Houston Nonprofits and Charities

My name is Marc Hennessey, and I am an electric violinist and composer. Since 2012, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Hope Stone, Inc., beginning with composing a three-movement modern dance piece titled Squared Dancer for their dance company. In February 2014, we performed this piece live at the Wortham Theatre in Houston, Texas, with two shows a day over several days, reaching upwards of 500 children per performance. The audiences wer bused in from elementary schools throughout the diverse region—a testament to Hope Stone’s commitment to bringing the arts to communities that need them most. After the shows, we had a chance to greet the kids in the lobby, sharing in their joy and curiosity.<br><br>One particular performance remains vivid in my mind. I was set up downstage left with my electric violin, layering live loops for the dancers who filled the stage. As I played the intricate first movement, I noticed two young girls in the front row, arms outstretched, almost reaching toward the dancers with an expression that said, “I want to be this with all my heart.” Instantly, I was transported back to my own childhood, remembering the awe I felt during my first symphony orchestra concert on a school field trip—a feeling that shaped my path as a musician. I became so overwhelmed by the realization of what we were giving these kids that I began to cry, my vision blurring as I struggled to stay on cue.<br><br>Throughout that week, Hope Stone made all the kids feel welcome, even hosting a special performance for children with additional needs by dimming the lights, lowering the volume, and adjusting the dancers’ movements. This act of inclusivity spoke volumes about the organization’s heart and the lengths they go to ensure that the arts are accessible to everyone.<br><br>The impact of working with Hope Stone has been profound, connecting my passion for music with a service-oriented purpose that extends beyond the stage. It bridges art and service, opening doors for kids in communities where the arts may not be as visible. Over the years, I’ve returned to Houston for other performances of Squared Dancer, and I even recorded the first movement in a studio with Grammy Award-winning engineers, releasing it as “Dancer Dancer” on the album Bloom. I look forward to the possibility of creating more pieces with Hope Stone, bringing transformative experiences to new generations of young audiences.<br><br>Hope Stone, Inc. is a cornerstone of artistic outreach in Texas, giving thousands of children the opportunity to dream big and explore new horizons through the arts. It is an honor for me to be a small part of their mission.

The Athena Art Project supports the artist endeavors of women. Each fall they produce a day-long music festival featuring independent women musicians. It takes place in theatrical district in Houston, Texas. Along with a diverse lineup of musical performances, festival goers can also experience great food and beverage as well as shop a vendor market place that features a number of artisans and community organizations. <br> <br>They bring in some great musicians and it's always a lot of fun to see old friends.