Acclaimed musician Peter Buffett performs his original compositions while sharing insights into his work, philanthropic efforts, and life as the son of Warren Buffett, one of the most noteworthy investors of our time. Joel Lester, dean of Mannes College The New School for Music, offers opening remarks.

Buffett has been a professional songwriter, producer, performer, recording engineer, independent label owner, and composer for film and television for more than 28 years. He is also actively engaged in social and philanthropic causes and maintains a tireless commitment to numerous nonprofit organizations and charities. Buffett has recorded 16 albums. The latest, Imaginary Kingdom, combines elements of soft and progressive rock with a contemporary vocal sound to deliver a passionate message of social change.

Buffett is collaborating with international recording artist Akon on projects including a remix of Buffett's song “Anything” (Staring at the Sun, 2007), which he wrote after visiting post-war Liberia and Sierra Leone. In June 2008, Buffett and Akon launched the website IsThereSomethingICanDo.com to promote activism through social networking. They have further developed their creative partnership with a new song, “Blood into Gold,” which debuted at a special concert held before the UN General Assembly.

Buffett's artistic credits include scoring the “Fire Dance” scene in Dances With Wolves; composing the score for 500 Nations, Kevin Costner’s Emmy Award-winning CBS miniseries; composing for An American Portrait (which earned him a Best Soundtrack Emmy), Triathlon: Through the Eyes of the Elite, and Ojibwe (resulting in a second Emmy); and producing Spirit—The Seventh Fire, a benefit concert for Robert and Jamie Redford that toured the United States.