Local Artists Showcase to benefit music exchange program

By Ben Olson
Reader Staff

For the seventh year, a cultural enrichment and exchange program known as Music Bridges Borders run by Elinor and Rick Reed has exchanged musicians between Sandpoint and Northern Baja, Mexico. The program offers a cultural experience to study music abroad for the music students.

To help support this annual program, the Granary Arts District is throwing an inaugural fundraising event called the Local Artists Showcase. The free event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, on the outdoor stage between Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters and Matchwood Brewing Co.

There will be live music, dance, theater, performances on the outdoor stage next to the firepit. Performers will include Alex Cope, Muffy and Vienna Nye, Troy and Heather Olson, Chad Patrick, Mike Clarke, Chika and Liam Orton, Nichol and Max Reed, Keegan and Toren Camino and more.

There will also be a silent auction of local fine art and crafts, as well as food and events. Evans Brothers and Matchwood Brewing will donate a portion of their proceeds May 25 to Music Bridges Borders to help aid their exchange program. Creations will also be on hand to do face-painting for the kiddos.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy a day full of performances, including live music by Stone Cloud 4 and Crooked Tooth, which will keep the party going from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

If you can’t make the event but want to donate to the exchange program, search “Music Bridges Borders” on GoFundMe.com.