Blab Music
Up On A Hill Festival Opens with Elizabeth Moen, Raising Funds for Southwest Michigan Nonprofits
On a sweltering September morning, Apple Blossom Resort in New Buffalo, Michigan, came alive with the warm strains of Chicago singer‑songwriter Elizabeth Moen, kicking off the Up On A Hill Music Festival series. The private estate’s rolling lawns and waterfront views provided a picturesque backdrop for Moen and her band as they welcomed a crowd that had braved the heat.
Moen launched the evening with “Cedar Rapids,” a nod to her Iowa hometown. She thanked the audience for their endurance and gave a shout‑out to her bandmates, setting an intimate tone that echoed the festival’s community‑focused ethos.
The inaugural night was the first of a three‑show run scheduled for September 2, 16 and 30. Big Sadie is slated to headline the mid‑series date on the 16th, while Liam Kazar will close the festival on the 30th, promising a varied line‑up for regional fans.
Up On A Hill’s core mission is to raise money for three Southwest Michigan nonprofits: Neighbor by Neighbor, the Dune Coast Cares Foundation and the New Buffalo Community Education Foundation. Neighbor by Neighbor delivers food assistance, temporary housing and supportive services to seniors, families and vulnerable residents in Southwest Berrien County. The Dune Coast Cares Foundation, the charitable arm of Dune Coast Baseball, funds scholarships and community projects for students and families. The New Buffalo Community Education Foundation supports scholarships, STEAM education and facility improvements for local schools.
The festival’s venue credit goes to Dwell Vacations, whose Apple Blossom Resort blends music, hospitality and the natural beauty of Harbor Country into a distinctive guest experience. Organizers see the event as an annual destination that will draw visitors from across the Midwest, boost tourism, showcase regional artists and celebrate Southwest Michigan’s character.
A live and silent auction, organized by Dave Meyers and Stacy Hirschy, punctuated the first night. Bidders vied for a chef‑Abra Berens cooking demonstration followed by a five‑course dinner, a private two‑hour Mahjong 101 lesson for up to eight people, a seven‑night island escape on Isla Mujeres, three‑night stays at one of Dwell Vacations’ New Buffalo, Union Pier or Berrien Springs properties, a day on Lake Michigan aboard a 35‑foot cruiser yacht, and golfing experiences at Lost Dunes and Chikaming Country Club.
Sponsors include Indiana Michigan Power, The Neighborhood Hotel and Journeyman Distillery. Neighbor by Neighbor Executive Director Bob Murphy thanked Dave Ball and Dwell Vacations’ Jorge and Meg Alvarez for their support, emphasizing that the festival’s success hinges on music, place and purpose.
Erik Hall—musician and composer who has worked on Lollapalooza and Coachella—curated the lineup for Up On A Hill, selecting performers that fit the festival’s vibe.
According to the festival’s website, all proceeds from ticket sales and the auction will go directly to the three nonprofits. Organizers stress that the event will continue to support community services and educational programs. The inaugural concert drew a strong audience, and plans are underway to expand the series in future years, potentially adding more performers and community partners.
As of September 10, 2026, the Up On A Hill festival remains scheduled for its remaining dates, with Big Sadie and Liam Kazar set to headline the upcoming shows. No additional dates beyond September 30 have been announced, and the Apple Blossom Resort remains the venue. The festival’s website continues to provide updates on ticket availability and event details.
Moen launched the evening with “Cedar Rapids,” a nod to her Iowa hometown. She thanked the audience for their endurance and gave a shout‑out to her bandmates, setting an intimate tone that echoed the festival’s community‑focused ethos.
The inaugural night was the first of a three‑show run scheduled for September 2, 16 and 30. Big Sadie is slated to headline the mid‑series date on the 16th, while Liam Kazar will close the festival on the 30th, promising a varied line‑up for regional fans.
Up On A Hill’s core mission is to raise money for three Southwest Michigan nonprofits: Neighbor by Neighbor, the Dune Coast Cares Foundation and the New Buffalo Community Education Foundation. Neighbor by Neighbor delivers food assistance, temporary housing and supportive services to seniors, families and vulnerable residents in Southwest Berrien County. The Dune Coast Cares Foundation, the charitable arm of Dune Coast Baseball, funds scholarships and community projects for students and families. The New Buffalo Community Education Foundation supports scholarships, STEAM education and facility improvements for local schools.
The festival’s venue credit goes to Dwell Vacations, whose Apple Blossom Resort blends music, hospitality and the natural beauty of Harbor Country into a distinctive guest experience. Organizers see the event as an annual destination that will draw visitors from across the Midwest, boost tourism, showcase regional artists and celebrate Southwest Michigan’s character.
A live and silent auction, organized by Dave Meyers and Stacy Hirschy, punctuated the first night. Bidders vied for a chef‑Abra Berens cooking demonstration followed by a five‑course dinner, a private two‑hour Mahjong 101 lesson for up to eight people, a seven‑night island escape on Isla Mujeres, three‑night stays at one of Dwell Vacations’ New Buffalo, Union Pier or Berrien Springs properties, a day on Lake Michigan aboard a 35‑foot cruiser yacht, and golfing experiences at Lost Dunes and Chikaming Country Club.
Sponsors include Indiana Michigan Power, The Neighborhood Hotel and Journeyman Distillery. Neighbor by Neighbor Executive Director Bob Murphy thanked Dave Ball and Dwell Vacations’ Jorge and Meg Alvarez for their support, emphasizing that the festival’s success hinges on music, place and purpose.
Erik Hall—musician and composer who has worked on Lollapalooza and Coachella—curated the lineup for Up On A Hill, selecting performers that fit the festival’s vibe.
According to the festival’s website, all proceeds from ticket sales and the auction will go directly to the three nonprofits. Organizers stress that the event will continue to support community services and educational programs. The inaugural concert drew a strong audience, and plans are underway to expand the series in future years, potentially adding more performers and community partners.
As of September 10, 2026, the Up On A Hill festival remains scheduled for its remaining dates, with Big Sadie and Liam Kazar set to headline the upcoming shows. No additional dates beyond September 30 have been announced, and the Apple Blossom Resort remains the venue. The festival’s website continues to provide updates on ticket availability and event details.
