Venezuela is reeling from major earthquakes; artists on how to help

Our friends from Venezuela are facing a horrific reality. Wednesday night, the country was hit by two back-to-back earthquakes, each among the strongest in a century. As I write this, the official confirmed death toll is well over 200 and rising, with thousands injured and many more trapped under rubble. Here are some resources for supporting the relief effort, including a wonderful book.

For May Day, United Musicians and Allied Workers shares wins, goals

Today is May Day, the original date for Labor Day, or a pagan date to drive away evil spirits. Actually — why not both? For today’s International Workers’ Day, United Musicians and Allied Workers (UMAW) is sharing some optimism, as it takes on justice for musicians in the era of streaming and AI.

Peter Kirn - May 2, 2026

Lebanon’s musicians are a model for action — they deserve support now

Again and again, music communities in Lebanon have embraced mutual aid and spoken out through activism and in their art. That’s been true from experimental music labels to the Beirut Synthesizer Center initiative. They’re getting results. It’s time for the international music scene and press to do more.

Peter Kirn - April 9, 2026