Dear Awesome Rockstar Friends,

One year ago this week, after watching two years of Karaoke for a Cause, I decided that I would set a goal for the year to sing at Fall Ball 2016. After a 26-year music hiatus, I signed up for voice lessons at School of Rock just to make sure I still had it in me. Under the guidance of the incredibly talented Tom Riddle, I got my voice back in shape and performance-ready. Little did I know at the time that this was just the beginning of a larger than life middle age musical dream come true.

In March, I was introduced to three exceptional musicians with the same rock star dreams. We created one of Milwaukee’s newest local bands – Rocket Cat.  We wrote a few songs, played our first gig, and this week I am laying down vocal tracks over their beautiful instrumental work at Howl Street Recordings. I am so thrilled to be taking the stage at an event for a radio station that has brought me so much happiness and joy and reconnected me to my first great everlasting love – music!

The year we moved to Milwaukee, I began volunteering for the station. This was on Vliet Street back in 2008. I was drawn to the variety of music I was hearing and the support of local music and the arts scene. But what struck me as so intriguing was the support of local neighborhoods and the community stories produced to bring us all a little closer to each other. I’ve lived in many cities across the country and had not seen a community-based model like this. Music is a great equalizer – anyone can experience it. No special skills required. Music is communal; it brings us together. Thank you Radio Milwaukee for being a continued driving force in bringing out the positive side of our city. There is so much work to be done, and 88Nine is leading the way with their tremendous effort.

Dear friends:

I’ve accepted the challenge to “Karaoke for a Cause” in support of 88Nine Radio Milwaukee, which means I have committed to sing in front of hundreds of people at the 3rd Annual Fall Ball on Friday, September 23, 2016.  My live performance will be backed by an all-star line-up of musicians from some of Milwaukee’s favorite bands…but I need your support!

For those of you that are Radio Milwaukee listeners, you already know that it’s a worthy cause, and adds so much to our community. Your gift to my personal “Karaoke for a Cause” fundraising campaign will not only allow me to live out my rock star dreams, but it will go a long way to ensure 88Nine is able to continue expanding their positive impact on the air, and within our community.

For those of you that aren’t Radio Milwaukee listeners yet, Radio Milwaukee (88.9 FM) has really been a catalyst in the transformation of our city. As a nonprofit public radio station, Radio Milwaukee’s one-of-a-kind format is designed to unite people and build community through great music and compelling stories: on the air, online and in the community.

But Radio Milwaukee’s impact goes beyond the airwaves, beyond even the website and social media. In addition to great music and stories, 88Nine benefits our community as a whole and is elevating Milwaukee’s image and livability. Radio Milwaukee engages and attracts people to our city and promotes the kind of unique, authentic culture that makes people love living here.

Please support my debut, along with this great organization, by making your donation today.

You might also want to consider purchasing a ticket to join me in attending this event, as 88Nine has put together a pretty terrific & celebratory evening of interactive fun and Milwaukee-centric food & beverages.  Visit radiomilwaukee.org/FallBall for tickets and more event information.   Hope to see you there!