Volunteering and Community Service

Community service has been an ongoing theme to my work as a musician. For over a decade, I have used music as a tool for cultural exchange, access, and connection by performing in festivals, retirement homes, public celebrations, and community spaces. Much of this work has been volunteer-based and rooted in the belief that music uplifts and belongs in everyday life and should reach audiences regardless of geography or circumstance.

 

10 Year Volunteer Service Award

Brockville Multicultural Festival

I have contributed more than 300 volunteer hours at the Brockville Multicultural Festival and served as a volunteer performer for over ten years. In recognition of this long term commitment, on April 28, 2017, I received a ten-year volunteer service award from MPP Steve Clarke. This festival work helped shape my understanding of music as a cultural bridge, one that connects audiences across background, language, and tradition.

Retirement Homes and Elder Communities

I have performed regularly at retirement homes and elder care facilities, in the Brockville and surrounding area, with the goal of providing meaningful artistic engagement to audiences who often have limited access to live music.

India’s Independence Day Celebration

On August 7, 2022, I performed at India’s Independence Day celebration in Brockville, attended by India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Anshuman Gaur, Brockville Mayor Matt Wren, and full membership the local Indian Community Association. This event included dancing and singing performances by local members of the Group highlighting music’s role in cultural identity, diplomacy and public celebration. 
 

Weekly Community Jam

For several years, I volunteered as part of the house band for the weekly Brockville Jam/Open Mic, performing every Wednesday night alongside my father until the venue unfortunately closed. This jam functioned as a local musical hub, supporting players of all ages and experience levels.

Local Music Festivals and Free Performances

Performed annually at local music festivals for approximately fifteen years, including the Lions Club Music Festival, its marquis "Stars of the Festival" at the Brockville Arts Centre. I have played at the Confederation Park Stage at the Limestone City Blues Festival (Kingston). I have also regularly played free shows and showcase events at local venues to support the local music community.

Global Collaboration and Community Building

I host weekly recording sessions, where we aim to create and write a song within one studio session. These sessions and have featured artists from all around the world, including collaborators from Myanmar, Poland, Lebanon, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Korea, Canada, Panama, the UK, and many more. Leading these projects reflect my goals of building a global artistic network and bringing music into spaces where access is limited.

Community Recognition

In May 2009, the Brockville Arts Centre marked its long-anticipated reopening following the completion of its major “Project ENCORE!” renovation with a series of celebratory events. Among them was the “Encore Youth” showcase, a gala-style performance dedicated to highlighting the next generation of local talent.

The event brought together young performers from across the Brockville area, featuring a diverse program of music, theatre, and dance. Participants included student vocalists, instrumentalists, and emerging actors, many of whom were affiliated with local schools, music festivals, and community theatre groups. The showcase reflected both the depth of artistic training in the region and the community’s commitment to nurturing youth in the performing arts.

With a near-capacity crowd filling the Arts Centre, “Encore Youth” served not only as entertainment but as a highlight of the reopening festivities—symbolizing both the community’s pride in the restored theatre and its investment in the future of local performers.

I was honoured to be asked to perform a couple of pieces. The first was my own award winning song “Freedom and Happiness” (not captured on video sadly), and the second (captured below) is my arrangement of the Super Mario Theme. This is a back stage video of my performance. I was 8 years old and got quite an applause. I have to admit. I've always enjoyed performing for a crowd.