Brady McAtamney “dreamed” of starting a band called the Beef Machine.

McAtamney, sports coordinator at the Macomb Daily, died June 23 at age 28. Organizers of the annual Arts, Beats & Eats festival in Royal Oak are making sure his dream doesn’t go unrealized.

The first band on the lineup for Friday, Aug. 29, “playing” at 4 p.m. on the Jim Beam National Stage, will be the Beef Machine.

“He’s going to have the best laugh from above that he’s had,” said Jon Witz, producer of Arts, Beats & Eats.

Organizers plan to hold a moment of silence and put McAtamney’s photo up on a large screen. Witz said he will engage the crowd in a “Beef Machine” chant. McAtamney’s family will be in attendance.

McAtamney didn’t play any instruments or have a background in music.

“It was just a joke over many y

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