The EIU Musicians Coalition will hold its first-ever concert fundraiser from 7 to 10:30 p.m. today in the Grand Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

The event will feature four of Eastern’s well-known acts, all of which play mostly original compositions.

The Baker Street Band, a folk-pop trio, will start the evening and will be followed by Howard, a funky alternative rock foursome. Third in line is Little Boy Junior, a 60s-rock inspired five-piece. FireSky Future, a pop-punk four-piece, will play the final set.

Scott Chaplinski, a local singer/songwriter, will perform between sets.

“[Chaplinski] is one of the more entertaining one-man shows I’ve ever seen,” said Scott Fritz, EIU musician’s coalition executive board member and drummer for Little Boy Junior.

The EIU Musicians Coalition was founded approximately one year ago as an attempt to promote cooperation among all musicians at Eastern, and to provide opportunities to enjoy local artists to an all-ages audience.

“The overall goal for this organization is to provide shows for people who aren’t yet 21, and to provide shows in a sober place,” Fritz said.

The formation of the coalition has given local music a voice, said Andy Long, bass and vocals in Fire Sky Future.

“I know every year when new students come to campus there’s a big influx of people who bring in there own music, or else they meet on campus and form bands, but they’re never promoted,” Long said.

The coalition has made attempts to support local musicians.

“I have found it kind of appalling that there is so little support for creativity and artists in the area,” said Long. “So it’s cool to see students at the college, were people would expect to see some support for the arts, take an initiative and try to put some faith and funding into the arts for those who want to be creative.”

Last semester, the coalition held a dance party to raise money for the physics registered student organization. This semester they had an outdoor show in September that got rained out.

The event costs $2 and a donations bucket will also be present. The money raised will be used for room rental fees and new microphones for the coalition.

Jason Hardimon can be reached at 581-7942 or [email protected].