This January I am embarking on an amazing musical project that will take me to Uganda to record a CD.
    The Abayudaya  are Jewish and live in the village of Putti which is near the city of Mbale. Putti has synagogues and a Yeshiva. What they are lacking are basic amenities such as running water and electricity.
    There are field recordings of the Abayudaya music and it is some of the warmest most heartfelt music I have ever heard. Through the newsgroup saveugandanjewery, I came into contact with Enosh Keki Mainahh. He is one of the community leaders and also a musician.. I told him how much I liked his music and how I would love to collaborate on a project someday. He heard my music on the internet and agreed.
  Enosh told me that his mother had written songs based on the psalms but didn’t know how he was going to find the money to record. I made the suggestion that I would come over and help produce and record the session. So now I am trying to raise the money to make this happen.
    It is my hope that this CD will generate enough money to not only pay for the project, but help fund some of the many good works Enosh is doing for his community. I can’t begin to tell you how much 10 dollars means to these people. Imagine selling 1000 CD’s and how much that could help.
  My plan is to go in early January. Unfortunately, since it is so soon, it’s too late to apply for grants, which is why I’m contacting you. Your donation will help me make this recording a reality. We are going to a recording studio in Mbale which, although cheaper than studios here, is still expensive.
  I am a musician with many recording sessions under my belt. I’ve given clinics and run student ensembles and produced my own CD’s. I have the experience to make this project happen.
    Your donation ensures that we have a sufficient budget to release the best recording possible. Any amount will help. For $100 you will receive the CD before it is released. For $1000 you will receive the CD and a book of photos documenting the trip. For $5000 , besides the CD and book, I will give a lecture and talk about the trip.
  Please help. You can make a check out to Putti Village Assistance Organization (PVAO)
6227 S. Woodlawn Ave Apt 3S
Chicago IL 60637
Under the memo write recording
I realize that the economy is bad but at least we have electricity and running water. Please help Putti achieve the same.

Thank you,

Mike Cohen