All of us at Dunegrass are deeply saddened by the passing of Mike Vanderberg. We would like to invite you to join with us in remember a man who meant so much to Dunegrass, Empire and so many.

On Sunday (September 30, 2007) there will be a celebration honoring the memory of Empire resident and Sleeping Bear Dunegrass & Blues Festival founder Mike Vanderberg.

The daylong event features live music at Johnson Park from noon - 10 PM from Dunegrass regulars including 3rd Coast, Cabin Fever, The Corvairs, Song of the Lakes, Beach Bards, The Wranglers, The Jelly Roll Blues Band, and more (no glass bottles please). There will also be kids games, a raffle and silent auction at the park and community potluck from 2 PM until it's gone (main dish provided).

You can make a donation at ANY Huntington Bank under "The Michael Vanderberg Family Fund" and for questions or to volunteer call 231.313.3474.

The Glen Arbor Sun (who provided the photo) has an article on the celebration and also a nice memorial piece by F. Josephine Arrowood called Mike Vanderberg: Free Thinker, Anarchist, Village Anchor - both of which you'll appreciate if you knew Mike … or even if you didn't.