Word is out among Madison area songwriters -- the Madison Made Music Project is soliciting songs to represent the breadth and diversity of the local scene.
Fifteen of the best tunes from local artists will be selected and compiled on one CD with future sales to benefit Porchlight Inc. and Community Action Coalition of South Central Wisconsin. Both nonprofit organizations are dedicated to fighting homelessness and poverty around Dane County by providing community shelters and support services to families and individuals in need.
On June 2, a kick-off event called Beat the Street saw dozens of local musicians "Beat the Street" playing unplugged live music up and down State Street. Despite a rainy morning, the afternoon was sunny and warm while the musicians garnered over $700 in contributions for the cause.
"We especially want to engage younger people in philanthropy and participating in social causes," says co-organizer Katherine Davey of Porchlight, Inc.
Nonprofits everywhere are dealing with the challenge of an aging donor base, says Davey. The long-cherished link between musical expression and social change led Davey and local musician Jeff Burkhart to create the Madison Made Music Project late last year. If this year's endeavor meets its goals, they hope to make it an annual effort.
Selections for the compilation album will be announced in mid-August, and the project's grand finale will be a night of music on Thursday, September 20. For a $5 donation ($3 with a non-perishable food item), patrons can go to the Orpheum Theatre, Promenade Hall at the Overture Center, the King Club, Brocach Irish Pub and Café Monmartre for live music from local acts. Admission will cover all venues.
To be considered for the compilation, recordings must be of original songs, or public-domain works. This is a bona fide opportunity for area acts to get their music into the ears of local music dignitaries, since the selection committe includes Butch Vig, Bill Malone, Ben Sidran, Sybil Augustine of WORT, Pat Gallagher of Triple M, MAMAs organizer Rick Tvedt, and others. The final selections will be mastered at Smart Studios in Madison.
Submissions can be sent through the mail on compact disc or attached to e-mail as a CD-quality .wav file. One entry per artist or group is allowed. Artists retain rights but cannot collect earnings on future sales of the compilation CD.
