Keep Coda Alive
Dear Friends and Fans--
Isn't it wonderful to be alive!
I would first like to express my sincere gratitude to the musicians, patrons, staff, and this great community for your support in bringing Cafe CODA to life. What began as a simple idea shared with whoever was willing to listen, has now become a real Jazz venue in Midwest America; networking with agencies in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis in showcasing world-class music. With the success of CODAFEST in November, we celebrated our 5th year of survival and a clear vision of our place and function.
By now, to everyone, it should be apparent that Cafe CODA aspires to be a music venue that engages the diversity of the community's cultural diaspora, through its productions, partnerships, and scheduled events. So, it is only fitting that an expansion of our energy and commitment should now segway into an expansion of space and programming.
My old Design professor, Bucky Fuller, would occasionally rant about the world's underuse of space and the idea of 'doing the most with the least'. Arguably, this was one of those lectures in my undergrad experience to which I was really paying attention. I invite all to come to visit and see the work that we have put into remodeling what was our garage space into what is now a Workshop/Classroom/Rehearsal space that will facilitate smaller weekly activities such as scheduled rehearsals, drum circles, and Jazz Yoga, a recent program addition.
Our mission has always included an educational initiative. With an ever-increasing number of young people now attending our COOL SCHOOL sessions on Saturday mornings, we need to be able to offer musicians a small stipend when they come on Saturdays to help with the free workshops.
Our newest idea addresses audience development in schools, neighborhoods, and anywhere outside of the venue scene.
This summer, through an SBA loan opportunity, we were able to acquire a mobile stage unit (25'x8'x13'), that we will call the 'CODAMobile'. It is our plan to partner with and solicit others to take musical presentations directly into those communities that may not have an outdoor fest just down the street every other summer weekend, as it seems in some neighborhoods. More about that later.
Frankly, I believe that we have made real forward-thinking decisions with our spending on physical improvements and outreach planning. So, now, CODA could really use the support of our friends, with whatever can be offered to help launch the aforementioned projects...and directly to the projects. Example--The new CODAMobile was previously owned by a solar panel distributor. To paint and have it ready for presentation for the 2023 summer season has been estimated at $7000. Fortunately, the costs of redesigning the garage area to become more compatible with our growing needs have been covered with our own money.
All of our contractors have been paid in full. Our licenses are all current. Our staff is solid and re-trained over the time that we have been closed this month. Our bills are all paid, I think. The tax man is cool. ALL WE NEED IS YOU!
With all the challenges in the world, we still believe in the will of the human spirit, the urgency of art, and the ascendance of both through a sound that is music.
Thanks again for your support. We're re-opening on 2/2/23 and would be really nice to see you here!
Hanah Jon Taylor
Musician/Organizer
Cafe CODA
#SmallBusinessRelief
#saveourstages
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