Local musicians, former bandmates, and friends of Andy Immel will host the second annual GooseFest on Saturday, Jan. 12 at Les N Jim’s Lincoln Lanes in Merrill. All money raised will be donated to the Wausau Conservatory of Music, a non-profit music school with the mission of transforming the lives of students through access to high quality music education in central Wisconsin.
Andy “Goose” Immel lost his life in a tragic car accident on April 6, 2017, leaving behind a daughter and fiancé. Andy was an avid guitar player and multi-instrumentalist playing in several bands throughout the state of Wisconsin, including A Break in the Storm. He also enjoyed motorcycling and four wheeling, skateboarding, and of course listening to music. Andy’s greatest joy, however, came from being a loving father to his daughter, Emma Grace.
“Like many of us, Andy found comfort and acceptance in the local music scene,” explains event co-organizer Ben Lee. “It felt like a place where we could truly be ourselves. Andy would spend hours practicing, writing and performing. He was a true master of his craft and it was an honor to not only be his friend for many years, but to be a part of writing sessions with him, working on the songs that would eventually become ‘A Break in the Storm.’ He was having fun and doing exactly what he set out to do.
“Join us for a night of music and drinks as we celebrate the life and memory of our friend Andy Immel in the only way we know how, music & guitars! We couldn’t think of a better way to honor Andy than to raise money for kids seeking to inspire their lives through music, as many of us have.”
A suggested $5 donation is asked at the door. The Conservatory will be primarily using the funds to provide financial assistance to enrollees in the Rock & Roll Summer Camp as well as providing financial assistance to those seeking Rock & Roll music lessons, all in the name of Andy Immel.