We did it!! The Operational Grant Match for 2011 fulfilled . . . AND this week’s incredible broadcast:

By Helen ~ January 10, 2012

For your listening pleasure: Mumford & Sons rocked eTown’s world when they were originally with us a year or so ago; it’s been one of THE most requested programs of the past, so much so that we had to re-air it for you. We head just a short distance down the road from the historic Boulder Theater to Colorado University’s Glenn Miller Ballroom, to welcome the Mumford boys and our other guest, quirky, wonderful Danielle Ate the Sandwich.

Most folks have heard about Mumford & Sons, but if not let me fill you in:

They’re four young, dynamic, talented, high-energy guys, with a great infectious sound. They’re also absolutely adorable, and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet (you’d think all the recent fame and attention would go to their heads, right? Not so, they are awesome, down to earth and very, very cool). They continue to sell out venue after venue both in the US and in Europe, and when you hear them, you’ll understand why. Totally fun having them with us.

Danielle Ate the Sandwich (that’s Danielle Anderson and her band) is destined for greatness in my book; if she doesn’t hit it big I’ll be very surprised. She’s built her young career on the Internet establishing a strong, fast growing fan base there. These days there’s quite a good buzz going about her in the more traditional music biz world, and with good reason – good songwriting for one so young, simple yet compelling arrangements and delivery (one of my favorite people I’ve sung with on the show: the song “17 and 53” we do together on the show will make you cry if you have any heart at all). And her conversation with Nick is priceless. As I said the first time this aired, I don’t think I’ve laughed so much at a show in a long time.

There’s a really inspiring E-Chievement Award story this week, too, one of my favorites, highlighting the very real, continued need for aid in New Orleans (hard to believe, but its still recovering from the storm after all these year).

This is classic eTown, full of tasty stuff – if you can, be with us!

Now, for an update on the fundraising effort eTown just completed to generate ongoing operational support:

As most of you know, eTown the broadcast/podcast is produced by a non-profit organization, with a mission to both provide a venue for great live music and to engage its listeners with a message of “get informed, get inspired, get involved” (“Independent media at its best,” says listener George Gordon). As with all non-profits, on-going operational support for eTown is crucial; it helps to keep the show in production and “on the air” around the world. Starting in late fall, we do our big “once a year only” fundraising push; this year, a patron from the Northwest pledged a generous matching grant. Well, good news: we more than matched the grant and we reached our targeted fundraising goal! Many, many thanks to all of you who donated to the cause, we cannot thank you enough. You play such a big part in keeping eTown going.

Now, we turn our attention to the eTown Hall capital campaign. Thoughts on that next week. Or if you don’t want to wait, check out the eTown Hall 7 minute video below; there are a few cool videos from this week’s rebroadcast below as well.)

Best,

Helen