Accomplished sound man takes over Manitou Music Festival
From staff reports
The Glen Arbor Art Association’s Manitou Music Festival has a new director this summer, and it’s not the colorful Sugar Loaf suitor Liko Smith (we joked in an April Fools Day story that the California conman had acquired the Festival and intended to turn it into an electronic rave). Nope, the successor to Harry Fried is Jack Conners, who has enjoyed a long career in the recording industry, and is no stranger to this popular local festival. This year’s Manitou Music Festival kicks off with patriotic music by the Northport Community Band on July 3 and crescendos with the annual Dune Climb concert on July 13. We spoke to Conners about his new role, and about this year’s lineup.
Glen Arbor Sun: What drew you to the Manitou Music Festival? What excites you about this opportunity?
Jack Conners: I have been providing sound for the festival for the past couple of years and recording shows for several years before that. I became friends with Peg McCarty and Harry Fried, very nice people, as are all the Glen Arbor Art Association folks, and they have a good thing going here with the festival. When Harry announced that he would retire from producing the Lake Street Studios shows, I got an email from Peg asking if I knew anyone who might take over. I didn’t realize at first that Peg was asking if I would be interested. When I started thinking about who would be a good fit to take it over I asked Peg if they were courting me to do it, and she said yes.
Sun: What are the hottest upcoming acts this Festival season? Which concerts are not to be missed?
Conners: We’re excited to have returning performers: Mulebone, FullSet, Peter Paul and Mary Remembered and Trina Hamlin. New to the festival this year are Billy Strings and Don Julin, The Wilenes, Girsa and Annie Gallup. All the shows will be really good. I’m especially interested to hear Girsa, an Irish band of all young ladies, and Annie Gallup, who I’ve listened to over the years, but never met.
Sun: I see that Billy Strings & Don Julin are set for Aug. 3. They’ve been tearing up Traverse City for some time. Any idea where Billy gets his energy?
Conners: Good question. Might be his diet, I don’t really know. Seriously, I think it comes naturally to him. He’s just such an energetic fellow, and I know Don inspires him as well. I’m expecting a great show from them.
Sun: You’ve had a successful career in the recording industry, working in Baltimore, Detroit and Nashville? What have been your highlights? Any amazing artists you’ve worked with?
Conners: I was very fortunate when first starting out to work with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. That was my introduction to classical music and orchestra recording. In the studio I’ve been privileged to work with many great musicians including Steve Gadd, Tony Levin and Ricky Skaggs. Two highlights of my live sound work were mixing house sound for Grover Washington, Jr., and Al Jarreau. More recently I’ve done projects with Peter Erskine and Bob James, excellent musicians and both really decent people.
Sun: In your experience, what sets this Festival apart from others? What are its most unique attributes?
Conners: The Dune Climb Concert has become an annual “must go” event for many people. It’s a great gift to the community, and just a lovely picnic day. The concert is free (you need a National Park pass) and draws thousands. The Lake Street venue is a nice, intimate spot, and the formula for booking acts and keeping the ticket price low ($15) has worked out nicely for that series.
Sun: Any chance you’ll get on stage and play your bass guitar at any concerts this summer?
Conners: Not likely, as I still mix sound for the shows (and I haven’t been asked!)
Sun: What else is on your plate these days?
Conners: I’m building a new home studio. I’ve had one for many years, but this one will be much larger and detached from the house. I like to teach, so hopefully I’ll have more opportunity for that, as well as some recording projects in the new studio. My son and I have a rental sound system. We’ll be providing sound at the Dune Climb Concert and a few other events this summer.
Sun: How do you spend your days off in Northern Michigan in the summer?
Conners: I like to go camping, go to the beach, or just hang out at home with my family.
