Cisco virtual concert series raises $11,000 for artists and charities

Live from Home brings music and dance to homes all over the world.

As the pandemic began to bring more and more people inside, AppDynamics Director of Web and Digital Marketing Trish Chan knew that artists who relied on the gig economy may not have their usual means for income.

“It was an idea that I had before shelter-in-place began in San Francisco,” said Chan, “I love to frequent the local jazz clubs and I was thinking about all of the artists I would usually see. I know from experience that music is so important, especially in these times, because it’s a source of inspiration and hope. People need beautiful music.”

Lead by Chan, a group of volunteers from AppDynamics and parent organization Cisco joined forces to provide some method to support these impacted artists. Using Cisco Webex Meetings, Cisco DX80 technology, and AppDynamics monitoring capabilities, “Live from Home” broadcasts a series of weekly live-streamed concerts. The series went into beta testing on April 7th and has continued its successful run on a weekly basis since then. Live from Home officially goes live to the public on May 5th.

The Live from Home series organizes each concert night by theme — internal AppDynamics and Cisco viewers have already enjoyed indie music, jazz, kid’s songs, and classical. The program not only allows artists to showcase their outstanding talent, but provides live music across the globe and fundraises donations towards nonprofit organizations that bring arts to the community. Donations to the series fund supports organizations like Gray Area Foundation for the Arts, Inc., San Francisco Opera Association, Raleigh Little Theatre, and more, and Cisco matches any employee donation to these charities. Cisco and AppDynamics employees have already raised $11,000 towards these nonprofits.

Read more over at The Network.