TAMPA Fla. – Safety Harbor SongFest musician, Joe Craven, spent Thursday afternoon holding his music “playshop” where he worked with students from Seminole Heights Elementary School on music improvisation.
This year, Safety Harbor SongFest partnered with Instruments of Change and through a successful crowdfunding initiative, they were able to bring Craven in to show the children in an after school music program a new approach to music.
“Joe has been such a major part in the Safety Harbor SongFest since day one, we knew we had to bring him out ahead of the festival to take part in our partnership with Instruments of Change,” said Todd Ramquist, festival organizer.
Craven opened up the class by telling the students they wouldn’t need their sheet music or even their instruments when learning about improvisation.
“What you guys have to realize is that you have music in your step,” explained Craven. “When you are walking down the street with friends, everything is in a groove, you have a groove.”
Through simple techniques like tossing tie dyed socks to fellow students around the circle, to clapping in beat with a rhythm, Craven’s message to the students was all about listening and receiving the sounds and music around them and turning it into their own.
For those who would like to see Craven perform at the Safety Harbor SongFest, they can purchase tickets at www.safetyharborsongfest.com. The 
concert is scheduled to take place this Saturday and Sunday on the town’s picturesque waterfront park located next to the Safety Harbor marina and pier. Safety Harbor SongFest is presented by Bright House Networks and proudly sponsored by the Tampa Bay Times.
This year’s confirmed lineup also includes national recording artists Robin Zander, Otis Taylor, Love & Theft, Ben Sollee, Matt the Electrician, Daphne Willis, Chris Gelbuda, Anne Harris, The Vespers, The Shook Twins, HONEYHONEY, Dan Rodriguez, David Jacobs-Strain, Tall Heights, Mastersons, and many more who pull from a wide range of influences, including blues, bluegrass, country, jazz, pop, world beat and more.
Performances are scheduled to take place at two stage areas on both days, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Musicians will also perform at local venues in downtown Safety Harbor throughout the weekend.
For more information on Safety Harbor Song Fest and Safety Harbor Art and Music Center please visit www.safetyharborartandmusiccenter.com.
About Safety Harbor Music and Art Center and Safety Harbor SongFest
SHAMc is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to promote education in the fine art, visual arts, and performing arts. Todd Ramquist and Kiaralinda (no last name) wanted to create a community arts center for many years. SHAMc is currently under construction in downtown Safety Harbor and is quickly becoming a landmark. Founders Ramquist and Kiaralinda are both local artists who are globally renowned for their art house, Whimzeyland.
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