CricketToes

Free Artifacts PDF Download Expires Tomorrow!

On January 1, 2012--that's tomorrow for you lucky yet befuddled few trapped in a dimension where time doesn't exist--the full PDF version of Artifacts will no longer be available for free at artifactsnovel.com and will be replaced with a free PDF of the first three chapters only.

While we'd like to give a strict deadline, preferably in an intense movie trailer voice--Time runs out at midnight (cue dramatic music)--chances are we won't get around to switching out the PDFs until the sweet Central Time sunrise of a New Year's Eve hang over appears. So, if you're really into drunk downloading at 2AM--and who isn't, huh?--it'll be there for ya.

Of course, you can purchase the paperback, deftly and beautifully printed by Milwaukee Printing Press, and/or the full PDF at the site for as long as your stunningly gorgeous heart desires. Those who do will receive our undying love and a personalized set of air kisses.

Artifacts has gotten some very solid press since its release in September, the most recent being an interview with me on WUWM 89.7 FM Milwaukee Public Radio's Lake Effect that aired on Saturday, December 10. Go the Artifacts Press page to view all media coverage to date.

As always, we sincerely thank everyone who has shown support and enthusiasm for Artifacts.

Happy New Year!

Related:
Artifacts On Lake Effect
Artifacts Novel Is Here!

Cream City Foundation Wants To Make You A Philanthropist

When most of us come across the multisyllabic descriptor "philanthropist" in our daily info gathering we don't think, "Hey, they're talking about me!" No, what we think is, "Oh, Warren Buffett/Bill and Melinda Gates/some random member of the Top 1% Crowd is gonna give away some serious kablingy." This spontaneous response couldn't be further off the mark, however, as each and every time we dig into our tiny pockets to benefit a worthy cause we become just as fancy but nowhere near as annoying as that Richie Rich kid from the old-timey comics--youngsters should go here for intel on that geekishly obscure reference.

Truly, the opportunities for us to morph into Philanthropists with a capital "P" are as numerous as there are deserving organizations and projects, making it a definite challenge to choose which we should back with our very hard earned dough. Today, though, I'm gonna make your decision so easy your money giving puzzler won't know what hit it.

So what meritorious cause raises my confidence level so high that I'm convinced there's no possible way you can resist? Why the Cream City Foundation's Art & Philanthropy: Caribbean Style event, scheduled to take place next Thursday in Milwaukee, that's what!

Organized to benefit CCF's Arts and Culture Fund, the happening will feature a silent art auction, with work by Ron Kosok, Pete Stolowski and Elizabeth Brown up on the block. Also, dance instructor Melissa Dexter will provide free, hot salsa dance lessons to anyone brave enough to strut their stuff in public and Women's Voices Milwaukee plan to perform as well.

Tickets can be purchased for a little as $25 and ya'll got at least that sittin' idle in your penny jar. Ambitious folks aiming to make a greenback splash can ante up more and have their name officially changed to that of a famous/infamous artist, like the stunningly talented Mexican painter Frida Kahlo--patron saint of the beautiful unibrow.

CCF is an outstanding and invaluable organization that works for social change on behalf of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community. From its Gay Neighbor initiative to its tireless efforts to eliminate homelessness among LGBT youth, CCF makes Miltown and Southeastern Wisconsin a better, fairer and more compassionate place to live for all us.

Okay, so get yourself over to the Art & Philanthropy: Caribbean Style event on Thursday, March 31, 2011, from 6-9PM at the home of the mighty generous Andy Nunemaker. If anyone asks what you do while you're hobnobbin' at the party, you can loudly and proudly say, "I'm a Philanthropist."

(Thanks, Maria and Charles!)

Related:
Who Are the Gay Folks in Your Neighborhood? The People that You Meet Each Day!
Hey, I Know that Gay Guy--He's My Neighbor!

Bring Your Love & Support To The Benefit For Berkeley!

Tonight is the night that all music lovers come to together at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music to honor and support one of the most incredible jazz musicians and teachers Miltown has ever known. I am of course speaking of Mr. Berkeley Fudge--a man of truly phenomenal talent and exceptional class.

If you've been following this here bloggity blog, you know that Mr. Fudge suffered a stroke on the weekend of November 20, 2010, stealing movement and feeling from the right side of his body and robbing him of his livelihood. While his progress back to fitness has been steady--and for that we are most grateful--he will remain unable to share his musical genius for some time to come.

