Building Diverse Community: Celebrating 2 Years of Daily Antidote of Song

This month’s Common Time celebrates two years of the Daily Antidote of Song, sponsored and produced by Carpe Diem Arts. Join Carpe Diem’s Program Director for the Daily Antidote Jo Rasi; multi-instrumentalist and former member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops Hubby Jenkins; and Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and former members of Sweet Honey in the Rock Arnaé Batson and Ysaye Barnwell as they share songs and chat about the Daily Antidote, racial justice, the pandemic, BIPOC performers, building diverse community, black musicians in the folk scene, and more.

Jo Rasi joined Carpe Diem Arts to manage the Daily Antidote of Song, a program she created as a way to offset feelings of loneliness and isolation at the start of the pandemic. Jo is quite familiar with Carpe Diem Arts, having served on the Board for several years prior to joining. Jo has great connections with artists across the spectrum of cultures and disciplines. She served as an arts consultant and event planner for non-profits and federal and local government agencies for over 20 years. She currently is a member of the board of directors of Pinewoods Camp, Inc.

Hubby Jenkins is a talented multi-instrumentalist who endeavors to share his love and knowledge of old-time American music. Born and raised in Brooklyn he delved into his southern roots, following the thread of African American history that wove itself through America’s traditional music forms. As an integral member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops and later Rhiannon Giddens band, Hubby has performed at festivals and venues around the world, earning himself both Grammy and Americana award nominations. Today he spreads his knowledge and love of old-time American music through his dynamic solo performances and engaging workshops.

Arnaé Batson is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and song leader who uses music to create spiritual pathways for health and wholeness while advocating for progressive social change. Her dedication to racial and environmental justice is an extension of her work with the internationally acclaimed ensemble, Sweet Honey in the Rock.