For young musicians in St. Cloud, Minnesota, finding a stage to perform has often been a challenge. Limited venues for those 21 and under can be hard to find, meaning fewer opportunities to hone their craft, build confidence, and connect with a live audience.
Recognizing this critical gap in local arts infrastructure, Eich Mazda stepped forward to help ensure young talent in St. Cloud finds its stage. Thanks to a powerful partnership between the dedicated students of the Interact Club of St. Cloud Crush and Eich Mazda, finding a stage is now much easier.
The Interact Club Service is an organization for young people aged 12-18, sponsored by Rotary International. It brings students together to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of “Service Above Self” through community and international service projects. This ethos of selfless service, deeply embedded in the Interact Club's mission, resonates with the Mazda spirit of Omotenashi – the Japanese concept of “your happiness is my happiness.” Just as Mazda strives to anticipate needs and provide exceptional care, the Interact Club embodies a proactive approach to community well-being.
As the presenting sponsor, Eich Mazda championed St. Cloud’s Battle of the Bands, a high-energy fundraiser hosted by the Interact Club, featuring local electric band, Slip Twister. The event drew a crowd of over 200 attendees, creating an electric atmosphere as young bands showcased their talent. The direct involvement of Eich Mazda was instrumental in elevating the event, providing the resources and visibility needed to attract such a significant turnout and generate crucial momentum for Project 37.
“This is more than sponsoring an event, it’s about actively participating in the growth and well-being of St. Cloud,” said Erik Boelz, chief operating officer at Eich Motor Co. “It’s so rewarding to empower these students and help them build a lasting legacy for future generations of St. Cloud musicians.”
The true impact of the Battle of the Bands goes beyond the performances. All proceeds help bring Project 37, a former coffeehouse in downtown St. Cloud being reimagined as a 21-and-under music venue, to life. Project 37 intends to create a safe, supportive space for young performers to take center stage and share their talent.
This new venue, which will also feature a recording studio, aims to be a vital hub for emerging artists, offering them professional resources and a dedicated space to grow. The ongoing support of Eich Mazda extends beyond the initial fundraiser, playing a key role in the foundational development of Project 37, helping to transform this vision into a tangible asset for the community.
“Project 37 and the Rotary Club nurture the next generation of musical talent and [Minnesotan] musicians. The Interact Club, in conjunction with St. Cloud Rotary, created the event with Project 37. [Battle of the Bands] was a wonderful showcase of six primarily high school bands who got to experience a live, energized crowd at the historic Paramount Center for the Arts theater. The event helped sponsor Project 37’s B-Side Music Cafe, which has since opened and been a huge success. We couldn’t have pulled it off without the support of Mazda,” said John Bodette, past president of the Rotary Club of St. Cloud (MN) and Interact Club of St. Cloud Crush advisor.
Through their collaborative efforts, Eich Mazda and the Interact Club of St. Cloud Crush are fostering a vibrant ecosystem where young talent can flourish, community bonds are strengthened, and the spirit of "Service Above Self" truly comes alive. This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when a local business and dedicated youth unite for a shared vision that drives positive change throughout the entire community.