The lineup for tonight's benefit concert is like reading a Who's Who of local jazz and other forms of tune-noodling:

Manty Ellis (guitar), Eric Jacobson (trumpet), Paul Silbergleit (guitar), Mark Davis (piano), Jeff Hamann (bass), Dave Bayles (drums), Jim Paolo (bass), Robin Pluer (vocals), John Foshager (piano), Sam Belton (drums), Adekola Adedapo (vocals), Al Johnson (trumpet), Dean Lea (piano), John Price (bass), Robert Figueroa (percussion), Jahmés Finlayson (percussion), Jason Behr (guitar), Phillip Grossman (violin), Colin O’Brien (guitar), Bonnie Jean Barczak (soprano vocals), Teresa Drews (piano), Stefanie Jacob (piano), and Matt Schroeder (guitar).

Wowzie Wow Wow! Even if ya don't know who some or all of these stellar kings and queens of music are, you will and well if ya show up at 1584 North Prospect Avenue in Milwaukee for the Benefit for Berkeley at 7:30PM tonight. Your oh-so generous donation for Berk will be accepted at the door and there'll be a cash bar for those who desire some lubrication to smooth the groove.

I'll be on-hand at the event--as I hope you will--performing my very pleasant duties as Communications Coordinator for WCM, so if ya happen to spy old Cricky say "Hey!" Course, if the music's playin' keep it subtle by giving a little finger wave and a toothy grin. See ya there!

Link

Related:
The Jazz Man Giveth Much--Now It's Your Turn!

The Jazz Man Giveth Much--Now It's Your Turn!

The jazz world received some decidedly alarming and sobering news on November 22: Berkeley Fudge--renowned saxophonist/flutist and 38-year veteran teacher/mentor at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music (WCM)--had suffered a stroke, rendering one side of his body completely immobile and sans sensory perception.

Word has come today that Mr. Fudge, with the kind aid of the fine physical therapists at St. Mary's Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center, is traipsing about a bit with a walker and has regained movement in his hands and fingers, though feeling has yet to return.

In heartfelt tribute to this great musician, The Jazz Estate at 2423 N. Murray Avenue on Milwaukee's East Side will be hosting a benefit concert tonight at 9:30PM sharp. The Estate's Brian Sanders provided me with the evening's complete line-up of performers, all of whom will be swingin' together in the name of Mr. Fudge:

Adekola Adebapo - vocals
Al Johnson - trumpet
Barry Velleman - piano
John Price - drums
Sam Belton - drums

There's an extremely reasonable $5 cover charge and a donation jar will be at the ready for your generously hep donation.

In addition to tonight's musically beneficial shindig, WCM is in the process of cookin' up something special as well, so stay tuned to this Cricky channel for more intel as it comes in.

Though Mr. Fudge has Medicare, which has covered his medical expenses thus far, he has no income coming in, so dig deep and give back to the man whose given us and indeed the world so much jazzy goodness. He and his loving wife thank you!

(Thanks, Brian & Karen!)

Related:
Performathon: A Dangerously Beautiful Four-Hour Music Jam For All!

Performathon: A Dangerously Beautiful Four-Hour Music Jam For All!

With the exception of only the most dedicated followers of Plato's hugely contradictory and therefore wacky Philosophy of Aesthetics, few would rationally argue that art in all its forms is fundamentally dangerous and, as such, should be vetted and censored so that only the "right" sort is allowed to exist in society. Because you're way smart, I don't have to bore us all by pointing out the deep and inherent flaws rooted in his theory, do I? Course I don't.

And so, since we know that any danger art presents is not elementally bad for us--that, in fact, experiencing ideas and concepts that challenge our senses and perceptions is most often good for us, not to mention a ton o' fun!--we have acknowledged that education in literature, poetry, drama, visual art, and music is essential to helping us become the well-rounded and complex human beings we need to be in order to navigate the world around us. Unfortunately, this understanding of the great value of art education does not always garner the financial support it requires to flourish, which is very, very bad.

Like all types of creative education, music training has suffered the oh-so sharp blade of the budget knife for decades, depriving both children and adults of the goodness it offers and diminishing the quality of life for the whole society. Well, kids, the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music (WCM), located right here in our fair Miltown, is bound and determined to stem the flow of this life-draining tide and they need your help to do it!

As a true community music school, WCM offers programs to everyone, and I mean everyone. From four-month-old toe biters to wily grand- and, yes, even great grandparents, all are welcome to learn and experience the awesome and unreserved power that music instills in our minds and spirits. Is that dangerous? Of course! Is that good? You bettcha!

