Celebrating songs of Leelanau: Jeff Maharry’s “Good Harbor Bay”

From staff reports

Our story series celebrating songs inspired by Leelanau County and the Sleeping Bear Dunes continues with Illinois resident and summer visitor Jeff Maharry’s homage to Good Harbor Bay.

“For years my family has come to Leelanau County in early August and have explored just about every point where you can access Lake Michigan,” said Maharry, a singer songwriter and musician from Homewood, Illinois, near Chicago. He performs solo as well as with his band Falling Stars.

“There are amazing spots across the whole peninsula, but there’s something just perfect about Good Harbor Bay so we find ourselves going back there again and again. I wrote this song in the summer of 2010 after we spent a simply wonderful day on the beach, and I can hear the waves and feel the sun on my face every time I sing it.

“I’ve also enjoyed playing at the Beach Bards Bonfire for many years since then. Like many others who visit every summer, we’ve made great friends there and Leelanau feels like home every time we come back North.”

Catch Maharry this August at the Beach Bards Bonfire, a Friday night event at the Leelanau School.

Click here to listen to his song “Good Harbor Bay.”

Previous installments in our Songs of Leelanau series featured Seth Bernard’s ode to the Manitou Islands,  Blake Elliott’s “Small Town” and Louann Lechler’s “I’m Proud to Say I Live in Leelanau County.”