2024 was quite a whirlwind. We kicked off the effort to Save The Speakeasy and Bring Johnny Home with a flurry of concerts and other activities. Here is a recap of what we were able to accomplish, with the help of so many great people along the way. Mostly, we have YOU to thank for caring, for giving support to Johnny, for spreading the word, and for reading these newsletters. Without you, we couldn’t have gotten this far.
Protests – Organizers: Barb Ingalls, Tom Haneman, numerous friends that showed in support to loudly and proudly march!
The Ark benefit – Artists: Judy Banker Band, Al Bettis, Chris Buhalis, Dave Boutette & Kristi Davis, Annie & Rod Capps Band, Rochelle Clark, Shari Kane & Dave Steele, Billy King and San & Emily Slomovits, Misty Lyn & the Big Beautiful, Peter Madcat Ruth, The Sidemen, The Dick Siegel Trio, Rollie Tussing Trio, Misty Lyn & the Big Beautiful, The Whiskey Charmers, Wilson Thicket, Chris Buhalis. Backstage and other assistance: Brenda Miller, Angie and Mike Ward, Lauren Crane, Sarah Lee, Lynne Frederickson, Doug Coombe, Charlie Steen, Kristen Lee, The Ark staff and volunteers. Livestream
Manchester Underground benefit – Featuring Carpenter Ants with Larry Groce, Jackson Smith, Jay Lapp, Chris Buhalis & Dave Keeney. Backstage and other assistance: Lauren Crane, Sarah Lee, Fred Ellert, Berkeley, Jonathan Doyle, River Raisin Distillery, Manchester Underground. Livestream
Trinity House benefit – Artists: The Bowdish Brothers, Chris Buhalis, Kitty Donohoe, Bill Edwards, Michelle Held, Hoodang, Ironwood, Jill Jack, Billy King, Jan Krist & Jim Bizer, Kevin Meisel, Bobby Pennock & Dan Hall & Dave Roof, Angela Predhomme & Rochelle Clark, Jamie-Sue Seal, Jo Serrapere & John Devine, Mike Ward, Waynewood Boys. Backstage and other assistance: Angie Ward, Fred Ellert, Kristen Lee, Trinity House Theatre staff and volunteers. Livestream
Chelsea Depot benefit – Artists: Annie Bacon, Lauren Crane, Delta 88, Diamonds in the Rust, Kitty Donohoe, Ed Dupas, Chris Dupont & Kylee Phillips, Terry Farmer, Michelle Held, Mark Jewett, Timothy Monger, Mustard’s Retreat, Rachel Wood, Dave & Elvin Sharp, Jen Sygit and Matt Watroba. Backstage and other assistance: Charlie Steen, Kris Truzzi, Sue McDonald, Tom Haneman, On The Tracks Concert Series
Water Hill benefit – Tyler French, Emily Slomovits and Billy King, Judy Banker Band, Barbara Schmid
Art Fair benefit – Ann Arbor Street Art Fair with Angela Kline Executive Director. Artists: Rochelle Clark, Annie & Rod Capps, Delta 88, The Sidemen, Judy Banker Band, Dick Siegel Trio, Billy King, Hoodang, Mike Ward, Kevin Brown, Stuart Benbow, Joe Kidd & Sheila Burke, Karidia, Kat Steih, Jan Krist & Alan Finnkbeiner, Jim Bizer, Mike Gentry, Lee Kitzman, Dan Hazlett, Maddy Ringo, Steven Gulian, Lynn Frederickson & Jill Baker, Mark Jewett, The Loose Chords, Bob Hausler, Chris McGorey, Wolf Reuter, Kandy Fredrick. Other assistance from Barbara Schmid
News coverage – Ryan Stanton – MLive, John Hilton – Observer, Deb Polich – WEMU Creative Impact, Meredith Bruckner – CBS Detroit, Scott Wolcheck & David Komer – Fox 2 Detroit, Chuck Marshall – Life in Michigan, Scott Vertical – 107.1FM, with on-air event announcements from numerous media friends.
Demolition and Rebuild – Al Benchich, Shannon O’Brien, Nancy Kogelschatz, Chris Buhalis, Jeff Williams, Joe Cesarz, Barbara Schmid, John Newmyer, Bob Martin, Ryan Kresge (Pavement Pounders), Volta Homes, Meadowlark Builders
Courtroom support – Kurt Berggren and numerous friends that showed in support of Johnny at the courthouse. It was amazing for Johnny to have so much in-person support and we thank all of you!
Donations – We’ve received monetary and in-kind donations totalling $59,609 from well over 300 people!! If you didn’t receive a written acknowledgement, it’s only because we don’t have your email address.
*Our apologies to anyone we’ve inadvertently left off this list.