Brent Howe Memorial event is Jan. 21

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    Three years ago, a local man was killed in a snowmobile accident in western Maine. In his honor, the third annual Brent Howe Memorial Event will be held Saturday, Jan. 21 at the American Legion on Bangor Street in Houlton.
    “We are hosting this event to celebrate the life of my father,” said Howe’s eldest son Jason. “He was a Houlton native and Jan. 21 marks the three-year anniversary since his passing.”
    The first two years, the Howes held dinners near their father’s home in Poland, but this year, they wanted to bring the event closer to his home, with something near to Brent’s heart, music.
    The event will feature three bands — Mellow Endeavor, Ifsixwasnine and Greenhouse — to help raise money for the American Diabetes Foundation. The concert starts at 8 p.m. and goes until midnight.
    “All proceeds benefit the Diabetes Foundation for diabetes research, education and awareness,” said Jason. “We wanted to do something bigger this year, so we thought what better way than to do a concert with bands that are all members of the family.”
    Ifsixwasnine is from the Auburn area and features Howe’s middle son Jared.
    “They are a hard rocking metal band,” Jason added. “Then, my band is Mellow Endeavor. We are an acoustic jamrock trio, which plays a lot of original songs and a few covers, as well.”
    Completing the night will be Greenhouse, formerly known as LIVE MUSIC, with Howe’s nephew Kevin Hogan playing with the Hill brothers, Ryan and Jordan.
    “They play popular cover songs from the decades,” said Jason.
    Also in attendance will be another of Howe’s nephews, Mike Elliot of the “Mike and Mike” show on Bangor’s KISS 94.5 radio station.
    “He will the our guest emcee for the evening,” Jason said. “There will also be guest appearances from several other local musicians.”
    Rick Spellman and friends will play from 8-9 p.m., followed by Mellow Endeavor from 9:30-10:30 p.m.; Greenhouse from 11 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Ifsixwasnine will finish from 12-1 a.m.
    Tyler Hutchinson will also be playing solo acoustic music in-between sets, explained Jason.
    In the last two years, nearly $2,500 has been raised by the Howe family and since Brent was diabetic, the family has supported the American Diabetes Foundation.
    The American Legion Post has a capacity restriction, so only 125 tickets will be available. Tickets are $10 and include entry for door prizes to be given out.
    “For anyone who can’t make it to the event, we are selling raffle tickets for the door prizes that are also $10 each,” Jason said.
    For those looking for tickets or to simply donate, e-mail Jason Howe at mellowendeavor@yahoo.com or call 521-0287. Donations may also be sent by mail to PO Box 1284, Houlton, ME 04730.