Faces in the crowd: WNC crowdfunding initiatives

Crowdfunding platforms make it possible for individuals and organizations of any size to harness social networks and raise startup capital for projects that might otherwise fail due to lack of funding. Each week, Xpress highlights notable Western North Carolina crowdsourcing initiatives that may inspire readers to become new faces in the crowd.

PAPADOSIO STUDIO ALBUM

For Papadosio, maintaining “total creative freedom” is nonnegotiable. That’s why the band doesn’t have a record label telling them “to go ‘bleep’ when [they] want to go ‘bloop,'” they point out in their quirky Kickstarter video. The quintet of Athens, Ohio, expats has produced five studio projects independently, some while cozied up in a rustic North Asheville cabin. Although 2012 album T.E.T.I.O.S. was embraced by those who heard it, the tirelessly traveling band (who often build their own family vibe at tour stops by hauling the parents along) intends to up their marketing and reach many more ears with their upcoming songs. “This piece marks the pinnacle of nine years of incredibly hard work, touring and dedication,” they write on Kickstarter. “To have it backed by our amazing and ever-growing fan base — whose love and support have continued to make all this possible — is a dream come true.” Papadosio aims to raise $30,000 by Wednesday, April 29, to fund a worldwide release of their locally recorded tunes and to-be-filmed music videos, as well as the band’s first vinyl pressing.

GOLDEN THREADS SHINDIG MURAL

“So much of our Appalachian musical heritage is fading away with each new generation,” says Doreyl Ammons Cain of Catch the Spirit of Appalachia. “[The Golden Threads] mural honors an event that is keeping this music alive — a free traditional music event in Pack Square Park.” Cain’s six-by-24-foot mural, which incorporates the stories of Appalachian musicians, will make its debut on the side of Pack’s Tavern in April 2016, but Cain hopes it will last for decades after that. It’s placement is just feet from the event it’s honoring — Shindig on the Green. CDs with local musicians’ interviews and art prints of the mural will also be available for purchase inside the tavern, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Folk Heritage Committee. “Each musician on the stage at Shindig helps young musicians go on to learn the mountain traditional music,” she says, explaining the mural’s theme. “Then, in turn, they end up on the stage.” Catch the Spirit aims to raise $10,000 to pay for art supplies, research, travel, labor and crowdfunding fees associated with painting the mural.

CARING FOR CHILDREN PLAYGROUND

Nearly 900 abused or neglected children visit their caseworkers or counselors at Caring for Children’s Reddick Road facility each year. Unfortunately, the grounds’ playground “is old and falling apart,” according to the Caring for Children campaign page. “The wooden frame is rotting, rusting nails and sharp objects are exposed, climbing boards are splitting — making it unsafe for children.” In order to promote a kid-friendly atmosphere and mitigate the center’s “clinical feel,” the nonprofit aims to raise $10,000, by Saturday, April 25, when volunteers have planned to upgrade the playground.

Send your crowdsourcing campaign news to kmcreynolds@mountainx.com. A limited number of campaigns will be highlighted each week, at Xpress‘ discretion. Campaigns must be locally based and should represent a current project with an achievable goal. Conditions are subject to change. Read about more WNC campaigns here.