Utah Phillips Benefit - Grand Rapids, MI

Subject: Utah Phillips Benefit - Grand Rapids, MI
From: Big Mick
Date: 16 May 08 - 12:44 PM

OK, folks, Ann Arbor was a couple of days ago, and I am on to the Grand Rapids, MI event. I set up two of them so all of Michigan could have a chance. Those that saw the event in Ann Arbor know that the music was excellent, and left wanting more. I had a bit of an incident with an allergic reaction to something I ate, but we ploughed through. Here is the good news. Most of the same players, and some exciting new ones, are onboard for the Grand Rapids event.

The show is being held in the historic Wealthy Theater at 8:00 PM on June 18, 2008. Take a minute and explore the link. This great venue was fully restored and then had the most up to date media electronics installed. It is a phenomenal venue.

The sponsoring organization that I am working through is the venerable Grand River Folk Arts Society. This wonderful bunch of folkies is excited to help our old friend, Utah Phillips.

The lineup is pretty much finalized, and looks like this:

Matt Watroba - Host
Steppin' In It
Claudia Schmidt
Rachael Davis
Chris Buhalis
Mick Lane of The Conklin Ceili Band
Seth Bernard & Daisy May
and
Eric Glatz

The cost for the entire evening is $15.00 a ticket. There will be CD's of Utah's for sale, as well as CD's of the performers for sale. We will have signed posters by Utah, a callin from him during the show, and a whale of a lot of singing to get done. I promise you that you will come away frustrated and satisfied all at once. Frustrated because you will wish you could hear more of each of these fine artists. Satisfied because you will have helped a dear friend. As my buddy Matt Watroba says, "You know he would do it for you".

One of the problems with doing something for such a decent human being is that once the word gets out, everyone wants in. Nice problem to have, eh.

BTW, a special thanks to Garnet Rogers, Claudia Schmidt, Chris Buhalis, Eleni Kelakos, Len Wallace, Peter "Madcat" Ruth, and of course, Matt Watroba for their giving performances the other night. They always show us their talent, but on Wednesday the 14th of May, 2008, they showed us their hearts. I really liked what I saw.

If you are in the area, come on out to the Wealthy Theater. You won't be disappointed, and you will do some good.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Benefit - Grand Rapids, MI
From: Big Mick
Date: 20 May 08 - 11:57 AM

Any of you good folks that have email distribution lists that include West Michigan folks, I would be grateful if you would lend a hand in promoting this fundraiser. Thanks very much.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Benefit - Grand Rapids, MI
From: Big Mick
Date: 26 May 08 - 12:49 AM

The tribute goes on. We will do the benefit. I am going to contact the family and ask them if they want the money sent to the homeless shelter or to them.

Mick

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Benefit - Grand Rapids, MI
From: open mike
Date: 27 May 08 - 12:21 AM

we must carry on....

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Benefit - Grand Rapids, MI
From: Big Mick
Date: 17 Jun 08 - 11:28 PM

So tomorrow is the day.

This is the second of the benefits I am putting on, with help from great friends. The first one had Garnet Rogers, Claudia Schmidt, Peter "Madcat" Ruth, Eleni Kerakos, Chris Buhalis, Len Wallace, and myself, and was hosted by sometimes Mudcatter, Matt Watroba, who is a wonderful singer, hosts "Folk Like Us" and the "Sing Out" national radio show. And more importantly, he is Brendan's dad.

Speaking of Brendan Watroba, I must tell you a great story involving Rick Fielding. He was doing a spot on the stage at The Ark, and Matt put him and Heather up at the Watroba household. They slept in Brendan's (who must have been about 5 or 6 at the time) room. Brendan cleaned up the room, took his toys and such out of the room. Later that evening, at the show, I was talking to Brendan and he was explaining to me how the famous Canadian singer, Rick Fielding, was sleeping in his room and how he had cleanded it. The he said, "..but I left a harmonica on the dresser, just so Mr. Fielding would know that I am a player too." I laughed then, and am chuckling now at the memory of it.

So tomorrow night, Matt and I, Steppin' In It, Rachel Davis, Claudia Schmidt, Chris Buhalis, Seth Bernard & Daisy May Erlewine, and Eric Glatz will do a memorial concert in the historic and restored Wealthy Theater. It is going to be an amazing night of music. If you are in the area, please come on down. For $15.00 you will see a show that you will tell people you were at. The proceeds go to Joanna, Utah's wife. His son, Duncan Phillips, is calling in to speak with the assembled audience, just as his Dad did for us at the Ann Arbor concert.

Several of my friends around the country have sent donations. Thank you for your generosity, and I will send you personal thanks when I get through this concert and the festivals/gigs I have coming up this weekend.

All the best,

Mick

Tomorrow's event

Subject: RE: Utah Phillips Benefit - Grand Rapids, MI
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 12:07 AM

Mick and Eric Glatz have the same birthday....