Songs from 8 Feet

World-renowned musicians who call Houston home - like Max Flinn, Opie Hendrix, Matt Harlan, The Mighty Orq and Reginald Smith Jr. and Kevin Miller - all would be booked to the gills with good paying gigs right now. But, like artists everywhere, they are feeling the financial hardship of the coronavirus shutdown. 

“I know some musicians that have day jobs, but I know a lot that don’t. So when you’re used to working 3 to 5 nights a week and that’s your primary income and the bars are closed then it’s tough,” said Sean Rosenbaum, who created an opportunity to support local musicians and share his joy of live music. Songs from 8 Feet is a live-streamed concert coming from his own backyard in the heart of West University. Some neighbors pop out of their homes to listen but most watch the concerts live on Facebook. 

“I was looking for an escape; something to do in the evenings. I know how much music is a part of my life and I figured I’m not the only person who felt that way,” said Sean. “If we’re stuck at home at least there was something a little bit different that we could look forward to.”

Max Flinn shared some country tunes in Sean Rosenbaum's West U backyard. Watch the concert and see more details here. (Photo: Jordan Scheiner Photography)

Morgan Rosenbaum, Sean’s son who attends the University of Houston Business School, is also home helping with the fundraiser. The two have streamed five concerts since mid-March through the 8th Wonder Brewery Facebook page, a brewery located in east downtown, where Sean is an investor. Sean is also the brewery’s resident carpenter, but these are just hobbies he’s passionate about. His day job is Chief of Gynecology at the VA Medical Center and he is also a faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine and Ben Taub Hospital.  

“I wanted to help out in a different way than when I am at work,” said Sean. “Elective surgeries and clinics are closed - what I do on a daily basis is about 95 percent shut down. I’m not one of the frontline folks; I’m not a critical care or internal medicine person.”  

The horrors that some of his healthcare cohorts are experiencing during this pandemic add to the misery but seeing his multi-talented musician friends without their livelihoods inspired his call to action. 

Opera singer, Reginald Smith Jr., was accompanied by Kevin Miller on keys and performed some famous arias. Watch the concert here and see more details. (Photo: Jordan Scheiner Photography)

“They have talked to me about this being an outlet for them as well. They’re not just sitting at home. It exposes them to a little bit of a different crowd than what they’re used to. We’re getting great feedback,” said Sean. 

Virtual tip jar information of the musical artist accompanies each post with all funds going directly to them. Most of the artists play blues; Reginald Smith Jr. is a world-renowned opera singer. Restrictions will ultimately ease but the financial crisis will have long-lasting effects. Sean and Morgan hope to continue safely doing their part from 8 feet. 

“We’re looking for people who are established and not working right now who want to make a few bucks. This is not 'America’s Got Talent'…it’s just my son and I bringing everyone who wants to listen some great live music.”

Matt Harlan performed earlier this month and will be returning for a second concert Tues., April 21, 5:30 p.m. with Will Van Horn. (Photo: Jordan Scheiner Photography)

The next live concert will be Matt Harlan and Will Van Horn Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. live on the 8th Wonder Brewery Facebook page, where you can also find video of the previous concerts. 

Editor’s note: See more about virtual concerts here and read more about local musician Max Flinn’s journey here.