Hey guys! This is Terry. I've been putting this off as long as possible, but the time is here.

On June 6, 2012, the Stomping Ground was born. Our goal was to bring live music and great food to the Northeast, with a focus on original music. We've managed to host live acts nearly every night we've been open (aside from the pandemic) for the last 14 years, and you all received us with open arms. There have been many nights when the talent on stage and the joy in the room have brought tears to my eyes. Creating a space like this has been a dream of mine for many, many years, going all the way back to when I was about 20 years old.

In that time, the two biggest requests have been more seating and lower sound volumes. We have now acquired the neighboring space and are in the process of getting it ready for a new dining room/lounge area where we can provide an answer to both requests.

In order to expand, we need to add a new fire alarm system, more furniture, and some minor bathroom renovations. Our landlord is unwilling to help absorb the costs of the fire alarm system, which has turned out to be many times more expensive than we anticipated. Our base rent (not including the new space) has also increased exponentially. And on top of it all, our walk-in cooler is going to need an expensive repair.

The Stomping Ground has become a staple in our small town and has had an enormous impact here. But the Stomp is small, expenses are high, and we've always had a very tight budget. Honestly, the extra seats are necessary to help alleviate the pressure and keep the doors open. We are dedicated to providing art, music, good food, and a safe place for everyone. And we hope to be able to continue. We need your help.

My hope is to raise enough funds to get the fire alarm system in place and to cover the extra costs of expansion, as well as repairing our walk-in. To give us some breathing room and make the Stomp the best it's ever been.

The Stomp is the home to so many folks here. It's a place where people have met, fallen in love, even gotten married! It's a safe place to come in out of the rain, to relax with friends, and to hear incredibly talented musicians. Our Open Mic on Sundays is one of the few weekly occurring Open Mics in the Northeast, and is religiously attended by many local musicians. We're known for not having any televisions/screens. We encourage people to talk to each other, make friends, and get some relief from this tough world.

And then, there's the music. I have been blown away by the talent that has found its way to our tiny stage. Musicians from all over the world have performed here. We've had folks from all across the country, as well as from Australia, Canada, Germany, Scotland, Mali, Senegal, and more. With never a cover charge. My dream was to bring music to my hometown, to share with others, to encourage local musicians to flourish. We've had bands go from our stage to the Today Show, Conan O'Brien, NPR Mountain Jam, Madison Square Garden, and beyond. It's been a true honor.

If you can, would you be willing to help us out? Any amount, great or small. The goal is high, at about $40,000. This includes the fire alarm, the new chairs, the walk-in repairs, and the incidental costs between now and when we can get it open. If you can't pitch in, could you share this with others? And please, keep coming in, enjoying the food, drink, music, and friendship. We love you dearly.

This town has been truly wonderful. I want to continue to share music, art, and love with the community. It's been an amazing journey so far. Let's keep going.