For over a decade, the Empire Area Community Emergency Fund has addressed sudden financial need, one note at a time. Last year, the Benzonia Area Community Emergency Fund followed suit. The two non-profits offer a financial hand to those in need, with all their funding coming from a once-a-month source: area venues hosting a concert, where the musicians eschew their usual fee and the fund collects donations. Art’s Tavern in Glen Arbor will host the next Empire Emergency Fund concert on April 27, from 4-6 pm, and feature Jim Crockett and the Beach Bards.

