MARQUETTE, MI – (Great Lakes Radio News) – The music and memory of a young man who touched many lives in the Marquette area and around the world will be celebrated at a special event this weekend.
Guitarist and vocalist Sean Costello, who died tragically on the day before his 29th birthday in April 2008, will be the focus of a musical tribute and bipolar disorder fundraiser on Sunday, May 20th from 3:00pm-10:00pm at the UpFront & Company in Marquette, MI.
Event organizer Tom Hyslop stopped in at the Sunny Studios this morning to promote the event. According to Hyslop, Costello performed seven times in Marquette, including at the 2005 Marquette Area Blues Fest, and lived with the condition of bipolar disorder, but kept it hidden to all but those closest to him.
Costello had just released his fifth CD, “We Can Get Together” to popular and critical acclaim when an accidental overdose – an alternative to disagreeable medical treatments for his bipolar diagnosis – took his life.
His parents, Debbie and Glenn Smith, soon created the Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research. The fund raises money for research and treatment of bipolar disorder, develops and supports education for early diagnosis and intervention, and translates the human side of bipolar disorder and its severity to improve outcomes and resources, especially for those without insurance, such as musicians and artists.
Sunday’s event will feature live music, a silent auction, offer T-shirts and CDs for sale, and present information on bipolar disorder and the work of the Sean Costello Fund.
Musical performers include the Flat Broke Blues Band and Travis & The St. Lous. Confirmed as headliner is Billy Flynn, one of America’s most talented and respected roots music guitarists.
A $10 donation is requested at the door. All proceeds will support the Sean Costello Memorial Fund For Bi-Polar Research.
To listen to the interview with Tom, please click on the audio link below:
Click “HERE” to visit the site of the Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bi-Polar Research.
