The band-aid of music

New elements in life manage to affect people the way music does. Seemingly above all else, music serves as a common ground that can bring people together -- a medium through which one can discover him or herself and identify with others. Music makes one happy, aiding in the expression of sorrow and remorse, helping to feel.\nBut whether it be the torment of a broken heart or the strife of a nation, music can be essential in the healing process. So multi-faceted in that respect, the power of music is on a continuum that somehow has the ability to reach everyone, everywhere. \nIn the wake of all that has befallen our nation recently, millions of people across the country have come together with a universal mission to help us overcome the tragedy in any way possible. \nAlthough a concern of national proportions, Bloomington's local talent is also doing their part to aid in this cause. Many of Bloomington's top bands have contributed to the relief effort, while also being involved in various other charitable projects. \nOne of these bands, Three Minute Mile, played at the Cellar Lounge days after the attack. Jason Kotynski, vocalist and acoustic guitarist for the band, felt "an overwhelming feeling of helplessness" with regard to performing during such a somber time. \nIt was this sentiment that convinced the band to donate all of their profits from that show to the Red Cross. \nMike Stocksdale, guitarist of Three Minute Mile, says because their band gelled as a result of a charitable event, they are always enthusiastic to be a part of benefit shows.\n"As a band, we started out with charity. We entered the Live from Bloomington contest and won, so we had to throw our show together to play a 45 minute set at Sports," Stocksdale says. "We enjoy doing charity shows because it's a new audience, and in a broader sense, fans contribute money to the causes."\nThree Minute Mile, like many other Bloomington acts, is active in utilizing its talents for the benefit of charitable organizations in the community, and was chosen to perform at last week's Farm Aid, a benefit concert designed to help the United States agricultural industry, featuring the likes of Dave Matthews, Willie Nelson and Neil Young.\nBloomington's local music community is one that thrives upon charitable events, as talent would receive much less publicity and exposure without organizations seeking them out for charity shows. And the majority of musicians are happy to do it. \nBlue Moon Revue was invited via e-mail to participate in a charity show to help establish funds for IU's Habitat for Humanity. The organization held the concert last Friday night at Vertigo, 107 W. Ninth St., with the intent of contributing the proceeds to their $25,000 goal, the amount needed to build a house for a struggling local family. For a $5 cover charge at the door people were treated to a night of music from Blue Moon Revue and Underground Charmin'. \n"Music can be a great force to aid charity," Matt Marshall, lead vocalist for Blue Moon Revue, says of the band's motivation behind participating in the show. "We as a band feel privileged to contribute whatever talents we have to any good cause." \nJamie Honigman, vice president of IU's Habitat chapter, was thrilled by the band's enthusiasm in contributing to the cause.\n"I am excited because so many artists want to help the world and make a difference," Honigman says. \nThe event at Vertigo marks the first time that the leaders of Habitat have chosen a concert as a fundraiser. Honigman explains the motivation behind this was to expose people who wouldn't normally be involved and educate them on what Habitat is trying to do for the community, and also, of course, to draw a large crowd.\n"Music is a big part of so many lives, especially in college," Honigman says. "When music is incorporated, things are a lot more interesting and fun."\nBenefit concerts and other events are being held in Bloomington all the time, a lot more frequently than most would expect. Tonight, Sigma Delta Tau is hosting a beach party, featuring the talents of DJ Mellow Mix complete with hot tubs, sand and swimsuits from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. at Vertigo. All of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Red Cross. \nMatt Frick, who plays percussion and banjo for Blue Moon Revue, says he personally works hard as a musician but will play any time that he can. He adds that as a struggling college student, he sometimes needs money but recognizes that other people might need it more. \n"In times like these, there is really no time to be greedy at all," Frick says. "Let's help out the world, in every way. I'm talking about good karma and free music and people coming together to establish a sense of community."\nHe says playing the Habitat show was a great experience for him as a musician and a person, making him feel as though he's playing a significant role in society.\n"Music can bring people together. Everybody loves music, and if people hear music at an event, it is more effective than people passing out information," Frick says. "People want entertainment in conjunction with a good cause. It brings a whole new spirit to it, for both the audience and (the band)… We are given the gift of music, so in return, I think musicians should give music as entertainment for a good cause. Good karma is what it comes down to"