The Ric VanWeelden Music Fund

To have known Ric VanWeelden is to remember his passion and support of music of all kinds, his contagious smile and his kind heart. When we think of Ric, we can't help but think of music - it was a gift he shared with all.

While collecting thoughts and memories from those who love Ric, the obvious common thread that ties us all together is our love of music. The adjectives that were shared over and over to describe Ric were:

Kind. Genuine. Compassionate. Talented. Generous. Humble. 

These are just a few of the collections of notes that make up the beautiful melody that was Ric VanWeelden. 

It is the goal of The Ric VanWeelden Music Fund to carry on his passion in a way that honors his memory. With Ric’s name as inspiration, in a mission that would have touched his heart deeply, we have brought together an amazing group of music lovers who are committed to supporting music everywhere, for everyone. 

In the spirit of “music everywhere, for everyone” the Ric VanWeelden Music Fund is excited to announce the Grand Haven Free Fridays, a free summer concert series for our community and visitors. This FREE concert series will highlight our Michigan-rooted talent while bringing together the arts (music), small businesses, nonprofits, and the community.  

With your support, we intend to continue Ric’s passion for music by sponsoring the  Walk the Beat music festivals, providing music scholarships for our youth, and sponsoring other community-based music events, including “Grand Haven Free Fridays. 

Let’s do this together, as we are all of similar resonance, the desire to share the one thing that can unite us - music. So let’s compose this together, each of us as a note, a verse, or a chorus in a song that honors our friend Ric VanWeelden. 

music everywhere, for everyone.