February 23, 2008: Free "Songs of the...

Help support nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute Projects

"Hurricane" David McChesney gives a winning performance in August 2008 at the Yellow Pine Harmonica Contest in central Idaho where he placed first in the adult division of the festival that draws up to 3,000 people annually. Dubbed the “harmonica capital of the western world,” the festival is the largest of its kind in the world, according to the festival website. (Photo by Carolyn Jean)

(Marquette, Michigan) - National harmonica champion "Hurricane" David McChesney and folk singer Michael Waite will perform at a free candlelight benefit concert on February 23 for the non-profit Cedar Tree Institute.

Everyone is invited to attend the 7 p.m. "Songs of the Earth" concert this Monday at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette.

Twice named one of the 15 hardest working non-profits in America by World Magazine, the Cedar Tree Institute (CTI) was founded in 2004.

"To show respect and honor the environment 100 votive candles will be glowing during the concert," said Rev. Jon Magnuson, the co-founder of the Earth Keeper Initiative and CTI director.

Best-known for its interfaith and youth-related environmental projects, the CTI founded the Great Lakes Earth Healing Initiative, the Zaagkii Wings and Seeds Project involving teens and Native American youth protecting pollinators and the Manoomin Project that is restoring wild rice across the central U.P. Other CTI efforts include the Janus Project for hospice workers.

A songwriter from Joshua Tree, California, McChesney has played the harmonica for nearly four decades and performs under the name "Hurricane" David. An avid wildlife photographer, McChesney recently published the book "Muir Roots: At One with the Wild," a collection of 176 color images and various tales about his adventures in the wilderness including the Galapagos Islands.

The son of a gourmet cook and an English professor from Milwaukee, Waite has always lived in the U.P. Waite, who plays guitar, and two friends recorded the 2007 album "Let it Go."

Waite said he will play some ballads and original songs about a "stark winter" that were inspired by his home in the forest near Halfway Location between Marquette and Big Bay.

Both performers said they are helping to raise funds for the CTI because of its dedication to protecting the environment.

"Taking care of the earth and what's around us is part of living on the Earth," Waite said. "What ever you do you should include that as part of your work."

McChesney, who lives near the Joshua Tree National Park, said "everything I have done has been nature and wildlife oriented."

"I have been an environmentalist for years and years," McChesney said. "My home is a wildlife sanctuary with 95 species of birds, bobcats on the roof, coyotes in the yard and roadrunners looking through the window."

There is no charge to attend however donations are welcome.

For more information call 906-228-5494

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