By Becca Marx
The CD VOICE: SONGS FOR THOSE WHO ARE SILENCED supports the work of the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota. The campaign is called MN Girls Are Not For Sale and its mission is to end the sex trafficking of minors. The Safe Harbor Law was passed with the support of Amy Klobuchar on the local level in 2011 and in 2015 a federal law was passed to change the legal perception of the perpetrator of sex trafficking to the victim of it instead. Minnesota is number one in the systemic response to sex trafficking, and its system serves as a nationwide model. Rehabilitation starts with safe beds (from a few to 24 currently available) and continues with treatment for the trauma they’ve suffered.
Kriss Zulkosky recognized a need to help the foundation raise funds, and came up with the idea for a CD. It features eighteen Minnesota artists who donated their time and skill with the contribution of an a cappella song. The title VOICE: SONGS FOR THOSE WHO ARE SILENCED is a reference to the fact that sex trafficking victims are caught in a vicious cycle of abuse with little hope of escape. The participating artists are amongst the most respected including Dessa, Haley Bonar, Chris Koza, Holly Hansen, The Ericksons and Ben Weaver to name a few. Tinder Box, The Hideaway Studio, Egg Music and The House of Mercy Recordings lent their technical skills to promote, record, mix and master the CD. Hamilton Ink Spot created the beautiful CD case art, and all proceeds raised go to the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota’s campaign MN Girls Are Not For Sale.
On May 10th the CD release celebration was held at Lowertown’s Bedlam Theater. The evening began with Kriss Zulkosky relating the story of the CD’s inspiration, and Mary Beth Hanson of the “Women’s Foundation of Minnesota” sharing her knowledge of the issue with the attentive audience. From the back of the Theater the swelling sound of Fiona Apple’s “Hot Knife” emanated forth as the Prairie Fire Lady Choir took the stage. Every performance held the crowd’s full admiration and attention. From the beautiful harmonizing of We Are The Willows to the sisterly melodies of The Ericksons there was a not a misstep. Chris Koza performed a touching version of “The Healer” and Jon Rodine owned the room with “It’s Not the Spotlight”. The highlight was the music/spoken word performance by Shá Cage and Jayanthi Kyle who dedicated the piece to an incarcerated woman named Julie. During their performance there was complete silence, and after a standing ovation.
The fact that the CD release show took place on Mother’s Day added to the already heady emotions that were present in the room. Many of the victims of sex trafficking are tragically in fact, children. Thank you to Kriss Zulkosky and everyone who contributed to the making of the CD. The work of the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota is making progress, but can’t do it without your help. Please support the #MNGIRLSARENOTFORSALE campaign by donating to the foundation or purchasing the CD which is available on iTunes.
http://www.wfmn.org/voice-songs-and-words-for-those-who-are-silenced/
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