Up on a Hill Music Festival Launches in New Buffalo, Supporting Local Nonprofits

Heat‑soaked but hearts warmed, the first Up on a Hill Music Festival kicked off on September 2 at the Apple Blossom Resort in New Buffalo, Michigan. Chicago‑based singer‑songwriter Elizabeth Moen and her band drew a crowd that braved a summer‑like blaze, setting the tone for the event’s three‑show run that will benefit three Southwest Michigan nonprofits.

Moen opened with the track “Cedar Rapids,” a nod to her hometown of 800 residents in Iowa. “Thank you so much for being here today, braving the heat,” she said. “And shout‑out to my bandmates for braving the heat with me. We’re from Chicago. This first song is called Cedar Rapids. I’m originally from a very small town of about 800 people named Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Go Hawks!” The relaxed folk‑rock set matched the resort’s lakeside backdrop and eased the audience into the evening.

The festival’s three dates—September 2, 16, and 30—are designed to raise funds for Neighbor by Neighbor, the Dune Coast Cares Foundation, and the New Buffalo Community Education Foundation. Neighbor by Neighbor provides food assistance, temporary housing, and supportive services to seniors and families in Southwest Berrien County. The Dune Coast Cares Foundation, the charitable arm of Dune Coast Baseball, invests in scholarships and community initiatives for students and educators. The Community Education Foundation supports scholarships, STEAM programs, and facility improvements for local schools.

According to Up on a Hill organizers, the event is built around a simple idea: when music, place, and purpose come together, everyone benefits. Neighbor by Neighbor Executive Director Bob Murphy credited Dave Ball and Dwell Vacations’ Jorge and Meg Alvarez for helping make the festival possible. “I’ve been telling people for months, this place is amazing. And if you haven’t been here before, now you know what I’m talking about. So this is all about music, place and purpose,” Murphy said. He also noted that proceeds will return directly to the community and thanked sponsors, including Indiana Michigan Power, The Neighborhood Hotel, and Journeyman Distillery.

Apple Blossom Resort, a luxury property operated by Dwell Vacations, provides the festival’s backdrop. The 18‑acre estate features multiple homes and extensive outdoor spaces, allowing for both seated performances and intimate gathering areas. Dwell Vacations’ involvement underscores the partnership between hospitality and music, a model that has been used by other regional festivals to attract visitors while supporting local economies.

Music curation was handled by Erik Hall, an acclaimed composer who has worked on Lollapalooza and Coachella. “Eric spent an enormous amount of time finding just the right people that would fit the vibe we were looking for,” Murphy added. Hall’s selections aimed to reflect the festival’s regional focus and the intimate atmosphere of Apple Blossom Resort.

The September 2 event featured a live and silent auction. Live auctioneer Dave Meyers and Stacy Hirschy led the bidding, offering experiences such as an evening with Chef Abra Berens, a private Mahjong lesson, a seven‑night escape to Isla Mujeres, a three‑night stay at one of Dwell Vacations’ New Buffalo, Union Pier, or Berrien Springs homes, a day on Lake Michigan aboard a 35‑foot cruiser yacht, and golfing trips to Lost Dunes and Chikaming Country Club. The auction was designed to complement the festival’s mission by pairing local hospitality with community‑benefiting proceeds.

The second concert on September 16 will be headlined by Big Sadie, while the finale on September 30 will feature Liam Kazar. Organizers envision Up on a Hill becoming an annual destination event that attracts visitors from across the Midwest, supports local nonprofits, encourages tourism, showcases regional artists, and celebrates Southwest Michigan’s character.

At present, the festival has completed its first show and secured the next two dates. The Apple Blossom Resort will continue to host the concerts, and the festival’s partnership with Dwell Vacations and local sponsors remains in place. The next headline acts and full lineups will be announced in the coming weeks as the festival moves toward its goal of becoming a staple of the regional music calendar.