He lives in Clarkston- yet Craig Carrick travels to Northern Michigan to participate in the annual Nor-East’r Music & Arts Festival, where he makes peoples dreams come true.
Carrick has a love for music. He grew up with the love and stays involved in music in any way.
Carrick stumbled across the music festival in Mio, Michigan in 2003 and offered his hand. With just days before the festival starts, what could Carrick do?
Wanting to become involved, the Clarkston man suggested he give away free guitars. The coordinators loved the idea and he has been faithful to this festival ever since.
‘I raise money here in Clarkston to buy the guitars for kids at the festival,? Carrick said. ‘That is what sets this festival apart from the others.?
The guitars are from Gettin Picky Guitar in Howard City, where Carrick has an arrangement with the owner and buys the guitars at cost.
Carrick’s selling techniques to raise money are definitely working. He prints ads, sends letters and asks people to help.
The festival brings participants from all over. The three day long events offers good music, art, food, camping and drinks. Attendees also find a blacksmith, a man who makes homemade soap and plenty of great people. There are clog dancers, workshops, and plays and stories.
‘I love the people,? Carrick said. ‘The people are very accepting of different styles of music, and these are people you don’t come across everyday.?
Carrick’s method for choosing the children who recieve a guitar is simple: he seeks sincerity. Through interviews, Carrick and his family narrow down the top applicants to recieve the donation.
The people who participate in the interviews have a strong interest in music and arts. With each guitar comes strings, picks, case and a how-to video.
If that’s not enough, Woodstock legend Ritchie Havens signed all ten of the guitars this year.
Carrick’s main purpose is to help children fullfull their musical dreams. Some people can’t participate with music or instruments for a number of reasons, so Carrick just hopes to help these children express themselves through music.
‘The reason I’m involved is because I enjoy playing music with friends and family,? said Carrick. ‘I wish everyone has a chance to try it out so that is why I hand out guitars.?
The Nor-East’r Music & Arts Festival takes place June 10, 11 and 12. Tickets are $50 per person. For further information, call 248- 394-0113.