Exhale: Live in Concert

• • 3ARTS MATCH
  • 122% contributed

Since releasing my debut solo album Exhale in 2021, I have dreamed of organizing a live concert that features a larger ensemble and an educational component. My hope is to exemplify the diversity of string music that embraces and expands beyond classical traditions. Contributions to this campaign will help make this concert and dream a reality on the South Side of Chicago on April 11 & 12, 2023.

About This Project

From a young age, I have had a profound connection with music and loved exploring different traditions and genres as a violinist. As a professionally trained violinist in the classical tradition, I always longed to incorporate more contemporary sounds that are close to my heart and part of my cultural upbringing. This dream came to fruition in 2021 when I self-released my first album Exhale, which fuses the sound of classical music with the melodies and harmonies of gospel, neo-soul, and R&B. The album was conceived in the early part of the pandemic, during a time of uncertainty and intense reflection. The music I wrote was intended to provide comfort and healing to myself and to expand my creativity as an artist. Ultimately, the album is about the perseverance, faith, and joy that we can experience as humans despite what’s happening around us.

Shortly after the album’s release I was able to produce two live concerts that were beautiful and unforgettable experiences. Now I would like to recreate and expand this experience this Spring on the South Side of Chicago to bring this music to wider audiences. On April 11th, I will present a free community performance (open to the public) of Exhale at the Logan Center for the Arts. On April 12th, as part of the Logan Center’s School Matinee Program, I will present an educational performance and discussion specifically for Chicago Public School students.

The student-focused concert is intended to demonstrate for young people how diverse string music can be and how one can still be a classical musician but also stay true to other cultures, traditions, and styles. While I was growing up, I often felt I had to hide the parts of me that did not fit into the molds of classical music. With this performance and educational opportunity, I want students to be inspired to create their own music and follow their creative curiosity. The first concert will be open to anyone in the community as a chance to connect with the music for healing and inspiration.

In order to produce these concerts without relying on ticket revenue, I am asking my community for support through this campaign. Your donations will help cover musician and artist fees, rehearsal and venue costs, as well as documentation and recording. You will also be supporting this dream of mine to help bring healing and joy to audiences on the South Side of Chicago. Thank you so much!

Thank yous

Contribute any amount or choose from the levels below.

• $10
  Your name acknowledged in the donor section of the concert program ($10.00 is tax deductible.)
• $25
  Above, plus access to a single from Caitlin’s upcoming album ($15.00 is tax deductible.)
• $50
  Above, plus a handwritten thank you card and a signed copy of "Exhale" on CD ($20.00 is tax deductible.)
• $150
  Above plus an exclusive invitation to a Zoom meetup with Caitlin and other musicians, and a signed "Exhale" poster ($105.00 is tax deductible.)
• $350
  Above plus 30-minute violin lesson (in person or virtual) with Caitlin ($255.00 is tax deductible.)
• $500
  Above plus your name acknowledged onstage during the concert and a private performance by Caitlin at an event of yours or your home. ($155.00 is tax deductible.)

---

Caitlin Edwards

Walder Foundation Awardee

Caitlin Edwards began studying the violin at the age of eight through the Music Opportunity Program in her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. She went on to be the recipient of the 2018 Rising Star Award from the Gateways Music Festival. …

View Caitlin Edwards's profile

• 2 updates
• 52 supporters

• Update 1: One week until Exhale: Live in Concert!

  Posted on April 04, 2023

  

  Maddie Ma  

  Hello there! 

  Thank you SO much again for your donation to my campaign. Your support means so much to me, and I'm eternally grateful! The concert is now fully funded and takes place next Tuesday, April 11th, 7 pm at the Logan Center for the Arts. If you are in Chicago and available to attend, I'd love to see you there! The concert is free to attend, but I'm asking attendees to RSVP through this link. 

  Also, please feel free to bring friends and family! 

  Thank you so much again and I hope to see you soon! 

  Caitlin 

  Update 2: Thank you again!

  Posted on April 18, 2023

  

   

  Exhale Full Ensemble

  Greetings,

  I'm reaching out to thank you again for your generous donations and support in making my dream concert a reality! The show was a success, and the music and presentation moved many attendees. I had a blast performing on stage with an orchestra and a band of friends and colleagues. The music was well received, and it was a night I'll never forget! The following day, we had an educational concert, part of the school matinee program at the Logan Center for the Arts. The students were attentive and asked some insightful questions about music and accessibility within the arts. We made a positive impact and possibly planted seeds for future musicians, composers, and creators. 

  This wouldn't have been possible without your support, so I am deeply thankful to you all! More music to come, and also if you opted to receive some goodies from me, those will be forthcoming within the next few weeks! 

  Thank you so much again, and I wish you all the best!

  Caitlin

• Thank you to the following for contributing to 3Arts with the recommendation that we support this project.

  • Dylan Feldpausch

  • Edward Smith

  • Doyle Armbrust

  • Yasminye Pettway

  • Robbin Major

  • Brian Thornton

  • Kyu Hyeon Lim

  • Maggie King

  • Shaniqua Vukojevic

  • Rada Drca

  • John Knuteson

  • Hunter Brown

  • Rebecca McDaniel

  • Clara Lindner

  • Sallie Downs

  • Annika Sundberg

  • Brenda Delgado

  • Jim Hirsch

  • Susan Noel

  • Edward Smith

  • Allison Pasquesi

  • Dale Breidenthal

  • Mark Feldman

  • Doris Yadav

  • Stacey Edwards

  • Allison Smith

  • Sphinx Organization

  • Patrick Lin

  • Petra Adams

  • Nancy Dehmlow

  • LaTanya Sharpe

  • Lee Koonce

  • Adam Dorn

  • Alexandra Hill

  • Stacey Edwards

  • Alexandria Hill

  • Courtney Perkins

  • Davis King

  • Rena Henderson Mason

  • Anonymous Supporter

  • Petra Adams

  • Kelly Hall-Tompkins

  • Angelic Pritchett

  • Maria Marino

  • LaTonya Peoples

  • Jinty McTavish

  • Anonymous Supporter

  • Katheryn Higgins

  • LEON LACEY

  • Charlie Schuchat

  • Rose Parisi

  • Will Liverman

3AP Presenting Partner:

 Additional support provided by: