Organist Cameron Carpenter was today announced as the first Musical Ambassador of the You Can Play Project, an organization working to ensure equality, respect, and safety for all athletes. Carpenter grew up in a hockey family and uses his music to connect to the game still, he is the first ever organist nominated for a Grammy for a solo album. Carpenter's partnership with the You Can Play Project will be formally announced March 9 during a day-long festival at Lincoln Center to celebrate the release of his album If You Could Read My Mind. You Can Play Project Executive Director Wade Davis today shared his excitement about welcoming Carpenter to the organization's family:
"Cameron Carpenter is a passionate advocate who grew up in a hockey family and understands the need to create safe spaces in sports for LGBT youth. Beyond being a brilliant artist, Cameron recognizes he has an opportunity to use his celebrity and platform toraise awareness to ensure all LGBT people knowsports provides spaces where they can thrive. The You Can Play Project is honored to have Cameron as an ambassador and join the YCP family.”