Save the Wild UP to launch concert series with "For the Love of Land" event Feb. 16

MARQUETTE --  Save the Wild U.P. (SWUP) is launching a new concert series, "For the Love of Land." The first concert will debut at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Women’s Federated Clubhouse in Marquette. Munising-based pianist Charles Neville will perform stunning original scores inspired by birdsong, and local group The Door Cats will sing harmonized love songs dedicated to the great northwoods. Tickets are $14 in advance and can be purchased at savethewildup.org.

Over two dozen local businesses and artists are sponsoring this event with Save the Wild U.P. to provide free door prizes and a silent auction, including artists' work, to raise funds for SWUP’s new programs. A tempting array of hors d'oeuvres, beverages, and wine will be served.

"This is an excellent opportunity to show your love for the wild U.P. while helping fund our outreach and education so we can continue to expand across the U.P.," says SWUP President Margaret Comfort. "Meanwhile, our 'For the Love of Land' concert series is a great way for us at Save the Wild U.P. to show our support for the community we love so much, including the local businesses who contribute sustainable jobs while adding to our unique culture."

Executive Director Alexandra Thebert will introduce SWUP’s 2013 new programming.  Thebert, a third generation Yooper, who joined SWUP at the beginning of the year after returning to the area, was featured recently on Doug Garrison's show. She spoke about SWUP's new online outreach, coming photo contest and "Keeeping it Wild" campaign as well as this Feb. 16 event.*

"It’s already proving to be an exciting year with many talks, contests, and outdoor events planned," Thebert says, "but you’ll have to come out on the 16th to hear more!"

Just today, on Facebook, Thebert reported tickets are close to being sold out. It's best to buy them on line at savethewildup.org.

"We are thrilled by this outpouring of community support," says SWUP Vice President Kathleen Heideman. "Between our local business sponsors and artists, we have dozens of prizes and silent auction items from across the U.P. including gift certificates, growlers, pottery, paintings, books, and more. There will truly be something for everyone."

Save the Wild U.P. would like to thank the following sponsors:
Dead River Coffee, Fly By Night Ice Cream, Joy Center, Huron Earth Deli, Snowbound Books, Everyday Wines, Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve, Super One Foods in Negaunee, Marquette Food Co-Op, Tadych’s Econofoods, Blackrocks Brewery, Switchback Gear Exchange And Outfitter, Smokehouse Glenn’s Northern Meats, Keweenaw Gold Honey, Irontown Pasties, Huron Mountain Bakery, Ore Dock Brewery, Sweet Water Cafe, Crazy Joe’s Salsa (L’Anse, Mich.), SoulsShine (Hudson, Wis.)

Save the Wild U.P. is a grassroots environmental organization dedicated to the preservation of the Upper Peninsula’s unique cultural and natural resources. For more information, email info@savethewildup.org, call (906) 228-4444 or visit their Web site:
savethewildup.org.

* Click here to see Doug Garrison's interview with Alexandra Thebert on YouTube (from about 3 min. 50 sec. into the program to about 10 minutes).