Nonprofit Raising Money for Labor Day Swing Fest

Not too long ago, you could make a good living playing music.

Back in the 1980s, Mikel Murphy pulled down $65,000 a year on the piano, he said.

"I was lucky," Murphy said. "I caught the tail end of the World War II generation. They loved live music — and they were willing to pay to see it."

But opportunities for musicians have since become more scarce, Murphy said, and that's why he founded Fermata Eclectic, a Maryland-based nonprofit devoted to showcasing the talents of performing artists.

In February, Murphy put on a  in Kensington, featuring the Frankie Condon Big Band Orchestra.

Now, he's raising money to bring the band back to town for a Labor Day concert.

Murphy envisions an outdoor affair with dancing, food and drinks.

"In this world of technology and electronics, there's still nothing like being present for a live performance," he said.

Beyond big band, Murphy is also planning a ball to celebrate Beethoven's birthday, an opera-accompanied dinner and a showcase of talented young musicians. 

Dennis McCurdy of Realty Investment Corporation has already donated $100 to Fermata Eclectic, and Murphy has asked 30 other Kensington residents and businessowners to match his donation by Aug. 10.

"A donation is like an investment," Murphy said. "We're trying to make Kensington a leader in the arts, and it can be."

If you'd like to make a tax-deductable donation to Fermata Eclectic, you can do so online here.