If Michael Olson ever has to close his Madison Music Foundry, lack of innovation won't be the cause. The owner of the Fitchburg business that rents rehearsal and recording space has assembled a new program for teenage musicians called the Rock Workshop. The program will match peers with similar talent and interests to form bands. A teacher will help the group jell over eight weeks. The band then logs time at Smart Studios and walks away with a CD pressed at Park Street's Sooper Dooper. Twice yearly, live Rock Workshop showcases will be held at the High Noon Saloon. Who says our underage scene doesn't rock?
Local music has never shunned its role as part of a larger artistic community. Visual arts come with the territory at venues like the Project Lodge and Mother Fool's Coffeehouse. Now, Madisonians JD Stier and Anne Eichmeyer have founded Fair Trade World. The organization helps establish U.S. markets for art made by low-income residents of developing countries. The music scene shows its support for Fair Trade World on Saturday, June 14, with a 9 p.m. benefit at the High Noon Saloon. The gig features Natty Nation and the Urbanites. More information is available at fairtradeworld.org.
