If you have ever been part of a club or student organization, you likely understand the importance of fundraising—whether it be asking for donations, selling goods or the classic outdoor car wash. Just across the hall from the Starbucks in Jamrich, there is a little hole in the wall that is perfect for just such occasions.
On Monday, Oct. 6, the Northern Michigan Artist Discovery (NoMAD) utilized the space for a bake sale to raise money for the stage they intend to build at Lovemarq Church. The stage will be debuted when a number of local artists play at the church on Thursday, Oct. 9.
“We’re volunteering to build a stage because the church didn’t have one previously,” said NoMAD President Regan Buterbaugh. “Hopefully from this we can foster a relationship with them and have more things planned in the future. We want the shows at Lovemarq to build our relationship with the local music community.”
NoMAD’s emphasis on supporting local musicians is observed in their policy of free admission for all NMU students and affordable ticket prices—usually less than $10—for members of the public. However, the club’s goals were not always focused on Marquette talent.
“Previously NoMAD had focused on getting national touring acts to come,” Buterbaugh said. “We want to move away from that and work on fostering the community we have here more than bringing in big bands that might not want to invest in our culture—emphasizing those acts that are right on the brink of getting big, and finding artists on the precipice of something great.”
The bake sale fundraiser also served to market the upcoming Halloween Bash concert taking place on Thursday, Oct. 30 in the Northern Center. This year, NoMAD voted on potential headliners and decided on the up-and-coming duo JADY. Based out of Columbus, Ohio, JADY features a fast-paced alternative approach to the modern music scene.
The duo began after one half of JADY, Jarrett Doherty, toured with Twenty One Pilots. After accompanying the multi-platinum band on tour, Doherty decided to form his own group with drummer and vocalist Ashton Bergdorf.
“They have a really hype vibe that’s perfect for the Halloween show,” said NoMAD member Calla Swayze. “It’s a cool mix of alt-rock based in pop and hip-hop.”
To add to the excitement, the show will feature local Marquette band Jasno, which possesses its own unique style of alternative rock and pop that is sure to complement JADY. Doors will open at 7 p.m., with music beginning at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the event is free for NMU students and $10 for the general public. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costume and bring their friends to this scarily unique event.
