Musician teaming up with Habitat for Humanity

Touring and recording artist Luke Dowler is teaming up with Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley for a CD release party and fundraiser.

Dowler will be releasing his newest album, “West,” and donating half of the album sales to the Flathead Valley’s chapter of Habitat For Humanity.

The idea to partner with Habitat came earlier this year after Dowler hosted a build day on one of Habitat's sites and connected with Habitat volunteer coordinator Jesse Mahugh.

“Jesse and I have been friends for a while,” Dowler said, "and when I found out what he was doing ... I wanted to get involved on a local level and came up with the idea to use my newest project, ‘West,’ to do that." 

The CD release will also give an opportunity to sign up for future Habitat for Humanity build days.

"One of the most impressive things about [Habitat] is that it's solely run off of its volunteers,” Mahugh said.  "No one has ever volunteered their time on site and regretted it. You get to physically see the effects of working on site and building homes for those in need."

Dowler, a Flathead Valley resident, has recorded nine albums, two singles and more than 30 music videos. He has spent the last five years touring the United States and Canada, last year releasing a record through EMI/Dream Records.

“West” is Dowler’s ninth studio album and was recorded in his personal studio here in the valley.

The album will be available at the concert,  through Dowler’s website, www.lukedowler.com, and on iTunes. Half of the album sales will be donated to Habitat Flathead's ongoing efforts to provide housing and hope.

The CD release concert will be held at Crush in Whitefish at 9:30 p.m. Dec. 12.

"It's going to be a party; we've got a ton of special guests lined up,” Dowler said. “You're going to want to be there."

The event is free and open to the public. 

For more information, call 257-8800 or Jesse Mahugh at jmahugh@habitatflathead.org.