Leelanau School hosts “Rock the River” concert, June 21

From staff reports

Grupo Ayé is the perfect choice to headline “Rock the River”, The Leelanau School’s annual benefit concert on Saturday, June 21, at 7 p.m., at the boarding school one mile north of Glen Arbor. Much more than a Cuban salsa band, the group has crafted its own cultural identity by incorporating various genres including Latin jazz, merengue and mambo, among others. The band also takes pride in their showmanship; making shows a complete experience for their audiences.

Robert Mulligan, who heads the band, is a Leelanau School alum, who studied percussion at the Interlochen Arts Academy for a year and went on to further study jazz and percussion. Fluent in Spanish, he has also spent time traveling through Latin America and Spain, helping him expand his musical and cultural knowledge. Individual band members have put in time with orchestras, worked with individuals such as Aretha Franklin and taught music at the college level.

“The band’s got quite the resume,” Mulligan says. “I’m very fortunate to be surrounded by talented artists such as this.” Grupo Ayé is one of the most unique bands in the Midwest.

The Friends of The Leelanau School hope the event will raise community awareness of the school and the unique, individualized education it offers. Featuring a former graduate and his exceptional band is an excellent place to start and provides an opportunity to highlight some of the success students of the school achieve. Along with the music on the green at The Leelanau School, food from La Taqueria TC Latino will be available for purchase. You’re invited to bring friends and family for an evening of listening, dancing and picnicking on the shores of the Crystal River.

Adults: $20. (Available online at Leelanau.org or at the door the night of the concert.) Students 13-17 cost $8. Children 12 and under will be admitted free.