stereolab, Street Dogs, Tegan & Sara, Thao Nguyen, The Breeders, Thievery Corporation, and WILCO.
Video
Check out these videos of artists supporting Oxfam.
Ben Sollee goes for a bike ride with Oxfam America in Austin, TX at the 2009 SXSW Festival.
Thao Nguyen (of Thao and The Get Down Stay Down) performs live at Oxfam America HQ in Boston.
Crowded House gives an onstage shout-out to Oxfam.
Music
Listen to some music to benefit our work.
- Waxploitation Music Corp is releasing Causes 2, an album to benefit Darfur relief agencies including Oxfam America. The album features rare and exclusive songs from artists like The Decemberists, Gnarls Barkley, LCD Soundsystem, My Morning Jacket, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, and more. Download it.
- Merge Records recently released SCORE! 20 Years of Merge Records: THE COVERS!, a 20-track CD featuring artists like The Shins, Ryan Adams, Bright Eyes, The New Pornographers, Okkervil River, Death Cab For Cutie, and others. All proceeds from the sale of the album will benefit worthy charities, including Oxfam America. Preview it.
Since 2002, Coldplay and their fans have worked closely with Oxfam in the effort to overcome poverty, hunger, and injustice. Oxfam staffers have accompanied the band on tours around the world, and Coldplay's Chris Martin traveled to Haiti and Ghana with Oxfam to see our work firsthand.
Coldplay also encourages Oxfam volunteers to staff informational tables at their shows, which has had a huge impact. During the band's 2008 US tour, volunteers at Coldplay concerts signed up nearly 20,000 new Oxfam supporters. In summer 2009, Oxfam joined Coldplay on the 35-city Viva la Vida US tour.
Fill out our concert volunteer application to table at a Coldplay concert or another show in your area.
Moreabout Oxfam and Coldplay:
Take the pledge and help us beat hunger and poverty.