Doodad Farm at 4701 Land Road was hopping with music and positive energy yesterday as musicians of North Carolina played at an event to celebrate and help raise funds for the New Arrivals Institute. Doodad Farm is a 60 acre farm with a 140-year-old tobacco barn that got converted to a stage for live music. The stage area was a 50th birthday gift to a music loving dad.* The "Our Legends of NC " tribute featured songs written by North Carolina musicians- nearly fifty songs. Attendees brought their own folding chairs and picnic baskets to enjoy the afternoon. For those who didn't pack food, the Bearded BBQ was there serving up delicious BBQ plates and sandwiches. The crowd was a diverse group from immigrant families, to their ESOL teachers, to social workers, to sponsoring families, to people who work directly with new immigrant families- including those from the New Arrivals Institute (NAI).
The New Arrivals Institute of Greensboro started in the 1990s to meet the needs of the immigrant community. NAI teaches English classes and makes sure parents have childcare while they are in class. NAI is a non-profit that is quick to apply for and receive grants, and adjust their programs, as needs arise. Relocating to a new country and leaving everything behind is overwhelming. NAI works tirelessly to help immigrants become independent and work their way to becoming citizens. At yesterday's event, it was so special seeing families relaxed, children running, smiling, and even laughing. Hula hoops were a bit hit and a way for children to enjoy being children. Even some adults took the hoops for a twirl- all to the sound of music of North Carolina. Speaking of music, that is Sam Fraizer performing on the Doodad Stage. Sam is a singer/songwriter and talented musician from Greensboro. Yesterday, he performed some songs solo yesterday and then some with Laurelyn Dossett yesterday.
*read the Our State Magazine tribute HERE.
Sounds like fun!
Posted by: William Kendall | Monday, May 23, 2022 at 04:04 PM