When I met Dan Needham at Taylor Lane in Sebastopol, he offered me two precious gifts: his time and a homemade sourdough loaf.
Dan started his career as a Hewlett-Packard engineer, followed by executive roles with TriAccess Technologies, Brevidia, and the Earle Baum Center, a non-profit that serves people with sight loss. Dan now dedicates his time to volunteering. He is actively engaged with the Rotary Club of Sebastopol Sunrise and the Redwood Empire Food Bank. Before that he was active in the Sebastopol Optimist club.
“Nobody should be cold, hungry, or wet.”
And the arts are equally important in his philanthropic priorities. Dan believes that “music is basic food, the bread for our souls. It’s another way we can communicate with each other, put things in a universal language, so that we can have shared experiences.”
Through the arts, “We have the opportunity to share sadness through music.” He recalled the Jon Batiste and the Stay Human Band performance, particularly the song, St. James Infirmary Blues at the Green in October 2013. “We can share and embrace joy too,” and he recalled seeing the Ethan Lipton And His Orchestra, a Green Music Center loft concert back in November 2021.
Dan engaged with the Green Music Center in its early days. He met Don Green, who was generously serving on a board alongside Dan. When Dan heard about Don’s vision for a performing arts hall in 2007, he wanted to help.
Dan gives to the Green Music Center’s annual fund to support the Center year-round. He has made a gift to the GMC Endowment to sustain the mission. He also has made a legacy gift to the Green Music Center. Dan attends shows and invites friends to show up and give alongside him too by introducing them to the Green Music Center by treating them to shows and the donor lounge. And it does not stop there. Dan also buys music to support the artists on stage.
The Green Music Center brings, according to Dan, “modern, thought-provoking top talent, many of which I have never heard of! I enjoy seeing my calendar filled with 30 some performances and 30 opportunities to see and connect with my friends. One of the best halls in the world!
I am always surprised at how the performance delivers and how it also expands my personal musical horizon. The GMC is a gem that casts an enduring educational light.”
You can join Dan in thoughtfully and fully supporting the Green Music Center and feeding our community’s souls.
Author’s note: Dan’s bread was delicious!
