New mission to 'make music, not meth'

MUNCIE — Struck by the power of music years ago, one Muncie native is trying to share that positive influence to younger members of the community.

Saddened and frustrated with the ongoing meth problem in Muncie and beyond, 37-year-old Mike Martin, of Michael Martin and the Beautiful Mess, was recently inspired to help lead the city's youth in a better direction.

"I thought to myself, what could we do to give back to the kids?" Martin said. "If we can give kids something to see other than meth, it might be the only positive example they get."

Martin and his band members now live and perform in Charleston, S.C., but wanted a chance to impact Muncie's youth at the beginning of summer break.

Martin decided to reach out to Mayor Dennis Tyler about what could be done.

Together the City of Muncie, the Parks Department, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership and Martin put together a music program called "Make Music Not Meth" for the summer of 2016.

"Make Music Not Meth" is a three-week camp and community concert running Fridays, June 10, 17 and 24, at Canan Commons.

Both the camp and concert are free to all community members.

Each week there will be a one-hour camp aimed to kids (though you don't have to be a kid to participate) 7-8 p.m. that will be followed up by a two-hour concert 8-10 p.m.

"The idea is to get everyone down there at once and to get parents, kids and the community together," Martin said. "A lot of people that care are making it happen."

"Make Music Not Meth" is a program directed at giving Muncie's youth opportunities that would not require parents or community members to dedicate funds.

Martin has reached out to his band members, fellow musicians and entertainers and asked for their help. Mikial Robertson, The Shamaniacs, Cynda WIlliams, Katie Garringer and Caryn Egan all answered the call.

Week one's curriculum (June 10) will be "Rhythm by Mikial Robertson and The Shamaniacs." The Shamaniacs will welcome people in with their drum circle. They will perform 6:30-7 p.m., and then welcome others to join them on the drums before Mikial performs his concert.

Week two's curriculum (June 17) will be "Songwriting and Women in Business" by Katie Garringer, Cynda WIlliams and Caryn who will also perform together following the camp lesson.

Then week three's lesson (June 24), "The Music Business and Finding Your Own Voice," will be taught by Martin, who said the goal is to leave the kids of Muncie with hope that there is much more to life than getting involved in drugs and crime.

Martin and his band The Beautiful Mess will perform following the camp lesson.

But the camp and concert events aren't the only part of Martin's vision.

After Martin & The Beautiful Mess recently signed a record deal with Main Man Records out of New Jersey, and Martin sold his share of ownership in Muncie's The Acoustic Room, the musician had another venture in mind.

Martin invested in his studio and music co-op, Common Market, where he currently lives in South Carolina, but still isn't satisfied with what he feels is a lack of support surrounding Muncie's youth.

Martin is looking to give back to the community after he was given so much from John Peterson (founder of Doc's Music Hall), originally called The Creative Opportunity Center for performers of all ages.

"I called up Doc one day and told him if it weren't for him I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing," Martin said. "That's where I really got into music and if i didn't have those eight years at Doc's, it wouldn't have happened for me."

Martin said he feels it's part of his job to give that same opportunity to today's youth, as Muncie is a different town than the one he grew up in.

"What Dr. John did for this community very few understand, but there are a lot of us that wouldn't be out there doing what we're doing now if it wasn't for that place." Martin said.

Martin and The Community Development Group, LLC are investing in an old Muncie building he found online, now named The Muncie Community Market.

It will be located at 900 W. Eighth St., at the corner of Eighth and Hoyt. The Community Market will be a general store, media center, and music and entrepreneur center for kids and the community.

The general store and media center will open in June, when 'Make Music Not Meth' kicks off.

For those planning on attending June's "Make Music Not Meth" program, the Co:Lab will be open for showcasing opportunities, 420 S. Walnut St. and the work of visual artists will be displayed at Canan Commons.

"This is to combine visual and performance art," Martin said. "The idea of having live music back downtown for the summer is exciting."

Contact trends and social scene reporter Rebecca Bream at rbream@muncie.gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @RebeccaBreamTSP.

Make Music Not Meth camp and concert program

WHEN: Friday, June 10, 17, 24; Camp runs 7-8 p.m. and concert runs 8-10 p.m.

WHERE: Canan Commons, S. Walnut St. downtown.

ADMISSION: Both the camp and concert are free to all community members.