With an all-star lineup that included Dan Israel, the Okee Dokee Brothers, Lucy Michelle, Mayda, Chris Koza of Rogue Valley and Phantom Tails, it's no wonder that a recent Cedar Cultural Center concert sold out. But the who's who from the Twin Cities music scene performed for an atypical audience: kids.
On a recent Sunday afternoon, the truly all-ages show celebrated the release of "MN Music 4 MN Kids," the first benefit CD for the Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.
Available through the holiday season, the compilation supports the medical organization's uncompensated medical care.
"We're going to take care of any child who comes through our doors, and we rely on the community for that," said Bjorn Gunnerud, senior director of marketing and communications at Children's.
The $18 CD will help spread the word about their work.
"As much as it is about raising money, it's about raising awareness," Gunnerud said.
To create the album, the organization turned to Adam Levy of the Honeydogs and Bunny Clogs, a group he created with his daughters Esther, 13, and Ava, 10. He jumped at the chance to help and approached local artists who aren't conventionally known as "family friendly."
"Parents have to listen to music over and over again," Levy said. "With the Bunny Clogs, we try to do shows where we invite artists who are on the border between what's good family music and good music."
