Hello! I am an ethnomusicologist, producer, and a musician that has fallen in love with the purity and truth portrayed in the music of the third world. Over the past few years I have been blessed with many opportunities to serve in Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Guatemala & Belize through various freelance music/development projects with Food For The Hungry, SIL International, The National Kriol Council of Belize, Restore International, African Children's Choir and most recently the Remix Artist Collective. For the last 3 years though I have been developing a vision for an organization named "ensigo" which focuses on empowering African musicians to utilize one of their continent's greatest resources (music) to end all forms poverty (spiritual, economic, social & physical).
I'm currently working on a collaborative project between talented vocalists from the developing countries of: Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Belize and Guatemala, and RAC (Remix Artist Collective) producers and guest artists from the countries of: U.S.A, Portugal, The Netherlands and Canada. The album is due out in January 2010. 100% of the album royalties will be given to the contributing vocalists from the developing countries in the form of recording equipment instead of cash. We have chosen to make the royalty payments in recording equipment so as to provide a sustainable and stable way for them to generate income, stimulate their local economy (one of the requirements is that the recording equipment be purchased locally), create more jobs, and promote their local music.
The instruments I play are: Bass (electric & upright), Drums & Percussion, Vocals, Amadinda, Guitar, Akogo, and Adungu.
Love,
Aaron
To join me as a financial partner in my music projects in Africa, send your gift (made out to "First Presbyterian Church of Hillsboro") with a note indicating the gift is for "Aaron Appleton's Africa Missions" to:
First Presbyterian Church of Hillsboro
P.O. Box 306
Hillsboro, IL 62049
I just put up a song from the new album up last night... The new album
is out next month! What do you think of the new direction? It's a
little different... We have a few shows in August I was hoping you could play with us while your here... Eh?
-Brian
Aaron!!! HOLY COW!!! I didn't know you were where you are...I'm so proud and excited for you!! Keep me in the loop and let me know if there is anything I can do to help!! Take care!! :)
Who knows if they celebrate a thanksgiving day wherever you are, but...HAPPY THANKSGIVING anyways! We will all be enjoying our turkey day for you! Hey...sometime you should talk to my sister Bethany. She's a missionary with Convoy of Hope and is in Costa Rica in Spanish Language School. She's on my myspace site. Just a thought!
Hey Aaron... I finally finished my album! download it for free here- http://www. brianleeandhisorchestra. com/ we're coming to Hillsboro Illinois on Nov 2nd... I really hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think- Brian Lee
Hey cuz, good for you on helping out California - you know that Sara is living in South Cali right? I'm so proud of the work you and Hannah are doing! Doing the family proud! ;-)
Not too much new with me. I'm working part time as a church secretary for Trinity Lutheran Church & School. Hollie is getting ready for her green belt test in Tae Kwon Do and is enjoying her first job. Charlie is doing well and is a typical active 11 year old boy who loves sports - especially baseball and football. We just got back from a week trip to Wisconsin Dells. Had a lot of fun!
Hey there firefighter.. Hey I was thinking it would be cool to cover one of the songs you gave me on the cd from Belize. I just want to see if you know what the lyrics would be in english... Maybe call me some time. I'm at the hubers this weekend-Brian
hey aaron, it's trevor dave and tim from the champion. we were just looking at your pictures and laughing at some of the stories we think must be behind them. we're so excited to be a small part of what's going on. also, that's awesome you can fly.
Aaron, I got your message about the music. me hizo feliz que pensaras en mi musica. if you have my CD i want to know which one of those songs you would like to have in your project. or do you want another song that is not on the CD? write me what you want and when it will be ready. i want to have a copy of it when it's done.
it was soooooooo good to hear your voice the other day--can't believe I actually caught you! i picked up my phone, had no clue if you were in the country, but thought, "ah, what the heck" and yay! you were there! call me soon when you get that skype thing set up, cause i'd love to talk more!
you were in my dream the other night, aaron. it was so wonderful to see you again. ('creation vocalization' gives me a jolt of LIFE this night) (thank you so much for your beautiful music) ~steph (!!!)
Aaron!! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving feast in the Guat :) I miss you dear friend and I am looking forward to seen you SOON!!!! Which by the way. do you know when that will be??
I am counting down the days till Christmas and would like to have a count down going on for your return!!!
