Charlie Cran

Charlie Cran, owner and co-founder of Strawberry Music Festival died at his home in Sonora, CA on November 18th. His loss is being felt deeply within Charlie's community of family and friends.

Charlie was born in Traverse City, MI on December 21, 1945. When he was 10, the family moved to Modesto, CA, where he made many of his lifelong connections playing baseball and basketball at Thomas Downey High School (go Knights!), as well as later while attending Chico State. He always felt a meaningful connection to Northern Michigan, greatly enjoyed visiting his many relatives in and around Mancelona, MI, and staying at the family cabin on Lake 27. He also loved fishing and taking road trips.

Charlie started the Strawberry Music Festival along with his three original partners Dan Dewayne, John Melrose, and Bill Perry, in 1982. He opened the door for many collaborators, participants, and partners to make their own mark along the way, but remained a singular force for good throughout the festival's history. He was well respected in the business and is known for helping to launch countless careers in the music industry. Charlie's strong sense of ethics and keen sensibility will always be engrained into the fiber of this beloved festival's being.

Charlie is survived by his brother Bill Cran, brother-in-law Leonard Ignacio, nieces Margie Ignacio-Witcher (Michael) and Hazel Cran, nephew Stuart Cran, great-nephew Theo Witcher, as well as his many cousins in Michigan and beyond. Charlie is preceded in death by his life partner Minako Matsumoto, sister Becky Ignacio and parents, Marge and George Cran.

All are welcome to attend the celebration of Charlie's life at noon - 5pm on Saturday, February 14, 2026 in the Manzanita Building at the fairgrounds in Sonora, CA.