Hey Y'all!

This fundraiser's purpose is to raise money to pay the musicians and artists who were not paid for their performances and contributions to the country music festival, Wake the Lake, in Havasu, CA, April 3-4, 2026.

The festival was everything it promised to be: great music, great energy, and a memorable experience for all of us who attended.

Despite the success of the festival, the promoter, Kennie Cuppetelli, has refused payment- leaving our friends to carry the huge financial burden alone. A civil lawsuit WILL be filed, but a win in civil litigation does NOT mean that money will ever be received. These artists, in the meantime, are out the money they had to personally spend, in order to perform for all of us at the festival: their musicians, their time away from work, travel, accommodations, food, gas, etc.

Our goal is to get these artists/musicians the money they are out - the money they were counting on - in the most immediate manner - through our generosity and appreciation for what they give to all of us with their music and the experiences their music creates.

This isn't about greed, or a grab for more money - this is ONLY an effort to help the artists and musicians who counted on this money - and who are now suffering their own debts through no fault of their own. This is intended to be an act of simple generosity and kindness as a music community. Our promise to each of you, is that if Mr. Cuppetelli decides to do what is right, and pays these artists as he promised, every dollar donated will be returned to you.

If you attended the festival, danced, sang, and had an unforgettable time, we're asking that you consider chipping in to help support the people who made it possible for all of us to have a truly awesome weekend on the river's edge.

It's unfortunate and truly upsetting that Kennie Cuppetelli failed to keep his word, and pay the talent - who were the ONLY reason he was able to hold a festival in the first place - but here we are. Again, our goal is simply to fight back in the most immediate manner available, and that, is through our community of good-hearted country folk who look out for one another. Let's come together as a country music community to support these musicians and artists and the music we love. These artists showed up for us... it's our turn to show up for them.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and for standing with the musicians who give us so much of themselves- who bring us together- who bring us joy.