For more than 20 years and over 100 shows, Maryland State Senator Cheryl Kagan has been hosting the Folk ‘N Great Music House Concerts at her house and other venues showcasing local artists and bringing people together.
Kagan, who represents District 17 (Rockville and Gaithersburg), needed a bigger space for her latest concert featuring singer/songwriter, author, speaker, peace fellow David LaMotte, so she booked the Rockville Science Center in Rockville Town Square.
Among the approximately 70 in attendance Sunday afternoon were County Councilmember Sidney Katz and State Senator Brian Feldman, who represents Maryland’s 15th district.
Kagan told MCM, “I love building community and whether it’s politics, music or even Scrabble, I like bringing people together. I think music lifts us up and is a respite from the craziness in the real world. The joy that people feel and the folks that they get to meet that they otherwise would not have crossed paths with really makes me happy. It’s worth the very late nights.”
“I have had the privilege to play all over the world,” LaMotte told MCM. It’s been a real gift to me about 3500 shows something like that and nothing beats a good friend. Cheryl Kagan’s been a dear friend to the whole community in general but to me personally for over 20 years. It’s just a joy. If I’m coming through this part of the country and she wants to do a show, I’m all in.”
LaMotte gave a TED Talk in 2018 about music helping us understand peace and conflict.
LaMotte’s next TED Talk, to be flagged as an “Editor’s Pick” for their 40 million+ subscribers, will be released in late July.
