APPLETON, Wis. — After a one-year street-side hiatus, Street Music Week is back along College Avenue in Appleton.
The pandemic forced the fundraising festival to go virtual in 2020. Monday saw artists return to the sidewalk outside of businesses for music and a mission.
“We have 27% more people facing hunger right now than before the pandemic started, so we’re still working hard to support our communities and make sure our neighbors have enough,” said Lisa Endl, director of communications for Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.
The festival is hosted by Heid Music. Their website says, “in the eight years of Street Music Week, over $35,000 has been raised! Every $1 raised provides up to three meals for those in need.”
Their 2021 goal is to raise $7,500.
2021 will be a hybrid festival. They will have street performers everyday from noon to 1 p.m. Heid Music will also stream a half hour concert on its Facebook page each day during the week.
People can donate in person by dropping cash in the street performer's buckets, at Heid Music Appleton, by texting SMW to 91999, or online here.
Anyone can participate. All musicians are volunteers. Performers can head to Heid Music to pick up a bucket, pick a spot to play, and start jamming.