Not only that but, through programs like Conservatory Connections, WCM brings music education to schools that have none and supplements those that do. Add its financial aid and scholarship programs and you've got a full-on, community wide music teachin' machine!

Now, humdrum full disclosure dictates that I come clean and inform y'all that I have recently become employed at WCM as its Communications Coordinator--a position for which I am fairly compensated--but that fact merely lends my positive opinion more credibility as I have borne witness to many of the fantastical things this school does up close and personal.

So, how can you help WCM and its incredibly worthy mission? By going to its annual Performathon and Open House this Sunday, November 21, that's how! With four stages of stellar performances by students of all ages--and, believe you me, the whole building will be alive with melodious sound!--a bake sale, a raffle for a 32GB WiFi iPad, and WCM merchandise available for your happy purchase, how could ya not show your adorable faces, huh?

Be there from 1-5PM on Sunday at 1584 N. Prospect Avenue, drop a little cash and show your support for all the dangerously beautiful music we humans can make!

Related:
Midnight Jazz 'Round Midday

Declare Yourself Of Sound Mind--Give To WUWM!

WUWM Milwaukee Public Radio is currently engaged in a supremely subtle fundraising effort in the hopes that you--yes, you!--will show just how much you appreciate not hearing them shamelessly beg, plead and cajole hour after painful hour.

While the station has no direct connection with Jon Stewart's call to "Take it down a notch for America" and join his Rally To Restore Sanity in DC on October 30, 2010, their mission is essentially the same: To provide and encourage reasoned, in-depth discussion in our indoor voices on the issues--including artsy ones--that effect all our lives, thereby ensuring we don't jump the fence into Nutjobland.

WUWM needs to meet a $62,000 goal by September 27, so donate now! Your brain and the brains of your fellow Americans will thank you.

Related:
It's A Radio Pledge Drive Extravaganza!
Let's Talk About Race on the Radio

Help Save Our Bighearted, Music Lovin' Rep!

Miltowners and Wisco residents in general are often singled out as being some of the most generous peeps in existence. From helping victims of natural disasters to ensuring greater access to arts programming, we dig deep to give what we can to make the world a better place. We're also known for having a big, big love for music of all genres and traditions, made apparent through an extremely high level of attendance at concerts and live performances.

Right now, however, our long-standing and well-earned reputation of generosity and musical passion is at serious risk of being crap canned as the fundraising effort to keep Global Union going beyond this year has slowed to such an agonizing pace that we're starting to choke on the proverbial dust kicked up by both the tortoise and the hare.

At the moment of this posting, GU has raised $8,195, leaving a formidable amount of dough yet to be raised to reach the $15,000 it needs to carry on and keep bringing phenomenal acts from around the planet to play live in our mid-sized burg. And the deadline is just 18 days away!

Honestly, out of the copious number of music festivals this town stages, only Global Union presents a truly diverse lineup each and every year. Not once has it faltered in its mission to offer mind-altering and body-groovin' music or allowed itself to be influenced by the fickle winds of less-than-stellar trends.

Please open your heart and give now to save our sterling reputation from a messy, hard-to-clean trip down the flusher!

Related:
Join The Global Union Cause!

Calling All Tune Noodlers & Tune Lovers!

It's been a whole year since the folks over at Woodland Pattern Book Center proved themselves full-fledged members of the Nutty Club by hosting the first ever, all-day music and sound extravaganza to help the Alternating Currents Live concert series stay live. And even though they could have easily walked away from that challenging yet fantastical experience, mumbling, "Did we really just cram a minimum of four acts into every hour for eight straight hours and survive?" and vowing never to duplicate the madness, they're gonna do it once more with the 2nd Annual Music Marathon & Benefit this Saturday, August 21. Why? Because their dedication to this unique performance series will never die. Also, just like Ole Cricky here, their long-term memory is completely shot--hehe!

Last year's event was by all accounts a spectacular success--Whoot!--so in order to stage a repeat, they need every musician, sound artist and aural tinkerer interested in plucking, strumming, pounding, and/or singing in front of a warm and welcoming crowd to sign up by calling 414-263-5001 right now.

It matters not what you play--a tuba or a saxamophone, a washboard or a laptop, a viola or a kazoo--ya just have to able to do it for ten minutes. Got three songs just over three minutes each? Great! How 'bout two five minute ditties? Sweet, let's hear 'em! Or maybe you've been waiting for just the right venue to premier your ten minute epic? Your time has come!

