The Sam’s Club in Normal is getting ready to rock.
The bulk grocery warehouse is hosting a “Fundstival” in support of the Children’s Miracle Network this weekend.
The event is being put on by the Starving Artists Initiative and HomeGrown, IL, two Illinois organizations that work to connect Midwestern performers whilst supporting a variety of causes.
In the back of the Sam’s parking lot, 26 artists will perform throughout the two days. There will also be food trucks, vendors, visual artists and a silent auction. A portion of the proceeds goes to the nonprofit Children's Miracle Network, which raises money for children's hospitals across the U.S. and Canada.
Organizer Johnnie Owens, a Bloomington born-and-raised rapper and electronic musician, works at Sam’s Club by day, and performs under the name M0j0 by night.
“Every year, Sam's Club [has] every store in the country compete to see who can raise the most money for the Children's Miracle Network, so all the stores are incentivized to come up with different, fun, creative ways to do that,” Owens said.
Last June, Owens pitched the idea of bringing local artists together for a show, inspiring a smaller-scale, impromptu concert that created a foundation for the larger festival this year.
The Starving Artists Initiative, co-led by Owens, is a grassroots network that promotes benefit shows around Central Illinois.
“I think it's cool to see how music can be used for something other than a fun vibe, or a night out and background noise to drink to,” Owens said. “It feels like we're able to make a tangible difference in our community, at a time where things are getting harder and harder for everybody.”
Planning for this year's Fundstival began last August, giving Owens time to connect with community members, Midwestern musicians and organizations.
She also joined the HomeGrown, IL board as an outreach and operations manager. Her relationship with HomeGrown has allowed the Starving Artists Initiative to apply for grant money. That money goes towards paying artists and renting out a mobile stage — two new benefits compared to last year’s festival.
Owens has found that even without funds, many individuals are passionate about supporting a good cause, no matter the financial gain.
“One thing I learned just from putting on the festival so fast last year was, people don't care about the superficial of it all,” Owens said. “[They] don't care how many people are going to be at the show, [they] just like to perform. Or [they] don't care how much [they are getting paid, they] just like to help. I think that is a common thread that I see amongst a lot of artists in the Illinois music scene, which is super heartwarming to me.”
The festival is bringing in artists from all over Illinois, such as Miley Cypress Hill, Emily the Band and MOTUS along with a few musicians from as far as Nashville and Milwaukee.
“I can't save the whole world, but we can band together as a community, because it does take a village,” Owens said. “More people are willing to work with other people than you would think, as long as you're open, honest and humble about it.”
The Child’s Play Music Fundstival runs June 5 and 6 at Sam’s Club, 2151 Shepard Rd, Normal. Attendance is free. Learn more about the Starving Artists Initiative on their Instagram page.
