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Michael Shutt, 16, and T.J. Robertson, 17, have discovered a way to use their musical talents to better the world.
Recently, the two South Mecklenburg High School rising seniors helped launch LaVida Local, a concert series held in conjunction with Harrison United Methodist Church Youth Ministries.
Youth adviser Joe Mahaffey says LaVida Local is a chance for young artists to share their talents in a safe environment while raising money for a worthy cause.
The first concert held May 30 raised $245 that will go to the Invisible Children's Fund, which help young Ugandans flee military service by warlords. The next concert is set for July 18.
This wasn't the first time the two friends organized a concert. Last year they held a fundraising concert for church preschooler Adam Tanksley, fighting a rare form of cancer. Earlier this year, they did a benefit concert to help fund their youth mission trip.
“We wanted to do something good with our music, something to help out other people,” said T.J.
After those first two concerts, they decided to create a concert series that could continue after they graduate from high school next year.
LaVida Local was born.
Said youth minister Rob Morris, “It's been a long time since I've seen this many teenagers with this much talent. And this thing is still in its infancy. Who knows where it's going to take us?”
May's concert featured five bands including “A Secret Sound,” featuring T.J. on bass and Michael singing and playing acoustic guitar.
The two have been best friends since sixth grade at Quail Hollow Middle School and have written songs together since eighth grade.
Following the example of some other famous song-writing duos, one writes the words and the other the music.
T.J. says he writes the lyrics then sends them to Michael who composes the melody. They've written about 18 songs.
One of their favorites, “A Sailor's Dream,” ruminates: “I have dreams of calm seas/But the world disagrees with me./Yeah, I have dreams of calm seas/The likes of which I'll never see.”
The two plan to play together for at least another year and hope to continue through college. T.J. hopes to major in philosophy and religion. Michael plans to major in history, hoping to be a high school teacher and basketball coach.
Wherever they end up, both say they want to continue to make a difference – wherever the need may be.
“So many issues like the Invisible Children are ignored because it's not happening in your own backyard. We're all here and we should support each other regardless of where we live. God doesn't see country borders,” said Michael.
