McChesney, Waite to play benefit concert

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MARQUETTE - National harmonica champion "Hurricane" David McChesney and folk singer Michael Waite will perform at a candlelight benefit concert on Monday for the nonprofit Cedar Tree Institute.

"Songs of the Earth" will be presented at 7 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette. There is no charge to attend, though donations will be accepted.

A songwriter from Joshua Tree, Calif., McChesney has played the harmonica for nearly four decades and performs under the name "Hurricane" David.

An avid wildlife photographer, McChesney recently published "Muir Roots: At One with the Wild," a book that includes 176 color images and tales about his adventures in the wilderness.

Waite is an Upper Peninsula native who plays guitar. He and two friends recorded the 2007 album "Let it Go." He plans to play 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 CTI because of its dedication to protecting the environment.

"To show respect and honor the environment 100 votive candles will be glowing during the concert," said the Rev. Jon Magnuson, 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 youths 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.

For more information, call 228-5494.