Music Nonprofits Outdoors Environment
LET’S FIND ‘COMMON GROUND’: Musicians Gather to Support Natural Resources
Chippewa Valley Citizens For Change to host live music benefit for Beaver Creek Reserve
Evelyn Nelson, photos by Mike O'Brien |
Just as musicians in the area have forged strong connections through their shared love of music, community members too can find connection through their appreciation of the natural world — benefitted by accessible resources like Beaver Creek Reserve (S1 County Hwy K, Fall Creek).
From 2pm-7pm on Sunday, Aug. 24 at The Brickhouse Pub and Grub (2233 Birch St., Eau Claire), Chippewa Valley Citizens For Change (CVCFC) will host a live music benefit — “Common Ground” — in support of Beaver Creek Reserve’s Annual Mission Fund.
In response to recent funding cuts which impacted Beaver Creek Reserve (BCR) and other local organizations, CVCFC volunteers Anastasia Vishnevsky, John LeBrun, and David Jones aimed to unite people of varied beliefs and backgrounds through their shared appreciation for music and the arts — a true "common ground" in the Chippewa Valley.
“This is what we can do, in this place, at this time, with our skills, and with hope in our hearts,” Vishnevsky said. “We can attempt to support others in finding common ground, through a shared appreciation of music and of the beautiful, restorative, peaceful nature in our area.”
The benefit will feature local musicians: Jim Phillips and Friends, the Cathy Reitz Trio, Hazy Shade of Gray with Davey Jones, Dan Zerr, Uncommon Denominator and Transistor Radio. An "open jam" will take place from 6-7pm, inviting all to gather and share their musical talents.
In addition to live music, Jennifer Blakeley Mode of The Manifestresses will be offering tarot readings for attendees.
“This is what we can do, in this place, at this time, with our skills, and with hope in our hearts. We can attempt to support others in finding common ground, through a shared appreciation of music and of the beautiful, restorative, peaceful nature in our area.”
Anastasia Vishnevsky
VOLUNTEER, Chippewa Valley Citizens For Change
Free-will donations will be accepted throughout the afternoon and evening, and all proceeds will be given to BCR for future programming and volunteer opportunities. Kristen Giefer, marketing and program director at BCR, expressed her thanks to the local community for their ongoing support in connecting residents with nature and for enabling BCR's continued daily operations through uncertain times.
“What a fun way to showcase local musicians and engage the community, while also supporting a local non-profit organization,” Giefer said. “We are incredibly excited to be a part of this event!”
BCR’s Annual Mission Fund supports additional, unexpected, or improvements to daily operations outside of what is funded by the organization’s annual budget.
This could include student scholarships for field trips, animal ambassador care like medical needs or vet visits, training opportunities, grounds, trails and garden improvements, along with hiring seasonal employees, Giefer noted.
BCR representatives and staff will be present during the music benefit, to share information about the non-profit’s programming and their continued mission since 1947.
Both music and natural landscapes possess the power to heal, Vishnevsky added. She believes residents of the Chippewa Valley are called to join together and contribute to services — including BCR — which benefit the local community.
“We hope that more of our neighbors will learn about all that Beaver Creek Reserve has to offer,” Vishnevsky said. “(Our goals are) to provide enjoyment to the community as a whole, during a time of social stress.”
For more information or to donate to Beaver Creek Reserve's Annual Mission Fund, visit beavercreekreserve.org. You can also learn more about the Chippewa Valley Citizens For Change fundraiser by visiting the Common Ground music benefit event page on Facebook.
