It's December--are you getting that warm fuzzy feeling yet? Because you know what's coming, right? Not many shopping days left.
It's good to see the spirit of giving in full swing these days. I got a bit warm and fuzzy recently when I read that Toronto songwriter Oh Susanna reached her financial goal in her Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to make an album. And what an album it will be! She plans to cover songs by Canadian artists from Ron Sexsmith to Royal Wood and Jim Bryson will produce it. It will be called Namedropper. Thanks to the contributions of music fans, she raised nearly 14k!
Whatever your feelings are on crowdfunding, there's no denying that it works. And what a great way for a fan to support an artist. Speaking of the spirit of giving, here are a few ideas for getting musically charitable this upcoming holiday season:
1. Donate to a band's Kickstarter or Indiegogo campaign
These are the two most common places where bands/artists set up campaign pages where you can make donations from small to big.
2. Drop off some CDs / LPs at your local library
So you've gone and digitized your music collection and you don't know what to do with that box of CDs crowding up the closet? Now you do...
3. Give to Musicounts
An organization that makes sure kids, regardless of socio-economic circumstances, have access to music programs in their schools.
4. Donate your old iPod to Music & Memory
A group that helps the elderly create personal playlists using iPods and helps those struggling with Alzheimer's and dementia to reconnect with the world through music.
5. Buy a CD that directly benefits a charity
Pheromone Recordings is currently offering a Can-rock compilation of 21 rare tracks with all proceeds going to Kids Help Phone.
Add your own musical charity suggestions in the comments below.