Amazing Music of Mainers CD sales help hunger campaign

REGION -- An unprecedented gathering of Maine musicians have joined forces to end hunger in Maine.

Included among the 26 participating artists are: Dan Fogelberg, Don McLean, Noel Paul Stookey, Jonathan Edwards, Tim Sample, Paul Sullivan, Aztec Two Step, Devonsquare, Schooner Fare, Gordon Bok, David Mallett and Cindy Bullens.

These accomplished recording artists are joining hands to help the Maine Credit Union League's Ending Hunger Campaign. The two-disc featuring 26 songs of rock, pop, folk and other genres sells for $19.95, with $6 of that amount going to Maine food pantries as part of the Maine Credit Union Campaign for Ending Hunger.

Since 1990, the year that the campaign effort began, Maine Credit Unions have raised and distributed more than 3.5 million dollars to help Maine families in their time of need.

This year, more than ever, the current recession has taken an ever-growing toll on Maine families. In response to this, the producers of The Amazing Music of Mainers hope to provide one million meals to Maine families from the sales of this album.

The two-disc compilation includes a booklet filled with stories of the artists’ backgrounds, their musical histories, and their connection to Maine.

All the songs have something in common: the artists performing them either grew up in Maine or have adopted the state as a second home.

“Amazing Music of Mainers” was pulled together by musician-producer Con Fullam of Windham, whose song, "The Busy Song," is on the album.

“It was difficult to choose the artists for Volume One,” said Fullam, “which led us to realize that a Volume Two is almost a sure thing.”

The release date was in mid-November, just in time for the holidays. Sure to be a favorite gift of all  lovers of music and Maine, the CDs can be purchased at local Maine Credit Unions, as well locally at Bartash's in Rumford. Online purchases can be made at www.mainevillepublishing.com and www.exiles.com.

It is estimated that the artists participating in this effort have collectively sold in excess of 200 million records world wide, while wracking up at least 15 Grammy Awards and hundreds of Top Ten hits.

“We are excited to share this compilation with those who love music, love Maine, and love the idea of helping out those less fortunate at this special time of the year,” said Fullam.