CAG FILMS & MUSIC RECORDING "The Music Revival"

CAG FILMS & MUSIC RECORDING

"The Music Revival: Documenting Heritage"

Over the past 20+ years, the California Autoharp Gathering (CAG) has hosted an annual music festival featuring amazing performing artists and singer/songwriters.

Hi, I'm filmmaker (and Mike Mueller's sidekick), Marc Blake.

Though centered around America’s folk and old-time music, CAG always brings musicians from other genres into the fold.

The annual event (held in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Central California) has featured Pete Seeger’s siblings, Mike and Peggy Seeger. Other artists include Jim Kweskin, Tom Chapin, Ronny Cox, Laurie Lewis, Dale Jett, and more.

Donation Reward Schedule

Each level includes all of the above, plus that level’s reward

$10 - $25 Social Media Shoutout

$50 Early Access to completed projects before the official series release

$100 Names in Credits on the Master Documentary Opening Reel

$250 Digital Download to all features & Access to the CAG '23 Official Concert Videos - a $459.80 Value

$500 Official CAG Films branded: T-shirt, Hat, and 15” Laptop Briefcase

$1,000 Open invitation to special behind-the-scenes filming dates.

$2,500 Tickets to the Live Event Screening and Concert

$5,000 Executive Producer Credit

$10,000 - $15,000 Autographed poster from our artist poster series.

Each year, CAG’s staff artists include the renowned Bryan Bowers and Karen Mueller, along with other members of the Autoharp Hall of Fame, plus a large variety of talented musicians from the United States and other countries.

Multi-cam video filming of the 100’s of concerts has been captured over the years. The footage contains numerous highlights and special rare moments.

This fundraising effort is geared toward kickstarting various productions under the banner of CAG Films.

Some stories need to be told and documented. There are glorious music performances to be produced.

Your help makes this possible.

With your support, we'll have the assets needed to preserve this rich cultural heritage, help the artists, and educate the public.

The films will be available for public television, cable networks, online streaming partners, and educational facilities.

Funding will be used to cover the cost of equipment, travel for artist interviews, post-production, and marketing.

Additional Information

Creating the CAG FILMS video series of concerts and documentaries has numerous benefits for many. Not only will the artists involved benefit from their featured content, the films will help preserve cultural heritage, and serve as an educational tool for the public.

Benefits for Artists

Increased Exposure

Featuring artists in this project will help them reach a wider audience beyond their current fan base. This exposure can lead to increased popularity and opportunities for performances and collaborations.

The features can be shared on social media platforms, YouTube, and other digital channels, enhancing the artists' online presence and potentially attracting additional national and international attention.

Promotion and Marketing

The high-quality CAG FILMS features showcasing artist performances and interviews can serve as promotional material, helping artists build their brand and market themselves more effectively.

The increased visibility can boost sales of the artists' music, merchandise, and attendance for their live events.

The project will also open up new revenue streams such as licensing their music for other media, booking more gigs, and attracting patrons or sponsors.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

Having around 20 years of recordings of live performances and interviews with artists ensures that traditional music and stories are preserved in high-quality formats for future generations.

Plus, new interviews will be produced to pepper into the project giving a modern perspective to the valuable historical content.

The documentaries will capture not just the music but also the cultural context, instruments, international flavor, and customs associated with folk, old-time, and other musical traditions from around the world.

By highlighting the varieties of music, some of which might not be widely known, the project can help revive interest in these traditions among younger audiences and broader demographics.

The videos can introduce diverse audiences to new cultural expressions, fostering appreciation and understanding across different communities.

The documentaries will provide historical context about the origins and evolution of folk and other music genres, contributing to a richer understanding of cultural heritage.

Educating the Public

The project can educate viewers about the diversity and richness of folk and other music traditions, fostering greater cultural appreciation and respect.

The documentaries can address social, historical, and political themes related to the music, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of the issues faced by different communities now and then.

Schools, universities, and cultural organizations can use the videos as educational materials to teach students about music, history, and cultural studies.

The project can be a catalyst for workshops, discussions, and seminars that delve into the technical and cultural aspects of music.

Aspiring musicians can be inspired by watching seasoned artists, learning new techniques, and appreciating the depth of folk traditions.

A successful combination of live concert footage and documentary storytelling can make a significant impact on artists, cultural heritage, and public education. This multifaceted approach not only entertains but also informs and preserves, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.