Marques Morel, an American songwriter, storyteller and guitarist with Illinois roots, played to a packed house on April 13. [Photo by Mike Martin]

John Taylor, founder of Crossroads Cultural Connections and owner of the music venue and artist cooperative in Bishop Hill, knows the importance of volunteers.

April just happens to be National Volunteer Month, a month dedicated to spotlighting the importance of community members lending a much needed helping hand.

And what he does wouldn’t be possible without them.

“It does take a village,” he said. “Sometimes several villages are needed to bring music and other programs to the Bishop Hill Creative Commons.”

Taylor names a few of the volunteer “crew” who generously give their time, money and resources, doing everything from artist hospitality to building renovations and maintenance to photography.

Collectively, we create the world around us.

John Taylor

“They go above and beyond to make the artists feel welcome and comfortable,” he said. “Artists from all over the world reach out, asking to come to the area because of this. They know they will have not only an audience that is there to listen to them, but also that they’ll be taken care of. The concerts in Bishop Hill, at our house in Cambridge, the Levitt concerts in Galva and programs at area schools are all possible because of this.”

Galvans Carlin and Bob Follis often open their house to the musicians, offering them food, a bed and a home away from home.

Life on the road is tough, Taylor said. Most people can’t imagine what it takes to make a living as a touring artist, traveling from one place to the next, just for the opportunity to entertain an audience, who may or may not show up to see you.

“Things that most of us take for granted, like a homemade meal, a proper bed and a shower are so rare and precious for these artists. Carlin treats everyone like family,’ said Taylor.

Megan Sloan, from Dahinda, Ill., Taylor said, is yet another fantastic volunteer.

“She attends most of the concerts and helps in any way she can. There are times she can’t be at a concert, but she’ll still drop off food for the artists, the potluck or both.”

Galvan, Mike Martin, volunteers his photography skills.

“He takes great photos at nearly every event and donates his time, talents and resources to other projects,” said Taylor. “Right now, he is doing some major remodeling at the Commons. His wife, Jane, and son, Alex, also help.”

Altona residents Jill and Paul Appell are big concert fans and always willing to help.

“Whether it’s through donations, making food for the potlucks or helping with setup or tear down, they are great supporters,” said Taylor. “They are also great promoters and have spread the word about the concerts wherever they can.”

Green Room at the Commons provides a comfortable place for the musicians to rest and enjoy some food and quiet time during their visit. Galvan Mike Martin was one of those responsible for remodeling a former office space, with furnishings provided by Jerry Kolb of Peoria. [Photo by Mike Martin]

Jerry Kolb, of Peoria, gets a big nod from Taylor. Kolb is a true supporter of the arts and believes in the people who make it, said Taylor. He continues to host pop-up concerts in the Peoria area.

“A good bit of the furniture in the green room in Bishop Hill was donated by Jerry and contributions from the charitable trust he set up in his parent’s names have made it possible to host special shows, transfer ownership of the Commons to our nonprofit and undertake much-needed repairs and renovations on the building,” he said.

A big part of Taylor’s village is his Cambridge family. His wife and three children also contribute behind the scenes.

“Without the support of my family, none of this would be possible. Juggling work, sports, dance, instrument lessons and school activities on top of the work with Crossroads requires all of us to work together,” he said.

Taylor encourages everyone to be active in their communities by volunteering.

“Collectively, we create the world around us. There are small and big ways a person can contribute, but they all make a difference,” said Taylor, adding that support could be as simple as attending a concert. Even that has a huge impact.

“Not only are you making the performer’s day by being there for them, but you are also shaping their impression of this area. Artists remember places where they were greeted warmly and treated well.”

The Commons in Bishop Hill is shown with its new siding. Many volunteers were involved in the work, and when it is properly dry, a honey brown stain will be applied. Plans to landscape and add other features will be discussed with the Village board, so any changes reflect the historic flavor of the area. [Photo by Mike Martin]

When performers feel welcomed, they come back, he said, and they tell other musicians about their experience.

Interested in volunteering?

Taylor can be reached at john@xroadscc.org. Crossroads also has a Facebook page where the schedule of performers can be found, as well as information about the Levitt AMP summer concert series.