RANDI DRISCOLL a Note from Randi PROGRAM When I first Heard the Tragic Story of Matthew Shepard’S Death, I Music That Matters
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RANDI DRISCOLL A Note From Randi PROGRAM When I first heard the tragic story of Matthew Shepard’s death, I Music That Matters was saddened and outraged. I wanted to kick my television set, scream and In “Music That Matters” cry. you get an intimate session with a singer and songwriter Instead, I went to my piano to who has dedicated herself to find solace in my music. What transpired the issues surrounding human was the song “What Matters.” dignity. Randi has opened for well-known artists with the The song is not about Matthew’s death as much as it is about same commitment to human his life, his family and the unconditional issues, including Jason Mraz, love they represent. My intention was Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby, only to send this song to the Shepards and Jackson Browne. as a form of condolences. With the community’s help we were able to One of Randis greatest record and release the song as a accomplishments has been benefit single. All of the proceeds are donated to The Matthew Shepard “What Matters,” a song she Foundation and other anti-hate crime wrote in memory of Matthew charities. Shepard, the young gay University of Wyoming student who was murdered in a hate crime. The Matthew Shepard Foundation I have spent the last several has adopted the song and Randi is a frequent guest of Judy years touring to promote the single Shepard at national media events. and doing benefit concerts around the country. This work and this song are the most important things I have ever In her campus program, Randi shares this song done in my life. and others inspired by human events. Each original song is beautiful and inspires compassion and hope. Her goal is to use I am continuously inspired by songwriting to create a positive and inspirational message. the angels around us that do so much to see that the type of intolerance and Randi turns a concert into an educational program by ignorance that took Matthew’s life – mixing storytelling with her music. She has chosen to take her and the lives of so many others – is stopped forever. message to young adults across the nation in hopes of inspiring them to take a positive role in their communities. Randi is a I sincerely hope that if you popular choice of campus entertainment boards, for coffeehouse consider bringing me to your campus, programs, or for any campus program mixing entertainment you will reach out to groups on your with social justice or diversity awareness programming. campus and in your community that work to promote appreciation for all people. By bringing everyone together to share music and inspiration, we can discover the courage we need to Please visit www.randidriscoll.com for more fight the injustices that cause so much needless suffering. information on Randi Driscoll and “Music That Matters”. - Randi Driscoll RANDI DRISCOLL BIOGRAPHY Randi Driscoll is a singer and songwriter whose original music, voice and passionate stage performances have earned her many accolades including Campus Activities Magazine’s, “Female Performer of the Year 2004” and “Best Small Venue Performer 2004”. Her performance credits include opening slots for Bob Weir’s Ratdog, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby, Dar Williams, Jonatha Brooke, Pat Benatar, Linda Ronstadt, “A brilliant example of how the Jackson Browne and many others. Randi has performed at Lincoln Center power of music can be used as a in the “Bang on a Can Festival”, the 2001 HRC dinner in Washington, tool for good, Driscoll has fervently D.C., with keynote speaker, Hillary Clinton, and the New York City Hall and consistently placed herself Pride Awards honoring Whoopi Goldberg and Olympia Dukakis. Randi’s in the middle of revolutions and music has been featured in documentaries, commercials, and the WB battles. She had long been a visible hit series, “Dawson’s Creek”. Without any major label behind her, Randi advocate against domestic violence has been able to sell over 20,000 CDs and successfully tour the country, building a devoted following. and a supporter of AIDS awareness and relief programs. In response to Randi’s greatest personal accomplishment is her song, “What the torturous murder of Matthew Matters”, written in 1998 in response to the death of Matthew Shepard, Shepard, Driscoll wrote a haunting, a young man killed in a brutal hate crime. The song was written to endearing piece of work that reflects honor his life, his family and the unconditional love they represent. on the needless nurture of hate, the “What Matters” has become the official benefit single for the Matthew insignificance of superficial Shepard Foundation, a charity started by Matthew’s parents whose goal is to replace hate with understanding, compassion and acceptance. To differences, and the unlimited date, the benefit single has raised over $40,000 for the foundation and potency of unconditional love.” has been featured in several documentaries as well as a commercial directed by Spike Lee that aired during the 1999 Academy Awards. “What Matters” was also featured in the NBC film, “The Matthew Shepard Story”, starring Sam Waterston and Stockard Channing. - Irene Yadao Assistant Arts Editor, Proceeds from the sheet music also benefit the foundation San Diego Reader exclusively and the choral version of “What Matters”, arranged by Kevin Robison, has been performed all over the world, including concerts at New York’s Carnegie Hall, Place des Artes in Montreal and the Disney Hall in Los Angeles. A documentary based on the making of Randi’s song, “What Matters”, has won several film awards, including the 2006 Summit International Silver Award Winner in Creative Excellence and the Spring 2006 DV Award Winner. Randi has performed the song over 1,000 times and the film documents Randi’s journey with this song, her travels performing it nationwide, and the creation of the music video. Randi is an independent artist who tours and performs year round at colleges, clubs, festivals and benefit concerts. www.campuspeak.com “Randi is one break away from being a household name, and every 14001 E Iliff Avenue, Suite 402 college in America should book her while they can. Her poise, ver- Aurora, CO 80014 satility, and captivating stage presence, combined with her power- (303) 745-5545 ful voice and moving lyrics, make her one of the top musical acts I [email protected] have ever seen showcase- ever.” -David Coleman, Coleman Productions.