Young Musicians Perform at Bittersweet Event

Music has the power, not only to speak to the human soul, but it is  – as an art form – a connecter of people.  When I listen to music that stirs me, I sing, I dance, I clap my hands, I bob my head.  In other words, I get into it.

That’s why I am so passionate about making sure young people have an outlet to both perform and enjoy good music. I also believe in the gifts of young people. I say all of this to tell you about a very successful event that happened last Saturday called Coffee, Music and Goodness.  Deb and Al at Coffee ‘n Beans have hosted this event for the past three years. What made this year’s event so bittersweet was the fact that Deb would be closing the shop, for good, at the end of it.  In regards to the closing of the shop, Deb expressed to me that she needs to spend more time with her family and this is one of the major reasons for closing.

About 14 young singer-songwriters were booked to play at this event, including Buffalo Al.  Some other names people might recognize are Joey Leal, Tony Inzeo, Becca Richter and James Coacrine, who frequently plays on the streets of downtown for anyone who will listen.

All the musicians were from Waukesha County.  Some see music as their livelihood, while others just play for fun.  We asked some musicians who have performed in previous years to come back and entertain us again.  We found others through various open mic nights, referrals, and social networking.  There was also a little variety in the instruments played including a ukulele and an electric saxophone.  On average, the audience consisted of about 20 to 25 people throughout the day. Many of those were parents or friends of the musicians. We also got some traffic with the art crawl being held that evening.

I shared with the audience and the musicians my vision for this.  I want CMG to be more than a yearly concert.  I want to organize some collaborative song-writing workshops and open mics throughout the year.  Open mics at coffee houses are where many young musicians and bands get their start. One of the musicians that attended, Cassie Boettcher, who also performs at a couple different sandwich shops in the area, had the idea to do another CMG-type event around Christmas time.

I am in discussions with students who broadcast on Carroll University’s radio station, 104.5 WCCX, about putting together a show that would feature many of the musicians that performed Saturday and others. I will say a word of thanks for all of those who helped put the concert on and those who helped promote it. Here’s to another several years of live, local music in Waukesha.