With thanks from the heart for giving my days shape and meaning. Life is all about community, and I love ours! — Kathy, McLean, VA
The daily antidote has transformed from uplifting to sustaining. — Cheryl, Takoma Park, MD
I love the Daily Antidote because it's a place to share your feelings and you get to sing wonderful songs about peace, love, and justice. — Zada, age 7, Chicago, IL
I attend as often as I can to make and maintain links with like minded people across the globe, who are joining together to effect change — change within our own mindsets, our lives (breaking isolation), our communities, and the world. I lost my Mum to Covid last week, and friends I have made at the Daily Antidote have supported and helped me in this lonely time. — Nicola, UK
I live alone and have no family in the area. The Daily Antidote of Song has become my family. We come together to do more than sing. We laugh, we cry, we dance (yes, dance), share information about music concerts or other singing opportunities, tell jokes, show off pets, clap, snap, play instruments, but most of all WE SEE EACH OTHER. — Carolyn, Boise, ID
Community Quotes
The Daily Antidote has provided a sense of community at a dark time when our democracy is wearing thin. In the simple act of coming together in song, it reminds us daily that there is hope and that we are not alone. As a white mom of two small girls, it has provided meaningful exposure to, and learning of, the deep-seated racism that this country was founded on in a way my girls can understand. It has given a powerful voice to BIPOC artists who have shared their own personal experiences. As someone trying to raise race-conscious children in an effort to help break the cycle of systemic racism, I cannot think of a more authentic way to engage my children in the conversation. We are grateful to the Daily Antidote and know that anyone who participates will gain strength, optimism, motivation to work toward real change and be truly enriched. — Rachel, Chicago, IL
Because of the zoom time lag, 150 singers are muted when we sing. We only hear ourselves and the guest artist. It's a musical oxymoron. There should be a joke about it. What do you call 150 zoom singers? A duet. Despite hearing only the two voices, we all see each other and feel seen by each other. It's not just a daily antidote; it is a daily gift. — Susan, Cincinnati, OH
Thank you so much for organizing this, which makes all of these connections possible! We all so need the joy of music and the musical community in our lives now. Thank you many times!! — Arlene, Berkeley, CA
...educational, inspiring, motivating, delightful... just wonderful. — Bonnie, Boise, ID
Thank you for thinking of me, sharing with me, and making each of my days brighter. — Dan, Vienna, VA
I want to say thank you for your kindness and warmth, which shines through every day at noon. I've spent a lot of time alone in the house, and being with the Antidote crew each day has meant a lot to me. Thank you for all the effort you've put into the Antidote of Song, it's been totally worthwhile! — Pete, Gainesville, FL
What a lucky find for me! — Max, NH
The Daily Antidote of Song has helped me feel less isolated. I live in rural Texas and have been mostly staying home since the pandemic began (I'm old and cautious). I go out once each month with trepidation to get what groceries we need. That's it. I so miss everyone at the nursing home where I used to play music. The Daily Antidote has created a kind of magic. Each day I leave feeling a part of a community and filled with song. Who could ask for more? I am grateful to have found you! — Sarah, Elgin, TX
I just have to say that what you are doing with the Daily Antidote of Song is so deeply healing and life affirming, bringing light, joy, love, laughter and hope!!!! I tossed a few pence into the donation pot and wish I could more, for your gifts are priceless!!! Kindest regards. — Duncan, MD
…in the archived livestream from today's Antidote…I can watch and sing and cry along with the rest of the Zoom room. I wish it could have been in real time, but that's only because this part of life, this singing, community-filled part, is one of the most essential elements of my existence. And I keep forgetting this. But the Daily Antidote pulls me closer to the warmth. Even if I can't be there at noon. — Anna, Portland, ME
I am so grateful to you for your engagement with "we the people" as we strive for partnerships across the globe on this beautiful planet that needs a bit of "self-care". Today was great… just the antidote I needed in life's roller coaster: my need to balance daily personal responsibilities with my identity as a Christian and a citizen of the USA. There is much to repair… one day at a time. — Harriet, Chicago, IL
Jo’s smile and the uplifting program you manage to produce every day are what I get up to see every day. Long may the Daily Antidote continue to nurture musicians who sustain us. — Carolyn, Boise, Idaho
The Daily Antidote of Song lifts me up, offers me a community of friends almost none of whom I’ve met in person, caps the end of my morning and carries me into the rest of the day. I’ve come to know and appreciate a host of new-to-me professional folk musicians as well as many many like myself who love and enjoy music at home, in choruses, at places of worship… The DAS draws from around the world. It’s a daily dose of community and song, sometimes celebrating or grieving together, and ultimately sharing hope. — Anne, Sandy Spring, MD
The Daily Antidote of Song provides a lifeline to strangers who are no longer strangers. It may be the only activity someone has to look forward to these days, or it may be a daily break from months of heightened anxiety. Maybe it's both. Either way, it is a touchstone of song, an invitation to community. During our brief time “in the room,” as Jo says, we share announcements, resources, and our feelings about the turmoil of the past four years and social injustices going back decades, even centuries. In our chats, we comfort anyone who is frightened, angry, or grieving, and we challenge each other to think deeply about fighting for justice. — Susan, Cincinnati, OH
I think these sessions are a tremendous gift to all of us who participate — uplifting, strengthening, and community-building. — Susan, Boise, ID
The Daily Antidote strikes the perfect tone. With its diverse song leaders and informative, welcoming hosts, it lifts our spirits with a high energy level while also conveying calmness and a sense of respite." — participant, CT
I run a nonprofit that uses traditional dancing to uplift veterans affected by PTSD or brain injury. We also serve their families and loved ones. With all that caregiving, it's sometimes a challenge to keep from feeling overwhelmed or forget to take care of myself. The Daily Antidote of Song is my daily break to refill my own cup of love and joy. When it ends, I have more to give to others. I can't imagine going back to life without the Daily Antidote. — Deborah, KY
