SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. — Pump House Music Works has got you covered, says musician Devon Bender. Now, the venue hopes you’re willing to return the favor.

“I always tell people Pump House Music Works is the flagship music venue of southern Rhode Island. If you want to go to a family friendly musical event, they have you covered,” he said. “If you want to dance to some groovy party tunes, they got you covered. If you’re just starting to share your music and looking for a place that feels safe to share, Pump House Music Works is that place.”

And hundreds of performers who have stepped on its stage would agree. So, too have said those who have come to just listen. The Pump House this weekend is holding a fundraiser to help erase debt from needed repairs and help pay for expansion of the venue.

It’s the latest development to a dream that began seven years ago.

On November 26, 2016, Dan Collins and Ariel Rose Bodman held a grand opening in an old stone building to announce their idea to foster music in the community.

After relocating their guitar-making enterprise, the duo also unveiled bigger plans.

They introduced a new South County nonprofit called Pump House Music Works, which has become a parlor for music makers new and old alike try out new ideas, play welcomed old tunes and jam, all in a harmony of love for music.

The beautiful building, with stone walls both inside and out, provides a warm atmosphere that caters to a wide range of music genres. Folk, alternative rock, funk, reggae, jazz, blues, and open mic performances have graced the stage, allowing local musicians to refine their skills.

It’s welcomed by the performers coming to the venue at 1464 Kingstown Road.

“Artists need a venue like Pump House because it encourages an artistic approach to music, not just for well-known players, but also for up-and-coming ones,” remarked Dan Moretti, who has hosted a monthly jazz series at the venue for over seven years, attracting talent from throughout the Northeast.

Eden Casteel, a local performer and music teacher who has collaborated on various acting and musical projects at the venue, has performed at the Pump House multiple times. She expressed excitement about the upcoming renovations.

“Many of the musicians I’ve met at the Pump House have become my musical partners and dear friends. And now, with 30 more seats on the way, I’m looking forward to making many more friends!” she said.

Matt Fraza, multi-talented stage actor and musician, said “The biggest thing is to play for an audience, and the Pump House gives people a chance to see if the audience likes what they are doing or if they need to go back to the drawing board.”

Fraza sponsors an open mic on Wednesday nights for performers looking to play, even if it’s just for themselves.

The Pump House also offers a setup that few can afford, he said. With its professional sound system, lights, reputation, and inviting atmosphere of stone and wood, the Pump House fulfills the setting for meeting the public, explained Fraza.

Parillo agreed and added, “The Pump House has helped me present my original music with my musicians, with audio and concert staff creating a professional support system.”

However, providing such opportunities doesn’t come without costs.

A glimpse at Pump House Music Works’ federal filings reveals significant losses. In 2022, the organization reported a loss of $254,000, compared to a loss of nearly $68,000 the previous year. This includes accounting for all assets and liabilities.

“Last year was very rough,” explained Dan Collins, the nonprofit president and founder.

He highlighted the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the slow recovery, and the tragic kitchen fire that occurred in May 2022 ignited by an in-wall heating unit. It caused extensive damage to the surrounding wall and area where instruments and gear were stored.

Collins hopes to raise approximately $15,000 from the $25 per person tax-deductible donation to the event. The event will include hors d’oeuvres, a live auction, a silent auction hosted by comedian Poppy Champlin, and music by the Joe Parillo Trio and the Honk. The doors will open at 4 p.m.

“Our goal for the next year is to create a new balcony seating area to increase our seating capacity. We also plan to upgrade our current seating, which is much needed,” Collins said, referring to the additional work beyond the restoration from the fire.

David Furlong of the band The Honk said the improvements are more than aesthetics.

“If we lose the ability to create and share art, we’ll be in even bigger trouble than we are now. The Pump House is keeping that flame alive. I’ve seen a number of young and promising musicians perform there, and that gives me hope.”

Paula Clare added, “Music is a creative outlet for not only the performers, but for those who come to share the experience.”

However, the Pump House is for more than the artists, it’s also for the many followers who want local music at an affordable price.

As an example, despite the lifting of COVID restrictions, many people still avoided crowded places. Yet, loyal music fans of the Pump House were undeterred.

They believed that nothing could surpass the experience of a live concert, even on a chilly day in April 2021. Prepared with blankets, hats, mittens, and warm down jackets, they braved the mid-40s temperature when Country DNA took the stage at 5 p.m.

“We arrived at 4 p.m. and couldn’t wait to get inside,” said Paige Balsamo, who was sitting at a picnic table with her husband, James. They had left their children at home for the evening and were eager for some live music.

Diane Acton from North Kingstown was joined by her friends Gail Ornstein from South Kingstown, as well as Tom and Nancy Duell from Hope Valley.

“We are huge fans of live music,” Acton exclaimed as she tucked a tan blanket along the inside arm of her lawn chair. A blue Marmot down coat was draped across the back of the chair. She also plays live music in a local ukulele band.

Alan Woodmansee from Wakefield attended the concert with his friend Carolyn Petze from Framingham, MA.

“We’re up for anything,” he said, excited to attend his first concert in several months after being confined due to COVID. He wasn’t familiar with the bands performing, but he was simply seeking some music to satisfy his cravings.

By July, the Pump House was filled with people, enjoying outdoor concerts as restrictions lifted and the venue’s popularity soared.

More than 40 people who gathered to listen to Cee Cee and the Riders. Al Olsen, who performs at Java Madness on Salt Pond Road, dropped by to hear the opening act, the Confounding Fathers rock band.

Among them was Nikki Munroe from Wakefield.

“I came here with my wonderful friends,” she said, gesturing towards a picnic table filled with her buddies. Then pointing towards the stage, she added, “and I came here to listen to my other wonderful friends.”