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Please press the play button above to hear the recorded interview, which was recently broadcast on KMFA 89.5.

For many who have watched the destruction caused throughout Texas by Hurricane Harvey, the question of “what can I do” has been a constant. Harvey’s rains had barely stopped when Austin Classical Guitar’s Matthew Hinsley got together with Austin Chamber Music Center’s Michelle Schumann, singers from Conspirare, and the Miró Quartet for “Hope Beyond Harvey.” The benefit concert at St. John's United Methodist Church quickly sold out, and in the process raised over $30,000 in funds along with several car loads of donated items.

Since then, others in Austin’s classical community are finding ways that they can contribute as well. Caiti Coughlan and Diana Burgess are both musicians who work for Blackerby Violin Shop and will present “Play It Forward,” a benefit and instrument drive specifically for Houston-area orchestra and band program impacted by the hurricane, this Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. Kathi Thomas is the guiding force who has for some years now organized the free, weekly noontime concerts at Central Presbyterian Church. They will hold a special concert this Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. called “A Concert for Community.”

Chris Johnson sat down with them on Rideshare this week to discuss their upcoming events.

For more information on ways that you can help people and arts organizations affected by Harvey, go to kmfa.org/harvey.