Jacklyn Hanson submitted this article and first three photos.
Donations reached over $1000 from the concert held on Friday, February 13, 2015. Called “Local Music Live,” it was to raise money for the homeless of Whiteside and Clinton Counties. Six local, talented musicians came together in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Lincolnway, in Morrison, IL, to support the Twin Cities PADS Homeless Shelter of Sterling, IL, and Victory Center Ministries, located in Clinton, IA.
First Presbyterian Church at 100 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, will also hold Acoustic Open Mic night starting Thursday, February 26, and every second and last Thursday of the month, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. after Free Community Meals.
A $5 entry fee was collected as a donation. The Morrison community came out in full support of the needy, filling the church. Doors opened at 6:30 p.m. with coffee and treats in the basement. All drinks, coffee, and cookies were donated by the local bakery, Baked by Liz.
Before the concert, people could talk with representatives from the Victory Center about the homeless shelter they run and read literature about their cause.
Empty seats were few and far between when the concert began at 7:30. The Victory Center Ministries explained it focuses on not just support or material goods to the needy; they give spiritual guidance as well. The Center also has locations in 11 different countries, such as the Philippines and Haiti.
The concert started with Jimmi Palmer, at left, with a set of music including two different gospel songs, an original song written about his son, and creative instrumental pieces of music.
Tristan “Tree” Bushman, below, a singer and songwriter from Ashton, IL, followed. He began his set with “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. There where covers of songs by modern artist as well, such as Ed Sheeran. Bushman also played songs that he wrote; “Summer Fling” was one. More information about the artist can be found on his Facebook page.
A set break and intermission took place at 9:00 p.m, as concert-goers returned to the basement for more coffee and cookies. Then, Twin Cities PADS Homeless Shelter discussed their history, starting out of local churches of Sterling. They are a 28-bed emergency shelter for the homeless, which still gets its biggest support from the churches. PADS Shelter encourage the community to help anytime or with any money they can give. Even the smallest amount will help a good cause.
Bottom Shelf Whiskey, a trio from Fulton, IL, came on next with the longest set. The classic rock/bluegrass cover group had fun playing songs from different modern bands. The crowd clapped and tapped along with songs from Mumford and Sons, the Lumieers, and Johnny Cash. Modern pop songs are not out of their range. “All About that Bass” by Meghan Trainor surprised the gathering. Members include, left-to-right, Drew Wilkin on drums; Travis Ray on drums; Quinn Wilkin on banjo.
Lastly, Morrison’s local celebrity, Alex Fischbach, came up to play. Fischbach, who was on the hit TV show “American Idol,” would head to Los Angles, CA, on Friday, February 20. Covers of Passenger (“Let Her Go”) and Bob Dylan were played. Ray from Bottom Shelf Whiskey and Fischbach teamed up to play “Sweater Weather” by the Neighborhood.
To finish, all the musicians came on stage to play “Lay It Down.” The concert ended after 10:30.
Free downloads of “Local Music Live” concert will be available at www.nimbitmusic.com/localmusiclive.
Links to musicians:
Tristan Bushman Music: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tristan-Bushman-Music/
Bottom Shelf Whiskey: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bottom-Shelf-Whiskey/
Alex Fischbach: https://www.facebook.com/AlexFischbachMusic
More Information about the Shelters:
Twin Cities PADS Homeless Shelter: www.facebook.com/TwinCitiesPads
Victory Center Ministries: www.victorycenter.com