Andy became sick in 2011, we decided to skip Pondstock for the year.  He passed away Spring 2012 from a brain tumor.  He is loved and missed by many many friends.

 

For PS 2012, we set up a memorial fund with the Rock and Roll hall of fame.

Andy Baecker was a person like no other.  His friendly and engaging personality; genuine character and kindness; and passionate, positive outlook on life helped make the world a better place.   Anyone who knew Andy would emphatically agree.

 

Andy along with a few friends founded Pondstock eleven years ago.  From our kickoff event in 2001 to our most recent gathering in 2010, Andy played a huge role toward making every Pondstock a resounding success.   Whether Andy tended to the seafood boil; helped set up and tear down the stage, lighting, and sound equipment; cleaned up the huge mess on Sunday morning; or handled the myriad of chores associated with hosting and entertaining the estimated two thousand people who attended Pondstock over the years, he did so with the most extreme enthusiasm and excitement imaginable.  Pondstock won’t be the same without him.

 

Andy was also passionate about music.  He treasured his electric and acoustic guitars and played them at every opportunity.  Jam sessions with friends almost always turned into “all nighters.”   Writing and recording his original songs was nerve wracking but totally worthwhile after all was said and done.  And playing rhythm guitar with the Roiling Boilers at Pondstock was frosting on the cake.

 

Recognizing Andy’s passion for life and music, we want to remember him in a special way by making a group contribution in Andy’s name to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s Annual Fund.  Our contribution will help preserve the legacy of the music that served as a soundtrack to Andy’s life -- and all of our lives – by helping support the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s unique and dynamic exhibitions, award-winning music education programs, and variety of exciting public performances.

 

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum contains the largest collections of rock and roll artifacts, memorabilia, and archives in the world.  Its collections and exhibits represent nearly every era in the ongoing evolution of popular music, from Elvis Presley to Elvis Costello; Bob Marley to Bob Dylan;  John Lennon to John Mayer; the Jackson 5 to U2.  In addition to being the home of the world’s best collection of rock and roll artifacts, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a leader through its vibrant and diverse music education programs that reinforce the importance of the art form and its place in history.

 

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum enlightens and educates hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.  As an educational institution, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum faces the same challenges that other non-profits do; it cannot rely solely on admission revenue and store sales to remain on a sustainable financial footing. Donors provide the critical support needed for the museum’s operations, its one-of-a-kind exhibits, its extraordinary educational and community programming, and an enhanced visitor experience.

 

If we’re able to raise $1,000 or more, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will commemorate Andy on both the Museum’s Donor Wall and with a commemorative brick in the plaza in front of the Museum.  And most importantly, our group donation will help the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame continue to educate visitors, fans and scholars from around the world about the history and continuing significance of rock and roll music.

 

Let’s put Andy in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Your generous contribution will help Andy, rock and roll, and Pondstock live forever.

 

Pondstock