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Afternoon-long fundraiser concert returns to Lively Acres

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It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood. The Lively neighborhood, that is, as the compound on M-72 readies to host Lively NeighborFest 2026 on May 24. Jim Lively says the event is an opportunity for neighbors to gather together around local food and music, while supporting two local non-profits, the Empire Area Community Center (EACC) and LIFT (Leelanau Investing For Teens). “The beautiful thing is it’s the second annual NeighborFest. It’s just like last year, except better,” he says with a laugh. Part campground, part farm market and camp store, part restaurant and part concert venue, the site also is home to the Lively Farm. Add it all up, and you’ve got the perfect site for a day-long party.

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Outdoor jamming in Empire

Blind Dog Hank and the Burdickville Boys played an Empire Area Emergency Fund concert in the Friendly Tavern’s outdoor beer garden on May 26. The venue is for sale, and local musicians hope the beer garden remains a dynamic locale for them to jam. Photo by David Geisler

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Local luthiers craft instruments from specialty wood, castoff paint and found materials

Walk into Bob DeKorne’s garage outside Maple City, and your eye is immediately drawn past the Subaru to the phalanx of guitars in front of a work bench. There are more against the wall, and others in various states of assembly: from guitar bodies and necks to slabs of wood, alongside various amps, electronics and gear. Welcome to the home of Pyramid Point Custom Guitars. DeKorne is a luthier, turning wood, wire and other materials into unique, one-of-a-kind instruments. He’s not the only one plying the trade. Just a few miles away, his friend Kim Hillard proudly shows off his latest creation, a ukulele. Then its near-twin, and his recently completed guitar, one of five acoustics he’s made over the last few years.

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Newt Cole, Fabulous Horndogs headline Old Settlers Concert in the Park

The Glen Lake Community Church Men’s Group’s annual Concert in the Park benefit features Newt Cole and the Fabulous Horndogs with the Burdickville Boys as the opening act on Saturday, July 8, from 6-9 pm at Old Settlers Park on the east side of Big Glen Lake. The concert raises money to support the Empire Area Community Center Emergency Fund and Leelanau HelpLink, a ministry of Glen Lake Church. Both charities work cooperatively to identify and support local neighbors in need. A “free-will offering” will be taken during the intermission.

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