Auburn State Theatre remembers Mike Holmes

The Auburn State Theatre is saddened by the passing of our longtime board member, Mike Holmes, but his legacy will live on in our hearts and through this iconic Auburn landmark. A fifth-generation native of the Auburn area, Mike threw his support into reimagining the historic State Theatre as a performing arts center. Mike joined our board of directors in 2010, bringing his expertise as Auburn mayor and city councilmember. Shortly thereafter, he organized a group trip to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong as a fundraiser for this nonprofit; Mike previously lived in China while serving in the US Navy. Mike also brought Randy Cohen, a noted expert from Americans for the Arts in Washington, DC, for presentations about community development through the arts. Auburn State Theatre (AST) Community Advisor and Past President Cheryl Maki says, "He was a strong advocate for the arts. His support for our theatre out in the community helped create an interest. ... He went to DC every year and lobbied for us. He was truly a good and kind person." Former AST Board Member George Remaley remembers, "He was always into the history of the (State Theatre) building and obtaining city, county and state support (funding)." Mike received the McCann Award in 2014, which recognizes outstanding community service and honors someone who selflessly gives for Auburn. AST Past President Chris Walsh was impressed by Mike's "true sense of the Auburn community. When I would see Mike out and about, it was never about Mike, it was about paying tribute to Auburn – be it sharing what the theatre brings to the community or an Eagle Scout ceremony not only honoring the young person being awarded but the entire troop as well. He will be missed." Mike recently sponsored one of AST's films, "The Job of Songs," a documentary about an Irish community finding joy and connection through music. He felt moved by the film and so did many others – it was a sold-out show. For those who are wondering, "the job of songs" is to "entertain, touch, to move and spark memory." The same can be said of this historic theatre, to which Mike devoted so much of himself. The Auburn State Theatre is grateful for his many contributions.