While taking nothing away from A.P. Carter as a master arranger and songwriter, it is important to note that the two central musicians at the “Big Bang of Country Music” were women.

As one of its first voices, Sara Carter gave an eerie, Gothic feel to old-timey singing that defined the genre. And Maybelle Carter invented a guitar playing technique that has become a foundation for generations of guitarists, the so-called “Carter scratch.”

Later, after the Carter Family act split up, Maybelle took her daughters on the road – The Carter Sisters and Mother Maybelle – and they developed a strong, capable, melodic country music presence celebrated by many, most notably Johnny Cash.

These were all women who knew their way around music and felt completely at home performing.

It was with that in mind that we reached out to Portland’s own Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls, an organization that nurtures the musical inclinations of girls and gets them on their feet, instruments in hand, writing songs and performing.

It’s a group that would gladden Mother Maybelle’s heart, I’m sure.

Here at The Winding Stream, we felt that if we could do some good as we worked to finish our film, that would be a win-win situation.

So we’re excited to announce that The Winding Stream is partnering with the Camp. This will be an ongoing relationship in which we hope the film’s presence can be used to benefit the camp’s mission.

Immediately, that means that, in the remaining week of our Kickstarter campaign, we will be providing two rewards that will benefit the camp as well as the donor.

For each $55 donation, a donor will get all the rewards from the $50 level, plus we will donate a DVD copy of the film about pioneering women in music, “Welcome to the Club – The Women of Rockabilly” to the camp.

And one donor who pledges $525 will get all the rewards from the $500 level (including Winding Stream premiere and after-party tickets) and will help us provide a scholarship for a deserving girl to attend one of this summer’s camp sessions.

We can do this with your help. Get great rewards, assist the Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls and push The Winding Stream toward the finish line!

In the long term, we want The Winding Stream to help the Camp through benefit screenings of the film which will help raise more money for scholarships. The long, winding stream of Maybelle and Sara’s musical contributions will continue to flow through the music of these girls.

Here’s a message from RnRC4G Executive Director, Beth Wooten:

“The Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls is thrilled to partner with The
Winding Stream, and I urge you to support this project as the film
moves toward completing post-production!

The Rock ’n’ Roll Camp for Girls (RnRC4G), a Portland based 501(c)3
non-profit, builds girls self-esteem through music creation and
performance. Providing workshops and technical training, we create
leadership opportunities, cultivate a supportive community of peers
and mentors, and encourage social change and the development of life
skills.

At RnRC4G, we want girls to realize they have a place in an
influential, diverse and ongoing music herstory. Beth Harrington’s
work tells the story of American country music from its roots through
its cultural development, in a way that gives women the recognition
they’ve earned. The Carter Sisters were young enough to attend Rock
Camp when they started their careers! Our campers need to hear these
stories and Harrington has already done so much to help update our
music history canon. Please support this project!”

Thanks from all of us at the RnRC4G and The Winding Stream!