Mar 5, 2018
Matt Balitsaris is a musician, record producer, humanitarian and
philanthropist. Matt was the band leader and composer of 2 bands my
husband played bass for in the 80s and 90s: C’est What?! and Loose
Shoes. Matt’s beautiful solo guitar playing can be found on the
albums "Evening Fires" & "An Echoed Smile". Matt converted the barn
on his Buck’s County, PA property into a magnificent recording
studio and founded the successful jazz label, Palmetto Records.
In addition to his music career, Matt shares his insights from his
first trip to Haiti in 1989, the changes, set backs (including
hurricanes, earthquakes and governmental corruption) and palpable
progress he has witnessed in Haiti, a country very close to his
heart. Over the past 20 years, Matt has dedicated time, energy,
resources and certainly his heart and soul to the grass-roots,
micro-financing organization FONKOZE, who reaches out to the
poorest of poor in Haiti. I had the privilege of watching Matt in
action when I joined him and a delegation he led in Haiti the year
after the earthquake.
You may have previously heard my conversation with Matt’s wife,
Margaret Dulaney, a playwright, spiritual writer and long time
inspiration to me. If you haven't already, I encourage you to
listen to episode #5 for Margaret's inspiring conversation with
me.
Music brought my husband and I together with Matt and Margaret 33
years ago, our friendship has been enriched by spiritual
exploration, and our connection has been deepened through our
shared quest for social justice.
Links:
C’est What?!
Loose Shoes
Jeff Berman
Palmetto Records
The Inquirer Featured Article (Philly.com)