Local artists compete against each other in online signing competition to raise money for coronavirus recovery
COVID-19 knocked out March Madness in the sports world but has given rise in the Middle Georgia entertainment world to Artsy April, Music May, Jolly July and – well, you get the idea.
Not that there’s anything called that, but those terms reflect “478 Sings,” the online musical competition that pits area singers and performers against one another in a March Madness-style battle of the bands.
It benefits a great cause, the Central Georgia COVID-19 Response & Recovery Fund which provides nonprofit organizations money to support people affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
In the bracketed contest, musicians perform head-to-head in rounds and are voted on by fans at $1 a vote. The one with the most votes wins and advances. Performances can be seen online at different places, including at www.unitedwaycg.org/sings.
Organizers said they thought the idea was a good one but had no idea the entertaining fundraiser would be as popular as it is or draw the kind of money it’s generating.
“Every dollar – 100% – goes straight to the Response & Recovery Fund,” said Laura Stauter of United Way of Central Georgia. “With the first round ending last Sunday, it alone raised $15,981. The second round started Monday and it’s no exaggeration we’re pretty excited how things are turning out.”
Stauter said “478 Sings” is but one funding source for the Response & Recovery Fund which announced its fourth group of grants to organizations May 5 in the amount of $35,500.
The Community Foundation of Central Georgia and United Way created the Covid-19 fund in late March with $1 million-plus in funding coming from organizations like the Peyton Anderson Foundation, the Community Foundation, United Way of Central Georgia, the Griffith Foundation, the Knight Foundation and other foundations, businesses, organizations and individuals.
To donate or get more information, got to www.unitedwaycg.org/covid19donate.
Previous grants have reached organizations and efforts like the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, school districts, individual food distribution and assistance programs and outreaches, and public service campaigns like one providing information to seniors and at-risk individuals.
But “478 Sings” is providing an unexpected charitable boon as well as offering free online entertainment to a still reasonably homebound Middle Georgia. \
Plus, it gives musicians the opportunity to play for fans and make new ones while clubs and venues are closed.
The prize to “478 Sings” competitors?
Stauter said the grand prize includes $2,500 and a slot on stage during the 2020 Ford Mercer Concert Series-Mercer Bears football season opener Sept. 12.
Added bonus: they get a recording session at Mercer’s Capricorn Sound Studios produced by Mercer graduate Steve Ivey, the Nashville-based, Grammy-nominated producer, writer, engineer, musician who’s worked with artists ranging from Dolly Parton to Aron Neville.
But the top winner isn’t the only winner. Stouter said as the competition progresses other music industry insiders are coming onboard to coach participants and provide career advice and industry contacts.
She said these alliances look like they will last beyond the contest into the future.
“478 Sings” will likely culminate in mid-June with a fifth and final grand-prize winning round. The whole “478 Sings” organizing partnership is made of United Way, Mercer, Visit Macon and 100.9-FM The Creek. Again, in March Madness fashion, “regional play” is named after these four groups.
It was Stouter who got carried away and unofficially named each month in contest-oriented terms, but all involved say they’re amazed at the success.
“This only started about a month and a half ago with no exact idea what would come of it,” said Daniel Tate, Mercer Associate Athletic Director. “I guess we had an initial goal of maybe $10,000 to help the fund but look – here we are near $16,000 in the first round. That’s amazing, but I’ll tell you something else: I knew there were good singers and musicians around but I have been absolutely blown away by each and every one of the 32 talented people participating. Any one could be the winner and I have no doubt we’re getting to see Macon’s future Otis Reddings and Allman Brothers and Jason Aldeans.”
Tate said Mercer was pleased to be part of organizing “478 Sings” and offer the concert, Capricorn and Ivey connections.
“Mercer is part of this community and it’s our goal to serve,” he said. “We have our ‘Roar Together’ saying at Mercer games and I see that as part of what this competition is all about. We’re pulling together to serve and help people and at the same time getting to do some good for our performers as they give back to the community. We’re passionate about our home town. By the time our Sept. 12 opener rolls around, I think we’ll all be ready for a great day and ready to enjoy the great experience we always provide on game days. It’s just going to be even better with the ‘478 Sings’ winner there.”
Contact writer Michael W. Pannell at mwpannell@gmail.com.