On Dec. 1, local artist Clive Stewart held a viewing party for his new video “Burning Buildings.” Stewart, who normally plays with his band Common Ancestry, produced this solo song to promote social change and peace.
“I did the video because I wanted to support the community and bring attention to some of the reactions people had for protesting,” Stewart said. “It’s communication, togetherness, justice rather than burning a city down. The song calls for unity in that sense.”
Proceeds from downloads of “Burning Buildings” will help benefit the South Kitsap Helpline Food Bank.
“It’s amusing. I’ve never done it this way before,” Stewart said. “I just wanted the opportunity to use the video, not for special gain for me, but to support the community.”
A large crowd gathered at Everybody’s American Cookhouse to view the video. Stewart also performed a few songs acoustically.
“We want people to come out and join in the celebration, and help spread the word,” he said.
Stewart also encourages people, when they have the chance, to listen to the song on his webpage or on YouTube.
“We got quite a bit of support online,” he said.
“More than 7,000 views in a few weeks. We want to double that and get the word out to many people, and affect change by supporting this.”
To get the word out about the festivities, Stewart and his team posted on Facebook, handed out fliers and spread news about the event through word of mouth.
The event was part of a new venture by Hemesh Bhargo, CEO of Hyper Effects, and Stewart.
The work, which is displayed on www.kitsapnonprofit.com, is the first of its kind where local artists can offer their work to the community with 100 percent of the profits going toward a selected non-profit chosen by the artist.
Stewart is the first artist to be featured on the new website with his new release.
“For those who choose to loot and destroy property during peaceful protests, I wrote this song as an appeal for peace, communication, forgiveness and unity between people,” Stewart said.
Stewart migrated to the U.S. from Jamaica in 1983, and fondly refers to himself as “J’American.”
He started his journey in the music scene in the 1990s and is the lead singer, songwriter, producer and rhythm guitarist for his band Common Ancestor.
The musician has also performed a number of solo projects and places emphasis on staying actively involved in the community.
“What I love about this community is, for the most part, everyone’s very friendly. The whole environment,” Stewart said.
“It’s a beautiful city, beautiful town. I’ve seen change and potential for growth. Long way to go but I think it is a city for the worker, and new ideas and young minds can participate heavily. There’s been room for improvement in many facets.
“But, I’m raising my children in Port Orchard. They were all born in Port Orchard.”
For more information, visit www.kitsapnonprofit.com
