GATHERING OF THE VIBES LOSES ITS VOICE

On Monday, January 10, 2011, the Gathering of
the Vibes festival lost its crowd-rallying, on-stage “Voice
of the Vibes,” Co-M.C. Michael J. Potashnick. The news of his sudden passing sent ripples throughout the
New England arts and music community. A beloved friend to countless people, the spirit and memories of Michael J.
Potashnick will not fade away.

Organizers have announced that two gatherings will take place to honor and celebrate the life of the 52-year-old
producer who died from pneumonia. The first gathering, organized by the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival, will
take place Sunday, February 13 from 2-5 p.m. at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, 153 Main Street,
Burlington, VT. Friends and family are invited to join together for an afternoon of storytelling, remembrance and
celebration. Click here
to RSVP to the Burlington, VT event.

Hosted by Gathering of the Vibes, the second celebration will take place Sunday, February 20 on the campus of the
University of Bridgeport’s Arnold Bernard Center from 3-9 p.m. The Bridgeport gathering will include live music and
dedications by some of Michael’s favorite artists.

Those planning to attend the Bridgeport, CT event are requested to RSVP via the “Michael Potashnick Celebration”
Facebook page by
clicking here. Those
wanting to make contributions in Michael’s memory are asked to kindly donate to his favorite charities: The United
Way and the SoNo Arts Festival in Norwalk, CT.

Though Michael had been involved with Gathering of the Vibes every year since its inception in 1997, he also was
like family to much of the New England arts and music community. He was an integral part of the Lake Champlain
Maritime Festival, the SoNo Arts Celebration, Bridgeport’s Polka Dot Playhouse, Burlington Discover Jazz Festival,
Burlington’s Flynn Center for the Performing Arts and the All Good Music Festival in West Virginia.

“Michael was family,” said Ken Hays, founder of the Vibes. “He exemplified what the Vibes means to so
many, reminding us from his spot on center-stage of the love we have to offer each other, and that through music,
we can truly see the light that brings harmony and balance to the world. We will miss him tremendously.”

Those who would like to contribute stories and photos to Michael Potashnick’s memorial services are asked to
submit medium/high-resolution photographs (preferably in JPEG format) and stories (1-2 paragraphs) through a special memorial
website, or email them directly
to mjpmemories@gmail.com.