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get the MP3 - only 99¢
The temperature outside Mackinaw Harvest Studio was 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but you wouldn't have noticed given the studio's cozy décor, fireplace - and the 40 or so people walking around in Santa hats.
The Santa-hat-clad people are the local musicians who lent their voices to record "Let it Snow," Mackinaw Harvest's latest charity endeavor. The track was recorded on Nov. 10 in one night's time, and is available for download, with the proceeds going toward Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.
"We aren't flushed with cash, so this is a way we can give back," said Ralston Bowles, who lent a solo piece to the track.
The recording became less of a who's who in local music, and more of a gathering of good friends who have lost touch over the years.
"It would be logical to say I'm somebody, but the cause is more important than the individuals," said Jay Round, who plays bass and runs sounds for various bands.
The idea for the recording was spearheaded by Michael Crittenden and Chris Andrus, owner and producer, respectively, of Mackinaw Harvest Studio. Andrus came up with the idea in November of 2008, but didn't want to rush the recording so close to the holiday season.
"We didn't want to pigeonhole ourselves with Christmas," Andrus said about the song choice.
"We wanted to keep something that was universal and classic," Crittenden added.
During 2009, Crittenden and Andrus had more time to plan for the recording. Plans included which song would be covered, who would cover the song, when the song would be recorded, and which charity would receive the proceeds. Finding musicians turned into Crittenden and Andrus mass e-mailing everyone on Mackinaw Harvest's list.
"Michael asked, [and] we love Michael. He's done so much for us," said Tara McLaughlin from Mid-Life Crisis.
Crittenden said he was happy with the turnout of the recording session, while Andrus said he expected, and was happy with the "party" environment the musicians created. When it came time to record the vocals, singers were ushered in and out of the studio in different groups, while taking every opportunity to chat in between.
"When asked how I can help, this is the answer for musicians," said Brian Morrill from Troll for Trout. "I've been fortunate in my job, so I don't do [the recording] for the music, I do it for the people."
To hear this holiday song, view the video, purchase it by heading over to mackinawharvest.com.
