A California jam session evolves into a WEFTEC tradition of music, fellowship, and good doings.
Musicians inevitably find other like-minds and talents with which to play. In today's world, apps and websites more frequently bring musicians together; so does WEF. WEF members networking about water quality expanded their focus in 2011 to enjoy a side helping of musical fellowship and charity fundraising. That first year, a dozen WEFTEC attendee musicians gathered at Diego Rosso's studio in Los Angeles. That early "word of mouth" session conceived the popular and fast-growing water-related musical collaboration and charity event: Jammin'4Water.
Following the 2012 gathering, a core of the musicians and supporters noticed the interest on both the performing and spectating side of the stand and expanded into a more organized event. Chandler Johnson (hard rocker) and Matt Livingston (mandolin) approached Dave Kinnear (guitar) and offered to step up monetarily if they could take it to a higher level. They decided to secure an appropriate venue to raise money for water-related charities. A few phone calls and emails later, Kinnear was able to secure the necessary sponsorships. The WEF Students and Young Professionals Committee (SYPC) was identified as the original recipient, with proceeds designated for their Chicago Service Project.
On the Saturday night before WEFTEC 2013 in Chicago, the first official event occurred. Musicians, friends, family members, sponsors, WEFTEC attendees and the WEF SYPC filled the room to its 120-person capacity. Musicians also donated to the charity to secure a stage spot – and the rights to perform and produce their bucket-list music before an enthusiastic audience. Some songs were solo; others were truly a jam session with a full stage. "In addition to supporting water charities, the garage band sensation excited both young and old WEF professionals alike. It was WEF meets Woodstock in a very positive groove," said Dave Kinnear.
In 2014 the core group incorporated, assembled a formal Board of Directors, and obtained Federal 501(c)3 non-profit status. "Water Charities Fundraising" was organized to host an annual charity event on the Saturday prior to the annual WEFTEC conference. The event, Jammin'4Water, consists of an open-microphone format with eclectic live performances by WEFTEC attendees. The fundraising focus on water-related charities has donated $17,000 to the following:
WEF SYPC
Water for People
WinetoWater
Global H20
Water.org
The House of Blues in the New Orleans French Quarter hosted the 2014 Jammin'4Water with Tom Kunetz and Mary Knosby serving as the Masters of Ceremony. Over 30 musicians entertained almost 300 attendees. Performances ranged from traditional Irish and bluegrass to rock & roll, with standards like "House of the Rising Sun", Jethro Tull's standby "Cross-Eyed Mary", and Guns n' Roses "Sweet Child of Mine". Sponsors went beyond donating and bought tickets for clients, manufacturer's representatives, and young professionals.
"Initially, we signed up to support out musical friend and rep, Max Foster of Premier Water. We couldn't be happier that it's evolved beyond great music and a diverse audience to a water-related charity fundraiser. We are very proud to be part of this special event," said Dave Caspersen, President of sponsor company Custom Conveyor Corporation.
Sponsoring organizations have included:
World Water Works
Custom Conveyor Corporation
Novozymes
PC Construction
Cambi
Huber USA
HDR Engineering
Garney Construction
VeloDyne
CH2M Hill
Indigo Water Group
MWH
Brown and Caldwell
Premier Water
AECOM
inCTRL
The third annual Jammin'4Water will be held in Chicago on Saturday, September 26 at 6:00pm at the Redmoon Theater, 2120 Jefferson Street, Chicago, IL 60616. More than 70 artists have expressed an interest in performing. What started out with a few people jammin' one weekend has turned into something special. Look for Jammin'4Water to continue on a high note.
If you would like to participate as a musician, a sponsor, or attend, please find details at:
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