WE CAN NOT DO THIS WITHOUT YOUR HELP!

  For the past four years Jesse Sprinkle (Poor Old Lu, Kutless, Dead Poetic, Demon Hunter) has been very active within the community of Kampala, Uganda.  Through his travels there, he has developed a close bond with a very musical group of orphaned and/or homeless street kids, and has also befriended and supported a family who run a very small and humble safe haven for them in the slums, a refuge the kids call "Paradise."  Jesse's dream is to share the music of "Paradise," and directly invest in the lives of these talented kids and in their music community. 

  Kurt Johnson (The Moho Collective) has come on board as Jesse’s writing/recording partner.  Sharing a strong mutual respect for each other's work, Kurt and Jesse have been searching for a way to collaborate for quite some time.  They found that this is JUST the project for their collaboration.  As a music educator and ethnomusicologist, Kurt will join Jesse in exploring the roots of Ugandan music with these very gifted and lively children.  They hope to share in their different musical backgrounds and invest in the future of this Ugandan community.  This is a united effort, and the start of a growing relationship that melds culture, hope, and growth.

What we’re doing…

  The Paradise, Uganda team is working to raise $20,000 to cover the costs of travel, album-production, and album printing/distribution.  All proceeds from record sales and live performances in the USA and Uganda will go directly to support the lives of The Kampala Street Singers and the art and music community of Kampala.

  If for some reason we do not reach our goal of $20,000, we will continue to co-write with The Kampala Street Singers long-distance while raising funds outside of Indiegogo, until we are able to fund the trip to Uganda as well as fund the rest of the project.   

Who are The Kampala Street Singers?

  The Kampala Street Singers are a group of kids and young adults who are orphaned and/or homeless, living in a slum called Kivulu. They have plenty of music inside of them, and we wish to give them the opportunity to get it out there.  We believe that their stories and songs deserve to be heard.

  We intend to bring these kids an experience that is unprecedented in their lives – a chance to record their music, make an album, and who knows…potentially launch a music career for one (or more) of them!

  Though Jesse has made music with the kids before, this project is unique in that the focus will be on music that is written by the kids and young adults that make up The Kampala Street Singers.  We are truly excited to hear their stories, and so should the rest of the world!!

What will we do with the album once it is done?

  We plan to distribute and sell the album to buyers worldwide.

  All proceeds from record sales and live performances in the USA and Africa will go directly back to support the music and art community in Kampala and the lives of their Street Singers.

  The making of this album is just phase one of what we hope to turn into a lasting relationship of growth and sustainability for artistic livelihood in the Kampala slums.

Your contributions will help fund...

A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE FOR THESE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!

But to be more specific:

• Travel Expenses for a 3 week recording trip to Uganda
• Studio Time both in the States and in Uganda
• Album Production, Printing, and Distribution
• Amenities such as food and shelter for the kids 

What incentives are there for donating?

Please consider some of our exciting “perks” as Holiday gifts! We have provided a printable gift receipt in the project gallery if you wish to donate as a gift for someone else. (This way, you can notify them which awesome “perk” they’ll be receiving!) 

Some of the "perks" include:

• Authentic Jewelry from Ugandan Artisans
• Authentic Hand-Made Percussion Instruments from Uganda
• Authentic Paintings from Ugandan Painters

***these are “two-fold” perks, as they not only support this project, but also support Ugandan artisans***

Also, you will find:

• Guitars from some well-known, and incredibely generous, artists such as Phil Keaggy or The Almost!
• A Postcard from The Kampala Street Singers, Jesse, and Kurt while in Uganda
• A signed and personalized advanced copy of the album
• “Merch-Bundles” that some very well known bands have donated
• Studio Time at Bluebrick Recordings with Kurt and Jesse at your service
• A Private Tea Party hosted by Jesse and Kurt featuring exotic imported teas

And of course much more to come, so please stay tuned for "perk" updates! 

Some “perks” have limited availability! So claim yours now!

Thank You…

We’re so excited about this project, and Jesse is really looking forward to seeing his friends in Uganda again, and is also thrilled that Kurt will get to meet and work with them. Your contributions are endlessly appreciated, by not only the Paradise, Uganda team, but also the music and art community of Kampala.

Help us spread the joy of MUSIC and CREATIVITY into the lives of those in need.

Remember, if you just can’t help out financially, spreading the word about the project goes a very long way too. Be sure to use the “share” link provided above.

Thank You!!!

WANT TO SEE SOME OF THE LIVES YOU'LL BE IMPACTING?!?!

Check out these videos…

Jesse teaching the kids a song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ebtiGhbXlE

Jesse in Paradise, the kids’ safe-haven: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHyyp9GzlZ4.

CONTACT US AT:

www.paradiseuganda.com

ileftmyheart@paradiseuganda.com