In the heart of St. Cloud, a nonprofit organization is spearheading an ambitious mission to breathe new life into the local music scene. The Independent Music Collaborative of Central Minnesota, a community-driven initiative, is on a quest to establish an all-ages music space that will serve as a hub for live performances, music education, and the celebration of homegrown talent.

Empowering the Next Generation of Music Enthusiasts

Filling a Void in the Local Music Landscape

The Independent Music Collaborative's journey began in the wake of a significant loss for the community – the closure of the beloved Electric Fetus, a longstanding music hub. Recognizing the void left by this departure, the organization's board chair, Angela Ringsmuth, explains that the nonprofit was formed to address the lack of all-ages music venues in the area. "We were seeing this lack of all-ages music venues," Ringsmuth states. "There's obviously bars and stuff, but not a lot of people are paying musicians to play original music."

Fostering a Vibrant Live Music Scene

The Independent Music Collaborative's mission is to cultivate a thriving live music scene in St. Cloud. Since 2017, the organization has been the driving force behind the annual Common Roots Festival, a celebration of local talent that has become a beloved tradition in the community. Additionally, the group's Project 37 initiative, established about two years ago, has been instrumental in providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their original works.

Securing a New Home for the Collaborative

Now, the Independent Music Collaborative is poised to take its efforts to the next level. The organization has set its sights on the former Oblivion Coffee Bar location in downtown St. Cloud, where it plans to establish its new all-ages music space. Ringsmuth envisions the space as a modern-day version of the old Java Joint, with a cozy atmosphere and a focus on serving coffee alongside a robust schedule of musical programming.

Funding the Dream: The Collaborative's Fundraising Campaign

To bring this vision to life, the Independent Music Collaborative has launched a fundraising campaign with the ambitious goal of raising $75,000 by December 1st. The campaign has already garnered significant support, with nearly $20,000 – or about 25% of the target – raised so far. The organization is not only relying on online donations but also hosting an in-person fundraiser on November 16th, where the community can come together to enjoy live music, food, and a brief presentation on the project.

Expanding the Collaborative's Reach: The Upstairs Education Space

Beyond the main performance space, the Independent Music Collaborative has plans to utilize the upstairs level of the new location as a dedicated music education space. This area will serve as a hub for workshops, lessons, and other educational initiatives aimed at nurturing the next generation of music enthusiasts and performers.

Embracing the Community's Support

The Independent Music Collaborative's efforts have not gone unnoticed by the St. Cloud community. Ringsmuth expresses gratitude for the outpouring of support the organization has received, stating, "We've been in our community for several years already, and we're really excited to see the community rally behind this project."As the fundraising campaign continues and the plans for the new all-ages music space take shape, the Independent Music Collaborative is poised to transform the local music landscape, empowering artists, fostering community engagement, and inspiring the next generation of music lovers in St. Cloud.