Drunk driving is the number one killer of young music fans in Vermont. Several local groups have joined together to use free digital downloads to raise drunk driving awareness.
      The All Arts Council, Franklin County Caring Communities, and Common Ground's first Stop Drunk Driving Music Campaign has kicked off a search for talented young musicians from Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. A total of 30 artists will appear on a digitally distributed CD. The music will be available for free downloading by anyone. The site will also host prevention messages--designed by high school and college students--about the costs of drunk driving.
      The Stop Drunk Driving Music Campaign still needs a name and still needs music.
      The top three name choices so far include "New Noise," "SkoolToonzRoolz," and "yoot2yoot." Any name submitted should promote the music, the musicians, and the message. It must sound entertaining and have style. Other submissions have been "2 Cool 4 School," "18 Under Sound Brigade," "Bay to Jay," "For the Future of Franklin," "genz2zgen," "MinorInKey," "Sound Out," "TeenTunes," "United Youth," and "Youth Sound Board."
      Send your suggestions for a name by email to newnoisevt@gmail.com.
      Three exceptional area music professionals have volunteered to help the campaign. Sound engineer Lyle Glidden, West Street Digital's Andre Maquera, and Armand Messier of Messier's Recording Studio. Email Mr. Glidden at splitrockaudio@pshift.com, Mr. Maquera at andre@weststreetdigital.com, and Mr. Messier at studio@recordingvt.com for more info.
      "We're asking artists to donate their own music and to add comments to our blog to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence," Franklin County Caring Community's Beth Crane said. The deadline is March 30. There is no entry fee.
      This project is sponsored by the All Arts Council, Franklin County Caring Communities, and Common Ground with assistance from other area businesses and community groups. Keep checking in at this site for more info.