From Doug Moe at the Capital Times:

THE GUITAR meant a lot to Tricia Barden, but the cause meant more, so when the opportunity came to step up, she did, in a big way. Imagine her surprise when a rock music legend lifted her even higher.

Barden is director of Internet technology for the Madison-based Center for Media and Democracy. The nonprofit organization, started on less than a shoestring by John Stauber in 1993, has grown steadily since. It promotes independent journalism and trains a skeptical eye on corporate media and the world of spin.

On Sunday at the Barrymore, punk rocker and poet Patti Smith played a benefit concert for CMD. A silent auction was held in conjunction with the concert, and the outstanding auction item was a 1958 Gibson guitar to be signed by Smith.

The guitar belonged to Tricia Barden. She'd had it for three decades. Barden had played it in local bands in her hometown of Richmond, Va., and when she first offered it for the CMD auction, John Stauber tried to talk her out of doing so. Knowing that Barden was a musician herself, Stauber had asked if she had any old guitars just sitting around that she might be able to donate. He hadn't expected a Gibson with 30 years of sentimental value attached.

But Barden, who moved to Madison five years ago, insisted, and continued to again Saturday night when CMD office manager Sari Williams asked if she was certain. The starting price was set at $750 with hopes of getting $1,000.

Sunday, as she helped set up the auction at the Barrymore, Barden had an opportunity to meet Smith, who asked to see the guitar she was going to autograph.

"Is it yours?" Smith asked.

Barden replied that it was.

"Are you sure you want to sell it?"

Barden said that considering the cause, she was sure.

Smith nodded. She took the guitar and strummed it as she walked around the Barrymore lobby. Then she asked Barden to sit down with her on a couch.

"What 's the suggested bid?" Smith asked.

Barden said that it was $750.

Smith said, "How about if I donate $1,000 to CMD and you keep your guitar?"

Barden was deeply touched. On Wednesday she told me it was one of the most incredible experiences of her life.

It turns out Smith, who is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has a 1930s Gibson that she bought in 1971 and upon which she still composes most of her songs.

Before handing Barden 's guitar back to her, she signed it: "People have the power -- Patti Smith." ...