Porkies Music Fest Receives PMOA-CVB Sponsorship
Officers of the Porcupine Mountain Ontonagon Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, (R to L) Josh Scott, Anthony Basler, and Jeni Varecha (far L) present the organization’s ceremonial funds check to Cheryl Sundberg, accepting on behalf of the Porcupine Mountains Music Festival, presented by the Friends of the Porkies.
Officers of the Porcupine Mountain Ontonagon Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (PMOA-CVB) Josh Scott, President; Anthony Basler, Vice President; and Jeni Varecha, Secretary; recently met with Cheryl Sundberg, Director of the Porcupine Mountains Music Festival to present the PMOA-CVB’s 2024 sponsorship commitment to the music festival. In keeping with a musical theme, the presentation took place at Brad’s Guitars, (located in the basement of the Nonesuch Gallery Gift Shop) in Ontonagon. The music festival is presented by the Friends of the Porkies and the PMOA-CVB sponsorship funds will be used to fund the on-site shuttle bus service and for marketing the festival in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
“We are delighted to support such a prestigious event that promotes music and cultural diversity in the region,” said Scott, “We hope this sponsorship will make a difference and enhance the visitors’ experience.”
The music festival attracts performing artists and music enthusiasts from all across the country. With a variety of genres, the festival has something for everyone, and includes renowned artists and emerging talents. “The music festival is an annual opportunity for people to come together, enjoy good music, and celebrate the rich culture of our region,” said Sundberg, adding, “This sponsorship support is appreciated and makes all the difference with the rising costs and challenges of production, we are beyond grateful.”
For information on the 18th Porcupine Mountains Music Festival, presented by the Friends of the Porkies to be held August 23rd and 24th visit porkiesfestival.org
Visit the PMOA-CVB’s website at porcupineup.com for information from its lodging members, along with maps, area attractions and more.
Friends of the Porkies Receive Grant Funding from MACC
The Friends of the Porkies have been awarded a grant of $18,000 from the State of Michigan Arts and Cultural Council (MACC) for the 18th Porcupine Mountains Music Festival, scheduled for August 23 & 24, 2024. The grant was awarded through the MACC peer review process and was one of 711 applications to compete for MACC fiscal year 2024 funding.
Organizations receiving a MACC grant award are required to match those funds with other public and private dollars. Local support of the project includes festival sponsors and program guide advertisers, along with private donations and ticket purchases. The music festival also receives significant volunteer support from the community. A small core group of individuals volunteer year-round in the planning stages and, throughout the 2-day event, over one hundred volunteers are utilized.
The Porcupine Mountains Music Festival, presented by The Friends of the Porkies, is held at the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park’s Winter Sports Complex. Ontonagon County, being a geographically remote and underserved region, benefits from this multi-genre festival that brings to the area a diverse lineup of regional, national, and international acts.
The MACC peer review process allows for each grant application to be competitively considered by a panel of in-state and out-of-state arts and culture professionals. This ensures the taxpayers, who support this project through legislative appropriations, and all other visitors or residents in Michigan will have access to the highest quality arts and cultural experiences.
A complete list of grant awards around the state is available by contacting MACC at (517) 241-4011, or by visiting the MACC website michigan.gov/arts.
