I know, I know. Between the election and our numerous polls on the site lately, you’re sick of casting votes. Despite that, I’m about to give you one more thing to vote for, but I think you’ll like this one.
About a year ago, a group of local musicians and music-biz folks got together with an idea—a series of compilation albums showcasing the talent we have right here in the Fox Valley. They called it Made in Aurora, and the first volume – on sweet, sweet vinyl – came out on Record Store Day, April 16, 2011.
Envisioned and funded by Steve Warrenfeltz, owner of Kiss the Sky record store in Geneva, Made in Aurora Vol. 1 was recorded at Benjie Hughes’ Backthird Audio in Aurora, and featured original tunes by talented musicians like Jeremy Keen, HOSS, Dick Smith, Greg Boerner and Patch troubadour Kevin Trudo. (Your faithful editor even tickled the ivories a little, and wrote the liner note essay.)
Last Christmas, there was a second volume, and the sense of community the Made in Aurora project has built took center stage during a very successful concert at the Copley Theater in Aurora. It’s been a great thing to be part of, and now, the first Made in Aurora record is up for an international independent music award.
No, I’m serious. Go here and see for yourself.
The Independent Music Awards has been around for 10 years, awarding prizes to records, songs and artists from all over the world. They basically run two separate competitions – one in which artists and industry professionals pick the best entry in each category (and here is the jaw-dropping list of famous people judging this year), and one in which people like you and me get to vote.
Made in Aurora will go through both contests, which is incredibly cool. And I’d love it if you took a moment and voted for it. Go here, sign up, and click on the stars next to the album cover to vote. If you haven’t heard Made in Aurora yet, you really should. It’s some of the best music being made locally. Head to www.madeinaurora.com for a taste of it.
There’s more Made in Aurora coming this year. I’m really grateful to be a part of something like this, and I hope we can bring this award home. Thanks for reading, voting, and listening.
