Empire Emergency Fund Solstice Concert doubles previous donation record
From staff reports
The Empire Area Community Emergency Fund’s Solstice Concert on June 23 in Johnson Park more than doubled the group’s previous donation record, reported Gerry Shiffman. Read more about the Emergency Fund here.
“We raised just under $6,500 including sponsorships, donations and sales of product,” said the admittedly tired, but overjoyed event organizer. “It was a beautiful day and a wonderful experience. The event was a blast, the weather was great, the performers were awesome, and the energy was sweet and mellow.”
A few hundred folks attended the day-long concert, and Moomers owner Bob Plummer generously donated $500 after serving his delicious ice cream for nine hours.
Two stages at Johnson Park featured continuous live music performed by 29 talented local musicians who volunteered to support the community effort. The Summer Solstice Celebration honored the memory of recording studio artist Jan Walling. Performers included northern Michigan household names Song of the Lakes, Jim Crockett with New Third Coast, Louann Lechler and Jim Hawley, Robin Lee Berry with Glenn Wolff, and Kirby with Fred Ball. Hot new acts included Black Elliot and the Robinson Affair, and the Accidentals.
Shiffman says he received a sweet note with a donation from Jan Waling’s 98-year-old father who attended the concert.
