Music Happens Project holding raffle for custom guitar
The Milton-based Music Happens Project is raffling off a custom Gibson guitar in an effort to help raise money for local musicians.
The nonprofit organization is the brainchild of Mary Knight, better known as Mary Frantic, wife of local musician Al Frantic. The duo owns Frantic Frets antiques and music shop on Route 16 outside Milton.
Knight said she got the idea for Music Happens Project in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, where professional musicians in the Cape Region lost live gigs when clubs and bars were shut down. She said the project intends to provide subsidies for working musicians to find gigs or repair equipment, as well as financial aid to help musicians get back on their feet in the event of illness, or equipment loss or damage. The first event the project hosted was HavrillaPalooza, designed to raise money for local musician Christine Havrilla, who was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“It kind of started with helping Christine. We did the first fundraiser through Frantic Frets, which was virtual. We had another one in 2021 that was small scale, and this year it was a larger event. We’re so involved in the music community; we know the struggles they are going through. There’s always opportunities for children, there’s not always opportunities for older musicians,” Knight said.
In January, Knight said she plans to start registration for career musicians to be in line for financial or material support. She said ultimately she would like to see Music Happens Project provide benefits, such as a retirement plan, but for now, Knight wants to start small with things like maintaining equipment.
“We saw there was a gap to be filled and we have the ability and expertise to do that,” Knight said. “Music adds so much to the local economy. Musicians are making largely what they made 20 years ago. Just because you do what you love doesn’t mean you should be doing it for less.”
The raffle came about through attorney Ken Dorsney, who helped Knight set up the Music Happens Project and whose firm, Morris James, donated the Gibson guitar being raffled.
Knight said the guitar is valued at $7,500 and is brand new. Only 250 tickets are being sold at $100 per ticket, with tickets available at Frantic Frets and at musichappens.org. The drawing will take place at 8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 7, at The Room at Cedar Grove.
