Sign o’ the times

I bought the Diamonds and Pearls album by the (artist formerly known as) Prince when I was about 15 years old. The little guy really did have talent. His music was a “sign of the times” – and one of the things I’m working on right now, could also be seen as a sign – of Obama’s new America.

It’s a musical event happening tomorrow night that is bringing together the Historic Colored Musicians Club and a local symphony orchestra. Also sharing the stage are Old School B Boys and the American lounge singer Lance Diamond.

It all started when Sue contacted me because of a chance encounter she’d had with an American soldier stationed in Iraq. We got talking and I found out about this concert she was working on.

I’ve just come off the phone from Michael Billoni from the Food Bank of New York they are benefiting from the concert. He was saying how they are seeing a significant increase in the number of families who are working but coming to the food bank because their wages don’t stretch far enough.

He also says that they were glad that Michelle Obama went to a soup kitchen in Washington recently.

Michael told me that her message for people to donate their time and money has seen more people coming to volunteer at his organisation.

See the World Have Your Say debate on this.

This is what I’m talking about as a sign of Obama’s America. Do you think that there is a greater spirit of collaboration going on? Are you feeling any more charitable lately? I gave actually 50 quid to a blind charity last week (this is not my characteristic behaviour!)

Also listen out for interviews with musicians and food bank guy on the World Today programme tomorrow night (UK time).