2023 Honorees L to R: Danielle Bendinelli, Ogden Friends Of Acoustic Music (Reba Nissen and Michelle Tanner), Cole Eisenhour, Patrick Ramsay, Weber County R.A.M.P (Shelly Halacy), Lorie Buckley, and Mayor Mike Caldwell
Ogden Friends of Acoustic Music (OFOAM) was recognized with the Performing Arts Award at the 2023 Mayor’s Awards in the Arts celebration held at historic Union Station on November 2.
OFOAM, a staple of Ogden’s lively acoustic music scene, was honored for its exceptional work promoting and showcasing acoustic musicians in the community. As a volunteer-run nonprofit organization and member of the Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce, OFOAM has brought the joy of folk, bluegrass, singer-songwriter, blues, and related styles of music to Ogden for over 15 years.
The Performing Arts Award was one of six distinctions given at the 2023 Mayor’s Awards in the Arts, which recognizes significant contributions of individual artists and arts organizations in Ogden. The evening also included a surprise honor for Mayor Mike Caldwell’s longtime advocacy for the arts.
“Ogden’s vibrant arts scene elevates our community’s assets as a beautiful place to live and a sought-after destination,” said Ogden Mayor, Mike Caldwell. “The economic development, change, and entrepreneurial spirit spurred by our city’s creatives defines Ogden’s character. The artists we recognized in this year’s celebration are creative tour de force. Their visionary thinking, ingenuity, and impact throughout our community is inspiring. I am humbled to have been recognized in their company.”
OFOAM is an all-volunteer 501C3 non-profit organization that contributes significantly to the vibrant arts and recreation community in Ogden. Over 60% of their operating budget is for artist fees. Far from being observers, attendees become active participants in the OFOAM Festival Community through kids activities, vending, sponsorship, volunteerism, and campground jams. Beyond the music, people also fall in love with Weber County’s stunning natural beauty and recreational opportunities. OFOAM festivals become annual traditions for families and friends.
Exposure to music at a young age can change one’s life. There is significant research to support that kids who play musical instruments do better in all walks of life. Children and youth 16 and younger get in FREE to all OFOAM events, and OFOAM keeps ticket costs comparatively low for a high quality 3-day family-friendly festival experience with camping on site, and outstanding line-ups that appeal to diverse, all-ages audiences.
OFOAM events include: Ogden Music Festival and Dia de Los Muertos celebrations. They also have WILL & WAY, a program to loan instruments to children, youth and underserved adults in our community where there is an interest, a need, and or a financial roadblock.
For more information about OFOAM and their events and programing visit: ofoam.org
More information about the 2023 Honorees: Ogdencity.com/mayorsawards.
