Not long ago Volume One received a New Avenues classified ad about and event/idea called The Side Project. We thought the idea was pretty cool and might need a little more attention. Straight from the event's home page, here's the lowdown: "The Side Project is a concert for and by high school students, college students, and young adults in and around the Chippewa Valley. Volunteers will form side project concept bands at the meeting on January 24th to write and perform 15 minutes of new material at a large auditorium booked on March 27th."

This all started with Peter Matz and Adam Thoms, two local guys who play together in the Harvesttime Church band. Peter and Adam felt strongly about doing something big on behalf of music in Chippewa Valley and decided to pool their resources to create The Side Project for musicians and artists looking for a low-commitment band experience. The 12 bands they've assembled will play that final show at Harvesttime Church (3231 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire) on Mar. 27 at 6:30 with a $5 cover. Although a lot of The Side Project's process involves the church as a venue, the musicians and music are not necessarily church-related. They're also looking for volunteer ticket takers, security, sound and lighting people, and many more positions. If you want to get involved, hit up the contact info below.

Looks like a cool show. The process is brilliant and bolsters Chippewa Valley music, but I can see the show either flopping on its belly or being freakin' fantastic. What do you think about the Side Project? And does this festival's process pique your interest in going to the final show, or does it turn you off?

Myspace: myspace.com/ecsideproject
Blog: ecsideproject.blogspot.com
Email: ecsideproject@gmail.com
Phone: 894-0640 (Peter), 456-5266 (Adam).