HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Singing and playing music has always been a part of Chris Pierce's life, something he did well before performing at last year's BeachLife Music Festival in Redondo Beach. 

"I started singing before I could walk," Pierce said. 

So it's no surprise that music is what he was meant to do and has been his full-time gig for the past few decades. 

"We love lifting our voice and letting it be heard," he said. 

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But with the COVID-19 pandemic, that once familiar connection to his fans from playing live has been put on pause. 

For artists like Pierce who plays four to five shows a week and depends on his music to make a living, these times have been challenging. 

"You miss getting out there and having that energy exchange and that connection," Pierce said. "I just miss it so much." 

Knowing how many musicians like Pierce are being impacted Steve Brown, founder of the nonprofit, Groove Healing, is all about sharing the healing power of music. 

So he's created his first virtual benefit concert, "Intimate Stages," as a platform to give six of his artist friends, including Pierce, a chance to play live on Saturday April 4 -- and to make them some money in the process. 

 

"My goal, because they're not only my friends but they've helped me heal for so many years is to ensure that they can continue to do so and make a living," Brown said. 

In these especially worrying times music can serve as a great stress management tool.

Studies have shown that music releases the chemical dopamine in the brain, and dopamine plays a key role in feeling good. 

"It gets us through the days and hours and weeks sometimes where we're going through things that are just difficult," said Brown.

So the timing couldn't be more appropriate and the opportunity is something Pierce is extremely grateful for both the financial help and the exposure.

"Folks that go out of their way to help performing musicians realize our vision, keep a roof over our heads send us love whatever way they can it just means the world to us," Pierce said. 

As he continues to use his art to create while staying home, he will keep spreading his love of music.

"The music is healing, the music is medicine and music is a place of refuge, not only for myself but for so many other people out there who may be musicians or may not be," Pierce said. 

The stage may be a little different these days, but the music plays on; bringing healing to musicians and healing to the ears of the world.

For tickets and more information click here.