All performers are asked to raise at least $25 in pledges, which is nothin' for a suave and persuasive peep such as yourself. In fact, I hear you're so good that you should be able to muster much more than that in donations and maybe a couple of homemade pies to boot.

For those of you who'd rather participate in the 2nd Annual Music Marathon & Benefit through the act of listening, get thee to Woodland Pattern Book Center, 720 E. Locust Street in Milwaukee, this Saturday. It's 8 bucks at the door and runs from 1PM to 9PM.

Link

Related:
A Marathon to Keep Alternating Currents Live

Help The Kids Earn Some Cash/Make Art

The super fine folks at TRUE Skool, Milwaukee's nonprofit youth organization, are offering the Summer Urban Arts Program for teens aged 14-19 this year and they need your help to make it the bestest art-based program ever.

Set to begin on June 29 and run through August 20, the Summer Urban Arts Program teaches the fundamentals of graffiti--yes, both legal and beauteous--canvass projects, stencils, print-screening, clothing design/marketing, music production/DJ classes, community murals, and the ever-evolving medium of breakdancing. These activities give the yougins a positive way to spend their copious amounts of free time and bottomless energy during the summer months, and provide a potential opportunity for earning a little dough in the process.

As TRUE Skool's executive director Sarah Patterson told me in a recent email:

"Some projects we get are commissioned, performance opportunities, mural projects, custom canvasses, business logo murals, etc. Whenever someone pays for those opportunities, we use those funds to pay the students who actually do the work, perform, paint, etc. We had hoped to hire all of our students this summer through Earn & Learn (Milwaukee's summer youth employment program) but since their funding fell short we are only able to hire a few and are working on creative ways to still hire or provide stipends to the ones we cannot hire."

As all of you are way smart peeps, keeping your eyes and ears attuned to what's goin' on, you know that unemployment and underemployment of Miltown's youth is a tremendous challenge that needs to be met with fresh ideas if we wish to make our burg an awesome place to live for everyone.

So how can you help? If you are a decision maker and/or a person of influence at a local business, company, institution or org that has some spare room in your budget, please contact TRUE Skool asap at info at trueskool dot org or 414-445-9079 to find out how you can commission a Summer Urban Arts Program project.

Got a company shindig coming up? Think how much better it would be if ya had a DJ and a breaking dancing performance! Also, your employees will finally realize that you're the hippest, coolest boss on the planet. Or maybe your reception area could use a well-deserved reprieve from the study in beige you've been boring everybody with for the past twenty years. Nothin' livens up a space or wows clients more than a customized mural!

BTW, the Summer Urban Arts Program is accepting new students now and will continue to do so throughout the summer, so if you know a teen who would like to join in send 'em here for instructions of how to apply. Classes are Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from 1PM-5PM.

Okay then, let's all get to work for the good!

Link (Thanks, Sarah!)

Related:
Join TRUE Skool in Adopting Cesar Chavez as Your Very Own
TRUE Skool to Teach MAM Goers How It's Done--Again

It's A Radio Pledge Drive Extravaganza!

In the Cricky household the radio dial travels up and down pretty much solely on the left side of the FM broadcast range 'cause anything over 100 interferes with our synapses, making us feel dumber than a bag o' hammers. Also, we've heard enough of the entire Oldies Rock catalog, punctuated by screaming commercial shills, to last us more than a few lifetimes.

Over the past couple of weeks, three of Miltown's community supported stations have been rippin' our hearts out on an hourly basis with soulful entreaties to send 'em dough so they can keep us all in the übersmart, cool kid gang: 88.9 WYMS Radio Milwaukee, 89.7 WUWM Milwaukee Public Radio and 91.7 WMSE Frontier Radio.

Now we know that most of y'all are also die-hard fans of these broadcasters. How do we know that? Because only the most intelligent users of The Internets™ read this bloggity blog and you're here doin' just that, which means you're one of those brainy types, too.

So, since you clearly love the programming these stations offer and you'd be the saddest peep on the planet if any one of them wasn't around to provide you with the auditory awesomeness they send out over the air and online waves everyday, why not show your devotion by pledging some cash right now? It doesn't have to be a lot--unless, of course, you're a millionaire philanthropist who's been lookin' for the perfect way to spread the giving joy--and you'll get back a ton of radio goodness in return.

Go to 88.9 WYMS Radio Milwaukee, 89.7 WUWM Milwaukee Public Radio and 91.7 WMSE Frontier Radio and pledge away!