Hear great local music and help mid-Missouri kids at Voices of Columbia

Voices hold enough strength to carry many things. A tune. The weight of someone else's story. Wherever and whenever a voice carries something bigger than itself, it should be recognized.

This is the philosophy behind Voices of Columbia, the annual fundraiser for Heart of Missouri CASA. Local musicians perform, drawing ears and hearts to the vital nonprofit's mission: advocating for abused and neglected kids in the Boone and Callaway County family court system.

"For every child who needs us, Heart of Missouri CASA envisions a trained volunteer advocate, a safe home, and a promising future where each child can reach their full potential," the organization's online vision statement reads.

This year, the concert — held at Logboat Brewing Company on June 25 — will take a different shape. In past years, artists engaged in friendly competition, earning audience votes and accompanying dollars for Heart of Missouri CASA. The 2022 edition raised $51,000, with songwriter Forrest McCurren the top draw.

McCurren is back alongside two other mid-Missouri musical mainstays. The three artists will play longer sets, and the voting component will go by the wayside; attendees have a few means to an important end: donating directly to the cause and/or spending their dollars on raffle items.

McCurren's sound centers the heartland and literary characters with human motives, recalling everyone from John Prine to Tom Petty and fellow 21st-century country classicists. Also appearing is Josh Runnels, aka JARTiz, a singer, poet, artist and musical curator who keeps Columbia supplied with genuine soul music.

Rounding out the lineup is beloved Missouri artist Pat Kay, who brings a Midwest stomp and string-band ideals to whatever project he's inhabiting — from the Kay Brothers to his solo work and his MK Ultra collaboration with Joplin-forged songwriter Ben Miller.

Several food trucks will be on the Logboat grounds, and boundless carnival gameplay is available to kids with a $5 wristband purchase.

Live auction items include autographed jerseys from Kansas City Chiefs Travis Kelce and Nick Bolton as well as a Mexico vacation package. Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals and University of Missouri football tickets as well as items and services from local businesses will be on the block during a silent auction and a wider raffle.

The change in format means free admission to Voices of Columbia, but also plenty of chances to give and — in a way — sound your own voice.

Donate and learn more at https://donate.homcasa.org/campaign/voices-of-columbia/c469464.

Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@columbiatribune.com or by calling 573-815-1731.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Fresh format set for Voices of Columbia, annual CASA fundraiser