I’m a big fan of Christmas music, even if it is only for about one month a year. But what I am a fan of year round is supporting good causes, and doing it with a local scope is especially important. So, we travel just a bit north from Cincinnati to Kent, Ohio where a great coffee shop, Scribbles (formerly of the Cincinnati area), has put together an excellent Christmas compilation.

The first annual Scribbles Christmas compilation CD, “Scribbles Christmas ’08.” 10 Ohio-
based artists contributed 10 unique Christmas songs–7 originals and 3 re-envisioned traditionals.
Featuring Kris N. (Dayton), ShiSho (Kent), bengulley a/k/a MC Bootyous Maxxx (Cincinnati), The Killdeers (Kent), Bethesda (Kent), Jon Johnson (Kent), The Fainting Cycle (Kent), Wake Up, Mordecai (Dayton), Scott Budzar (Kent).

Hand assembled and screenprinted, the CD packaging reflects the DIY attitude represented by this compilation of self-produced tracks. The cover of “Scribbles Christmas ’08″ features an illustration by artist Jane Sheldon.

Proceeds from the album’s sales benefit Safer Futures of Portage County, a safehouse program that seeks to displace abused women and children, enabling escape from dangerous situations and independent living situations. Because “home for the holidays” should mean goodness, not fear and pain.

CDs are available at for mail order at Scribbles website or in-store at

Scribbles Coffee Co., 237 N Water St., Kent OH

Have a listen to one of the songs below for free…

Ben Gulley a/k/a MC Bootyous Maxxx – I Want My Presents