Steff Kayser, a musician from Seattle, Washington, USA, organized a benefit concert for The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) this August at Egan’s Ballard Jam House, a small, intimate venue for local performers. It was his first CD release party for his new album, “The Roads that Cross the Great Divide.” Playing to friends and neighbors in the community, Kayser’s album received a very warm reception.

“My music is centered on acoustic guitar,” says, Kayser, “so some would call it folk; but there's a lot of rock, swing, pop, and traditional influences in there too.”

Kayser loves to interact with his audience and get them participating in his rousing and often humorous chorus lines, some of which he admits are a little “risqué” but always good fun.

So what inspired Kayser to turn his release party into a fundraiser for TPRF? He explains, “I wanted to share my music, and I think people are more inclined to go to benefit concerts. I’m excited about a number of charities, but I’m passionate about supporting TPRF.”

But the whole business of recording and releasing his first CD started to become a very time-consuming project. As a result the planned benefit concert at Egan’s kept getting pushed down the list of his priorities.

Says Kayser, “It was important to me that this once-in-a-lifetime release of my first CD would also be a fundraiser, particularly as the work of TPRF holds a special place in my heart. So when my friend, Becky, offered to help me, I was really relieved to have her support.”

True to her word, Becky stepped in to organize the benefit side of the concert and passed round the hat in the interval, all donated to TPRF.

Kayser says he would definitely recommend that anyone who has an artistic or musical talent think about supporting their favorite charitable organization when presenting their art to the world.

He says, “There is always somebody who would be more than willing to help you make it happen. And somewhere out there, a struggling stranger will be grateful because of your efforts. And that feels really good!”