BURLINGTON, VT – Mike Potashnick, a production and stage manager for numerous concerts and festivals in the Northeast, died Jan. 10, 2011 at age 52 after a short illness. He had been an integral part of the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival, the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Terrapin Presents, Inc., and other events and organizations.
"Mike had his hand in just about every concert or festival in this region," noted a post on the website for the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival. "His reputation was excellent and he knew exactly what needed to be done and did it well. Mike was innovative, passionate about his job and his friends…we are greatly saddened with the loss of such an amazing person, a hard worker, an intelligent and beyond funny guy, and a loyal and precious friend to so many."
Born in Trenton, NJ and raised in Morrisville, PA, then Connecticut, Potashnick studied theatre at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He performed in more than 85 plays and musicals, including TV appearances on General Hospital and Another World.
In 2006, Potashnick relocated from Connecticut to Vermont, where he was best known in his fundamental roles as Production, Stage and Site Manager at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, Lake Champlain Maritime Festival and Burlington's First Night, among other events in the Burlington, VT region.
Potashnick was also known for his involvement at the annual Gathering of the Vibes Festival in Bridgeport, CT, acting as production manager from 1996-2004 and co-emcee from 2004 through 2010. Potashnick supported local charities, caroling during Christmas at nursing homes, playing Santa at Children's Hospitals and organizing fundraisers, such as Toys for Tots.
A celebration of Michael Potashnick's life, including a special presentation, will be held on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011 from 2 to 5 pm at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, located at 153 Main Street in Burlington, VT. The event is open to the public. Details regarding a memorial are forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to contribute are kindly asked to donate to the United Way.
Another memorial service is also set to take place in Connecticut on Feb. 20, from 3 to 9 pm, at the University of Bridgeport's Arnold Bernard Center, 84 Iranistan Ave., Bridgeport, CT. The Bridgeport gathering will include live music and dedications by some of Potashnick's favorite artists.
Michael Potashnick is survived by his father, William Potashnick; stepmother, Peg Potashnick; brother David Potashnick; and ex-wife Marianne Castaldo. He is pre-deceased by his mother, Louise Potashnick; and Dee Dee, his beloved dog and best friend.
For more information about the events and organizations mentioned above, please visit: www.lmfestival.com, www.govibes.com, www.discoverjazz.com and www.flynncenter.org.
For more information, please visit www.atomicproaudio.com/mikep.html.
