Gary Allard (Co-Chair, Membership Committee)  Gary Allard is a soulful contemporary singer-songwriter. He continues to build his unique sound by extracting inspiration from a plethora of genres including pop, folk, gospel, R&B, and Caribbean music. He composes his lyrics from his own personal and social experiences, striving to connect with his audience through tender yet powerful emotional singing.

Ben Bath 

  

Joanie Calem (Chair) is a musician, singer/songwriter, storyteller, disability awareness activist, community-builder, cross-cultural worker and teacher. She has been teaching music and performing since 1983. Joanie uses music to break down stereotypes, build community and foster connection.

Huayra Forster is a Quechua name for wind. Born in from Huancayo, Peru, but raised primarily in Yellow Springs, Ohio, she plays a blend of unknown genres of music from youth hood, that were learned in orchestra, summer camps and children’s theater spaces, and choirs. The value of intergenerational and multicultural spaces within tight-knit communities has helped her acquire knowledge for sharing while busking in towns and city streets. When asked about if she is considers herself an Urban Native, she responded that she might just be a “nomadic village Native.” While her music can be found through online streaming platforms, and a CD. Her role in the steering committee has primarily been to stay active in the efforts of the outreach/social media committee, although she is interested in seeing through the creation of a collectively owned PMN songbook for 2025. She is also active in PMN-DC chapter.

Eric Law:  Ever since I started writing songs about my Chinese American experience in the 1970s, I never stopped writing.  Over the years, I was involved in Anti-Nuclear Arms protests, GLBTQ+justice, and racial justice movements with my music.  In the 2000s, I founded a not-for-profit organization to create sustainable and diverse communities across the U.S. and Canada.  I retired last year and am now focusing my time on songwriting.  I am thankful to have found PMN which has provided a musical community I never imagined I could have during the pandemic.  I hope to give back to PMN by offering my perspectives and skills to further the mission of PMN relevant to our present context.

Jane Sapp: I am a cultural worker - a performer, songwriter, recording artist and educator who engages with disenfranchised urban and rural communities in the United States and around the world.  My music is rooted in the spiritual, religious and historical experiences of the African American world.  As an educator, I help the silenced find their voices through the arts (See Someone Sang for Me  https://www.janesapp.org/documentary).  I  founded and developed the Black Belt Folk Roots Festival in 1975, in Greene County, Alabama, and the festival of Low Country Life in 1972, in South Carolina, both of which continue today.  It would be an honor for me to serve the community of the People’s Network as a member of the Steering Committee.

Joanne Tuller (Treasurer):  I grew up attending 1960s protests with my activist mom, so I learned early how singing strengthens political movements. I’ve helped organize numerous PMN events, primarily in logistical roles such as coordinating registration. To the Steering Committee I bring my organizational skills along with experience in data management, copy-editing for clarity and brevity, and group process and facilitation.

Angie Whitehurst (Secretary):   Active inclusion and strong productive relationships  … capacity and infrastructure building are my priorities.  Opportunity for all, mentoring and sharing are key to creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship and to growing and maintaining an already vibrant organization.  I have skills to offer, coming from my experience as a community advocate, a DC Peace team board member, a member of One DC, a 500 hour certified yoga instructor, a life coach, a writer, a poet and artist, and as a vendor and contributor to www.streetsensemedia.org.  I have previous experience as an employee, consultant, contractor with local, state and federal government domestically and internationally - with extensive training in dance, exhibit management and proposal writing.  I am eager to serve on the PMN Steering Committee. 

Sarah Underhill  I am a folk music performer and song collector who has a great love for PMN which has nurtured me through many decades as a supportive, musical community. I want to give my all to developing strategies to sustain the organization economically and to support young, diverse musician/activists. I served as an Administrative Assistant for PMN years ago and have experience on numerous boards. I want to give my all to PMN as a member of the Steering Committee.

Lindsey Wilson (Co-Chair):   Being a member of the People's Music Network Steering Committee has been a beacon of hope during the Covid-19 pandemic for me.  I have cherished working alongside respected artists such as Charlie King, Luci Murphy and Elise Bryant while organizing the Friday Concert series of our convergences.  I am committed to bringing more diversity to PMN’s membership and was thrilled to serve as Chairperson for the Matt Jones Technology Fund which allowed me to stretch those parameters and bring artists of color into the fold.  As a Workforce Development Specialist and Career Coach by trade, I am also committed to bringing more young people into PMN such as the wonderful young Spokenword  Artist, Mariam Traore, a breath of youthful fresh air to our song swaps and concerts.  I am proud to have introduced Vince Tozzi and hot glue & the gun – Carrie Klein and Joel McGlynn with all of their talent and expertise to our organization.  PMN nourishes me in my calling as an artist and as an activist.  I look forward to continuing to serve this powerful community as a Steering Committee member.