02/20/2026
Dear Friends of the Honest Brook Music Festival,
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our Artistic Director and Co-Founder, Michael Cannon, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7.
We are heartbroken by this loss. Michael was the soul of the festival — a visionary artist, a generous collaborator, and a guiding force whose passion for music and community shaped everything we do. His influence will be felt for years to come, not only through his own performances and teaching but through the musicians he inspired and mentored, and by all of us who have attended the truly magical performances in the big red barn.
While we mourn deeply, we want to share that the Honest Brook Music Festival will continue. This summer 2026 Season will be a wonderful celebration of music making. We invite you to see our newly designed website which includes performance dates, artist bios, how to purchase tickets and donate to the festival. We look forward to many exciting seasons ahead, celebrating music, community, and the enduring legacy Michael leaves with us.
Michael’s obituary and information on his memorial service will be posted on the website: https://www.hbmf.org/. We invite all to attend as we remember and celebrate his life.
Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey and for holding Michael, his family, and our festival community in your thoughts during this time. We look forward to seeing you this summer.
