9-30-2005
The show started at 7:30pm with Mark Wilcox MC-ing. Over 100 tickets were sold and more than $700 was raised. U.P. Cares learned a lot about putting on such an event and found it both humbling and educational. The music was great!

Variance started the evening out with their unique, energy filled blend of raggae-fusion; a tasteful combination of textures and mood. Bob Hiltunen's soulfull lead work and vocals, Ray Francis' tight guitar and vibrant voice, Mark Olson's wonder of thunder bass and Chris Papke's excellent execution of percussion were an exciting start for the show.

J.D.R. came on next to entertain with their thrust on the edge of intelligent punk. A sound driven by Clint Kyro's drums and Josh Hendrickson's bass; highlighted with Chris Quave's interestingly twisted, U2-like guitar patterns; filled in with Scott Skatarczyk's softening keyboard/synth articulations. Marie Norton's backing vocals added an ethereal-ness to the overall tone.

After intermission, Jan Arnold and Oren Tikkanen took the stage to delight the audience with angelic vocalizations of some popular favorites and a couple of original pieces that Jan wrote. Jan's smooth, rhythm guitar plectrum was wonderfully augmented by Oren's magical mandolin picking.

The Erik Koskinen Band wrapped up the evening with Erik's special blend of home-rolled blues. As Greg Wright kept time and shot out hot, accented percussion, Jeremy Eckerman solidified the rhythm section with his fabulously rounded bottom end bass. Trading guitar licks with Erik was Mike Labeau, who stood out with blues licks that "took you there". Erik's blues will go on for some time to come.

Kelly Thomas, Melissa Hitchcock and the Rozsa stage and house staff did an excellent and highly professional job in their endeavors for the show. A special "hat's off" to Chris Plummer for handling the recording up in his studio and Justin Plicht for video taping the show.

As this was being written, the video editing has been started and the audio edit will be started in a couple of days. Stay tuned for updates on the edits and availability of the CD's and DVD's.

U.P. Cares thanks everyone for their part in making this show happen.

Next, we will begin the Compilation CD!

9-15-2005
The Benefit Show starts at 7:30 pm and tickets are on sale now. Before the show, tickets ar $8.00 and on the day of the show they will be $10.00 and are available at the Rozsa Center ticket office and on line at Performing Arts Online Ticket Sales.

9-13-2005
Along with Jan Arnold, The Eric Koskinen Band, Variance and JDR will be performing at the benefit show on September 28 at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts.

U.P. Cares still seeks other musicians/bands and/or performers who want to be recorded for a compilation CD.
(scroll down for contact info)

9-8-2005
The Benefit Show will take place at MTU's Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts on September 28th. Jan Arnold will be one of the performers at this show. The time is yet to be determined.

9-2-2005
U. P. Cares is an organization created in the Keweenaw Peninsula to provide relief to the victims of hurricane Katrina on the Gulf coast of Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama.

This site exists to facilitate the organization of this effort as coordinated from the Keweenaw peninsula of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. We are seeking the assistance of any and all who feel led to do so. This main page contains the links to the primary assitance channels both local and national, as well as to those who are responsible for the organization of this effort.

John Schneiderhan, Charles Yahn and Mark Davis are the administrators and organizers of this effort. We admit and take responsibilty for this effort because we recognize the need at hand.

We are currently looking for Keweenaw area musicians, performers, stage hands and/or technicians to assemble a benefit for the victims of hurricane Katrina. If you would like to help, please contact:

Charlie - 906- 483-3949 ~ or ~ Mark - 906-337-1916
~ or ~ John - 906-369-0125