By Velia Tarnoff Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published Jul 05, 2007 at 8:49 AM

Where music and good intentions intersect, you’ll find Milwaukeean Jeff Winkowski.  You’ll also find his newest compilation CD -- to benefit the Wisconsin Humane Society -- called “Don’t Be Cruel -- Wisconsin Bands-Together for The Humane Society.”

The CD features 13 tracks from Milwaukee bands or bands with Milwaukee connections, including Codebreaker, Compound Red, Kill Me Tomorrow, Trolley and Burbank Cartel. 

Winkowski, who’s been a musician since the tender age of 11, says his motivation for producing “this humble, little record” was two-fold.  One, he wanted to capture what he calls “a new, dirty, gritty sound in Milwaukee.”  Two, he wanted to support a non-profit agency that seems to have endless fans and connections.

“A lot of the aspects of the recording were made available to me at a reduced rate because the project is a fundraiser,” explained Winkowski.  “People have such positive feelings toward the Wisconsin Humane Society; I’d constantly hear things like, ‘Oh, yeah, I got my two cats from the Humane Society.  It’s a great place.”

But don’t think this recording is leaning on good karma alone.  Winkowski -- who hand-picked the bands, worked on the packaging, produced three of the tracks and oversaw production of the entire compilation – partnered with producer Trevor Sadler, who’s worked with Nine Inch Nails and Guns ‘n’ Roses.

There’s a third bit of motivation, too.  Winkowski says he wants to support local record stores.  You won’t find this recording available online for purchase or download; it’s only available at Rush-Mor Records and Atomic Records. 

Velia Tarnoff Special to OnMilwaukee.com

Velia Tarnoff counts among the loves of her life her daughter, her husband, her friends, writing, developing theories, dancing, live music, Southern California, black coffee and red wine. She's happiest when she can put as many of those together as possible. WWith more than 20 years of experience as a radio reporter and public relations professional, Velia is a natural communicator who loves to hear stories, to share stories and to tell it like it is.

Velia earned her B.A. from the UW School of Journalism and is thankful for every moment she spent on that wonderfully wacky campus.

And, in the interest of full disclosure, Velia is the wife of OnMilwaukee.com Publisher Andy Tarnoff.