Rockford IL

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Solar panel benefit concert features folk legend Mark Dvorak and Rockford songwriter Emily Hurd

Staff Report

Chicago troubadour Mark Dvorak will headline a 10 act cast of northern Illinois musicians and performers who will gather for a concert to benefit Just Goods Fair Trade Marketplace in Rockford. The event will take place at Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Road, on Sunday, November 8 from 3:00 pm - 6:15 pm. The concert is free and open to the public, but donations will be accepted. The Illinois Energy Council will match $2 for every $1 donated.

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Just Goods is Rockford’s non-profit fair trade store, started by Rockford Urban Ministries in 2006. The organization promotes ecologically and socially responsible commercial trade, offering merchandise from twenty-five different countries around the globe. Just Goods’ Listening Room presents acoustic music each Friday evening.

Proceeds earned at the event will go towards the purchase of solar panels for the 201 7th Street building which houses Just Goods in the Midtown District. The building is owned by Lee and Char Schreiner of Rockford.

“I know of no poeple who have given more generously and effectively to our community than Lee and Char,” said Ron Holm, who is a local singer, musician and music director for Just Goods. “We’re thrilled with the response we’ve had so far,” he said. “I wish there was time and space to present everyone who offered to donate their performance. It will be a momentous gathering and a musical high point. The solar panels will save Just Goods a significant amount on their yearly energy bill. We’re especially thrilled to be able to give something back,” he said.

Along with Dvorak and Hurd, the concert will also feature local jazz sensation Dorothy Paige-Turner, performances by her Readers Theatre, Ron Holm & Jannie Nelson performing as Trinadora, folk artist Lee Murdock, harmonica wizard Justin Gates, guitarist Macyn Taylor, and Bruce Wallace of Truman’s Ridge. The program will conclude with a sing along hootenanny led by Dvorak.

For more information call Spring Creek Church at 815 877 2576 or organizer Ron Holm at 815 979 1949. You can also visit Spring Creek UCC at www.springcreekucc.org and Just Goods at www.justgoods.info.


Stay in touch • markdvorakinfo@gmail.com • PO Box 181 • Brookfield IL 60513 • 312 315 4273