Daisy May, Phil Wintermute and Seth Bernard of Earthwork Music play songs from their new "Something Fresh" CD at Magdelena's Tea House

MUSIC LIVE

It seems as though buying locally has become synonymous with diminished quality. Not so, argue those involved with the Something Fresh project, a CD and cookbooklet created by Seeds, a non-profit organization dedicated to "solutions for sustainable living" and various talented musicians involved with Earthwork Music. The project seeks to heighten community awareness about locally grown foods and the role each citizen can play in creating an efficient and sustainable local environment.

A capacity crowd gathered at Magdalena's Tea House at the end of last semester to celebrate this organic food and organic music movement. Five bucks adminission bought you a feast of original-recipe dishes as well as a front row seat (if you arrived early enough) to an intimate jam session of acoustic music. Acts from Lansing and throughout Michigan included Seth Bernard, Daisy May, Steppin' In It, Honest D and Steel Reserve, Phil Wintermute, Jen Sygit and Drew Howard - all of whom contributed an original song (and recipe) to Something Fresh. Each brought his own unique brand of Michigan folk music to the cozy and amiable setting.

The compilation of music and recipes was put together by Earthwork Music, the brainchild of singer/songwriters Seth Bernard and Daisy May. Along with other artists, they hope - to raise awareness about community supported agriculture (CSA's), farmers markets, soil microbiology, small-scale independent businesses and adding value to local commodities. They also advocate healthy lifestyles through organic living. $15 buys the CD and cookbook online at www.ecoseeds.org.

The organic living initiative also finds a home campus-wide through MSU's own Student Organic Farm. Students, faculty and community members have transformed an original plot of land merely for learning and practicing organic farming into a full-fledged research, teaching and servicing center to enlighten students and the community on the values of home-grown. The farm teaches how to manage a lucrative year-round market garden and provides the opportunity to enjoy organic foods.

The host of the event, Seeds, is based in Traverse City where they collaborate with community members on projects that develop and sustain ecological and social environments, primarily in Michigan. Past projects have included workshops on designing and installing wind-powered aeration systems, expanding a building site for a local food corporation and seminars on energy efficiency.

For more information on Seeds, access their website at www.ecoseeds.org.

Magdalena's Tea House is a "community space" on Michigan Avenue across from the Green Door. that regularly hosts concerts, movies and regularly scheduled open stage nights.

post your comments and questions in the MUSIC forums