By Gracey murphy
Even as a harmonious soul passes, its love for music carries on, keeping the legacy moving forward.
In 2009, Brian Cretzmeyer passed away from cancer at the age of 29. Cretzmeyer — who played piano for 25 of those 29 years — developed a deep love for music at a young age, a love that would serve to define his life and, eventually, his legacy.
Four years ago, the Brian Cretzmeyer Trust for Young Musicians was created in his honor, to provide money for other aspiring aficionados to learn music.
“In kind of a wake of [his death], my family — and my parents largely — decided to create a legacy, which is the Brian Creztmeyer Trust for Young Musicians,” brother Matt Cretzmeyer said.
To raise money for the trust, the Cretzmeyer family thought of having a one-day music festival in Iowa City — Brian Fest. They originally found musicians through Cretzmeyer’s immediate network of friends and colleagues, but as the fourth year approached, they needed to expand their search and find other bands to represent the trust.
Jim Kirkendall, an acoustic musician who has played at Brian Fest the last two years, said he loves the atmosphere and attitude of the people involved.
“Any cause can be supported by music,” he said, “It’s nice to know that it can be a crucial part in raising interest awareness.”
Planning and running the event require diligent work and dozens of hours. After this year’s festival wraps up, the family will get right back to it and begin organizing next year’s show in August or September.
“I’m always kind of surprised by the work that does go into it,” Matt Cretzmeyer said. “There are a lot of great people we know to help which makes it easier and fun. We have a lot of work, but we have an immense amount of help from family and friends.”
The entire Cretzmeyer clan helps arrange the commemoration. Aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters, boyfriends, and girlfriends all meet on a regular basis to prepare for the show.
This year, the Cretzmeyers have enlisted many talented bands: Preucil School of Music, Otar and Friends, Kirkendall, Steve Gingerich, In the Attic, Otar and Friends, No More Honey, Dave Zollo and the Body Electric. Half of thebands will perform on the Pedestrian Mall, while the other half will perform in the evening at the Yacht Club, 13 S. Linn St.
Kirkendall will stray from his normal performance style and instead opt to play his 12-string guitar at the Yacht Club that evening. While retaining the same strings a six-string guitar, the 12-string’s sound is fuller, and the strings are an octave apart in the highest eight strings.
In his performance, Kirkendall looks forward to seeing old friends from Iowa City and witnessing the camaraderie of like-minded people coming together.
“I think [local residents] should attend the event, because the arts are an extreme part of the event,” he said,” It’s the enrichment of the community — and you can buy a nifty hat.”
This is the third year for Brian Fest, though this year is unique because performances are on the Ped Mall and at the Yacht Club.
“[Brian] was the most gifted musician in our family by far. Music was instilled in all of us at a young age, but he just ran with it,” Matt Cretzmeyer said, “He inspired all of us and everyone who heard him play.”
MUSIC
WHERE: Pedestrian Mall and Yacht Club, 13 S. Linn
WHEN: Saturday, 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
COST: $10