2020 Performance Venue Project

Help a Musician – Give a Kid a Smile

https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/2020-performance-venue-project

The shutdown of businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic has affected musicians and venues particularly hard. As we re-open the economy we can see independent music venues struggling; some are trying to balance physical spacing and capacity limits and some are no longer offering live music, while others will stay closed.  This has resulted in a shortage of performance opportunities for local talent, especially those musicians who have had their livelihood dry up, and also for music lovers who may not be ready to return to indoor spaces.

OUR PLAN:

The Cascade Blues Association has teamed up with Portland Parks & Recreation Division to address this shortage by offering paid performance opportunities to participating local blues musicians who are current CBA members. Gigs will be assigned by random lottery and availability.  This project will provide income for musicians as well as increasing awareness of the CBA to the public.

Portland Parks & Recreation Division has diverted 100% of their Summer Free For All funding to The Free Lunch + Play program that supports families by offering nutritious meals and recreational activities during the summer recess, supporting the thousands of children who qualify for subsidized lunches during the school year.  With this partnership, the CBA will be supporting its mission to preserve and promote blues and roots music by providing free entertainment at pick-up sites and other public locations while offering a little financial relief to participating local musicians.

FUNDRAISING:

The CBA is contributing base funding for the first round. We have launched a GoFundMe campaign and are seeking additional sponsorships. With additional funds raised, the CBA will be able to expand this project to offer more opportunities at more locations for a longer period.

All funds donated through the GoFundMe campaign will go directly to the performers to provide them remuneration as outlined below.

Any amount you can contribute will help us work towards our initial goal of $5000.  The Cascade Blues Association is a 501(c)(3) and your donation will be tax deductible. GoFundMe will provide an immediate tax receipt.

VOLUNTEERS:

Are you missing the Waterfront Blues Fest volunteer opportunity?  We’ll need volunteers to help oversee various events. If you’re interested in helping out with this project, please email cascadebluesstaff@gmail.com  with the subject line: “Volunteering”.