MUSIC BUILDS:
If you’ve been with me for any amount of time, at work, at a show, really anywhere where we can talk, I’m pretty obsessive about “why.”
I spent most of my formative years figuring out why people do what they do. Purpose was the answer my elders would give. Without purpose, you’re going to need a lot of motivation from other people. That’s not always guaranteed or always helpful. I started 2026 with a daunting goal of playing more shows than last year. Thanks to the very specific list of venues that said yes to me, we were able to crush that goal before Spring 2026.
Somewhere in the middle of year, the routine of playing was coming easier and easier, the songs were feeling good and you guys showed up in ways I could have never imagined. Enter: PURPOSE :)
::The following is straight-up NOT advice::
Personally, my mind goes to deeper water when things are going well. If this is going well, what else can you do? What else can we do? Is it beneficial to all concerned? Does it build goodwill and better friendships? You can’t just sit with your purpose, it’s a muscle, or a habit or something that requires batteries. You have to keep pushing.
I have donated my fair share of free shows over the years. Benefits, charity events, even just businesses struggling to get started. Nothing you can do came free, but it definitely came to you. Give it back as frequently as you can. Donating music just didn’t feel like enough. At most, it may allow an organization to hold back a few hundred bucks but that’s about it. What if, instead of the $400 fee, we raise enough to feed families in need, support a community in need, build positive memories for everyone?
::The Mission and How::
in 2027, any item purchased on https://mwbergamo.com/shop those dollars go to the Healthy Harvest Food Bank. A brilliant organzation that’s organized to 1) Glean crops 2) Grow food 3) Teach food preparation and 4) Distribute all for the service of families. They have a dozen individual projects throughout the year including the Backpack Buddies program which is what got me involved.
in 2027, 100% of all tips go to feeding hungry families.
By 2028, I want 100% of all proceeds, gig fees, tips and online sales to find a donor match that will double the year to make it possible for us to feed our communities through the toughest times and seasons.
Food insecurity in 2026 is just as problematic as ever. No one deserves to go hungry, I am not interested in the circumstance, the politics or the opinions. I have witnessed the good these programs provide and I feel purpose in helping. I hope, at the very least, you will come out and enjoy a show. Your support is all we have and all we need. Thank you all!
-mB