The National Park Service at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will host a book signing with Anna Egan Smucker, author of the children’s book To Keep The South Manitou Light, at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center on Tuesday, July 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Empire Area Community Emergency Fund’s Solstice Concert on June 23 in Johnson Park more than doubled the group’s previous donation record, reported Gerry Shiffman. “We raised just under $6,500 including sponsorships, donations and sales of product,” said the admittedly tired, but overjoyed event organizer. “It was a beautiful day and a wonderful experience. The event was a blast, the weather was great, the performers were awesome, and the energy was sweet and mellow.”
Leelanau writer Kathleen Stocking reflects on her father, Pierce Stocking, who passed away the day after selling his vast tracts of land near Glen Arbor to the federal government. That land is now part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
When Sue Burns’ husband Kevin accidentally shrank her wool sweaters in the wash 20 years ago, she had no idea that their laundry mishap would be the catalyst for growing a creatively satisfying, financially robust business in Leelanau County. Unable to throw away her favorite garments, she cut and resewed the fabrics into colorful hats, jackets and sweaters for her two young daughters. When friends, acquaintances and even strangers asked where she’d gotten them, she realized she had the beginnings of a promising niche in the fiber arts market. Thus Baabaazuzu — the name combines the sound of a sheep with Sue’s nickname “Zuzu” — was born.
The Homestead Resort invites you to settle in for four evenings of spectacular entertainment and unparalleled views during its summer 2013 Mountain Top Concert series. Guitarist and composer Ron Getz kicks off the series on Thursday, June 27. He has performed with a variety of jazz greats, including Arthur Blythe, Billy Hart, John Scofield, Steve Grossman, Bill Evans, Branford Marsalis and Marvin “Smitty” Smith (from the Jay Leno Tonight Show Band).
One of this area’s most gentle and reliable characters, the musician-artist-builder and all-around excellent person, Tom Keen, passed away on March 16. Most of us remember him best as the ruddy, good-natured guitar player and singer with the Cabin Fever Bluegrass Band that has played for years on the big sun deck at Boonedock’s.
Chicago-based graphic artist David Westerfield says he “paints what I like.” And what he likes is Leelanau County’s stunning landscapes, rustic buildings and historic places. An exhibition of Westerfield’s many likes opens June 28 at Center Gallery, 6023 S. Lake St., Glen Arbor.
The 50th annual Glen Arbor Fourth of July Parade will be here soon, and the Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce reports that volunteers are needed to help on the parade route. Duties include making sure kids stay off the course, as well as sweeping candy to the sides of the road. The parade starts around noon and travels from Glen Haven through Glen Arbor. It should last about an hour. If you are able to volunteer, please stop by the Art’s Tavern “Annex” (which sells t-shirts & Art’s products) to pick up your course marshal t-shirt.
The Empire Area Community Emergency Fund has gone into overdrive. Instead of the usual Sunday afternoon concert at a local venue, organizers Gerry Shiffman and Chris Skellenger have planned a day-long Summer Solstice Celebration for this Sunday, June 23, from noon until 9 p.m. at Empire’s Johnson Park. Two stages will feature continuous live music performed by 29 talented local musicians who have volunteered to support this effort.
“Mom, sign me up for everything!” This was overheard at the end of one of the Glen Arbor Art Association’s (GAAA) children’s classes last summer. Another summer has arrived and with it a new round of exciting GAAA classes providing a variety of art experiences for ages 6-15. Who could resist titles like; Big and Bold Paper Fish, Fireflies in a Jar, Slime Monsters, Frog in Monet’s Garden, A Horse, of Course, It’s a Dog’s Life, and Clay for Kids? Older students expand skills in late afternoon drawing and painting classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.