Host/Presenter Q & A

(Questions venues often ask before booking)

What is the Hope Beyond Borders program?

Hope Beyond Borders is a 75–90 minute evening of music and storytelling celebrating the courage and compassion of everyday Peace Heroes—people whose actions help make the world less violent and more just.

Each event may also include recognition of a local Peace Hero from the host community.

In some communities, the program also includes participation from a local Community Choir, adding a powerful shared musical element to the evening.

What makes this program unique?

The program blends music, storytelling, and community recognition in a way that is both personal and locally rooted.

Hosts may nominate a local Peace Hero whose story is briefly shared during the event, making each gathering unique to that community.

In addition, some communities choose to involve local singers in a Community Choir, creating a collaborative experience where the audience becomes part of the performance itself.

Is a Community Choir required?

No. The Community Choir is completely optional.

The program works beautifully as a solo performance, and the choir component can be added if it feels like a good fit for your community.

How long is the program?

Typically 75–90 minutes, though shorter formats can be arranged if needed.

When a Community Choir is included, the overall timing remains similar.

What kind of venues work best?

Hope Beyond Borders works well in many settings:

• community centers
• churches and spiritual communities
• arts venues
• universities
• libraries
• house concerts
• outdoor gatherings

What technical needs are required?

For smaller gatherings (under ~125 people), Jerry can provide a simple portable sound system.

For larger venues, a basic professional sound system is appreciated.

Setup time is usually about 45–60 minutes.

If a Community Choir is included, we may coordinate simple additional microphone needs depending on group size.

How much space is needed?

A small stage or performance area with a chair or stool and microphone is usually sufficient.

If a Community Choir is participating, additional space for singers (standing or seated) will be helpful.

What are the hosting costs?

Suggested host support:

• $500 performance honorarium
• Travel support (mileage or modest travel stipend)
• Simple lodging if overnight stay is required

Communities often offset costs through ticket sales, donations, or local sponsorship.

No community will be turned away for lack of funds.

Can we sell tickets?

Yes. Many hosts choose to sell tickets or invite donations to support the event and the tour.

Community Choir participation often helps increase attendance through expanded local engagement.

How is a local Peace Hero selected?

Hosts may nominate individuals whose lives reflect the ideals of Peace Heroism. Guidance for selecting Peace Heroes is available through the Storytrail Garden project.

What happens when a Peace Hero is honored?

During the concert, Jerry shares the honoree’s story and presents a Peace Hero certificate. A commemorative stone bearing their initials is later placed along the Heart Trail in Storytrail Garden.

How does the Community Choir work?

Local choirs or individual singers are invited to learn one or two original songs (Hope Beyond Borders and/or Together We) in advance.

Singers rehearse within their regular choir schedules using provided materials, and then come together to form a Hope Beyond Borders Community Choir for the event.

They join Jerry for one or two songs during the performance.

What support is provided for the choir?

We provide everything needed to make participation simple and accessible:

• SATB sheet music
• Practice tracks (full and part support when available)
• Guide recordings
• Simple rehearsal notes

The goal is to integrate easily into existing rehearsals without adding stress.

How much rehearsal is required?

Participation is flexible.

Most choirs spend a few weeks becoming familiar with the music, but even light preparation works well. The emphasis is on shared experience rather than perfection.

An optional combined rehearsal may take place shortly before the event.

Who can participate in the Community Choir?

Participation is open and flexible:

• church choirs
• school choirs
• community choirs
• small vocal ensembles
• individual singers

All voices are welcome.