Individual Artist Project Grant FY21

I believe my audience and community lives beyond the physical city of Grand Marais, county of Cook and even the state of Minnesota. It exists in the hearts of all those who have connected with me and my music over the years...those that have expressed their appreciation for my music, lyrics and performances. I am fortunate to re-connect with those who heard me in the 70s and just came to see me at a recent performance in 2021! It happens all the time and even online with those who wanted to travel to my Log Cabin Concert in Grand Marais but couldn't travel there...however they were able to come virtually this past year...I had no idea how satisfying and fun it would be to LIVESTREAM. By inviting now them to participate more fully in this unique way, by watching the LIVESTREAM-outcomes of the tunes I created, will provide an place to connect on a deeper level. So that it involves my broader sense of community and an opportunity during a time of stress, disappointments and frustrations experienced during this pandemic. A recent quote I found on my YouTube station from YouTube user: Kevina Redwine, about me, "He is beyond a part of nature and beauty...when I'm upset I put his music on a loop...I find comfort in this song and artist." I will enhance/increase overall audience involvement so that rather than just listening/commenting moving to actual participation from those who send in their ideas via the survey/emails. My audiences will enjoy sharing their ideas. I compose/learn/arrange/record and present 5 new songs using ideas/phrases from my audiences. I will present two LIVESTREAMS specifically for proposing - presenting the outcome of my project Song Sketches. I will expand my audiences via those who share my project via my online streams. I am curious now and will enjoy the new musical challenges, communications and presentations...and enjoy watching for the response from my audiences who had an opportunity to connect more with the music and also seek downloads for the new music. I am excited to find a project which offers me a unique way to enhance participation from my audience other than just listening, commenting and perhaps sending notes. I've successfully completed previous grants for ARAC, MSAB and McKnight funding since the mid-90s. I've never even missed a performance in 50 years ever, until the pandemic hit and then only if they were cancelled. I have also successfully completed my previous commissions as evidenced by the work samples 1A-C. I consider myself a professional and following through is of utmost importance to me. I also have a full time manager/spouse who facilitates: keeping me on target assisting with all timeline details, budgets, marketing, communication etc. I present my LIVESTREAM Song Sketches proposal in April 2021 as well as complete and present (via LIVESTREAM on 4/23/22) my 5 songs created via the ideas received from my audience. Through these streams I track the numbers of online and overall streaming participants as well as the numbers of online comments and those responding to the survey-thought some will text, email, use mail, call me due to some lack of experience with technology. My Facebook Pro Group (Michael Monroe Music) members will increase from 4.kk and I will receive 500 favorable/fun comments and at least 10 shares or more during my online streams. I'll receive mail, email, texts and orders for my previous CDs and requests for the new Song Sketches compositions via downloads. I update my website/Facebook Page accordingly. My followup ARAC evaluation will report my level of satisfaction with my project which I will complete by 5/20/22.