Something really beautiful happened last night at the Impact 100 event, when hundreds of our community leaders and devoted philanthropists decided in favor of something small.

May Erlewine took the stage to share the power of music that's made for small places. She made a passionate case for supporting a venue about the size of the Bijou on the Bay movie theater, with about 170 seats, where audiences and performers can connect in ways the big auditoriums can never match.

Last night, Impact 100 said YES to that vision. We're thrilled to announce that Crosshatch and Commongrounds were selected as one of three winners of the 2021 Impact 100 grant. This funding fuels an investment in high quality AV equipment for the new listening room on 8th Street.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Impact 100 for highlighting and selecting the listening room as a grant recipient, Commongrounds cooperative for being our steadfast partner in bringing this project to life, and May Erlewine for her guidance and support throughout the visioning and ongoing process.

Congratulations to COGnition Science and Discovery Center and Grass River Natural Area, the other winners of the Impact 100 grant this year. The two runners-up, North Country Trail Association and Norte, brought meaningful and worthy projects and are hugely deserving of your support.

The listening room is a joint project between Crosshatch and Commongrounds, with ongoing advice, care, and support from May Erlewine.