Manitou Music Festival announces summer concert series
From staff reports
The Manitou Music Festival presents exciting and diverse concerts featuring national and regional performers in idyllic outdoor & family friendly locations. The Festival has been a summer tradition in Glen Arbor since the mid 1990s. “Jack Conners the producer of concerts at the charming Studio Stage is continuing the tradition of a rich mix of musical genres including Celtic, Americana, Indie Folk, Jazz, Bluegrass and Alternative Rock,” said Glen Arbor Art Association director Peg McCarty. “It promises to be one of the most memorable musical line-ups that we have ever had.” The Festival volunteer committee has also booked exciting musicians for the Dune Climb and The Homestead venues.
Northport Community Band/Patriotic
Friday, July 3, 7 p.m. Old School House Lawn, Glen Arbor
Nothing like a little patriotic music to get you into the July 4 spirit. The popular Northport Community Band will get you ready for Independence Day. The band concert is always a favorite activity for the whole family. Bring your lawn chairs, friends and family and enjoy this Glen Arbor tradition. FREE
Rain location: Leelanau School Auditorium
Hip Pocket/Chicago/Motown
Sunday, July 12, 7 p.m. 17th annual Dune Climb Concert, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Hip Pocket, based in Grand Rapids, has been entertaining crowds for more than 20 years. The 11-piece band performs at countless festivals, receptions, and corporate events each year and has opened for artists such as The Temptations and The Four Tops. Though diverse in its musical styles, Hip Pocket specializes in music popularized by Chicago and Motown. Gather your lawn chairs, picnic baskets and join the fun. The concert is FREE. A National Park pass required.
Rain location: Glen Arbor Town Hall
Moxie Strings/Celtic-Americana
Sunday, July 19, 8 p.m. Studio Stage at Lake Street Studios
The Moxie Strings is the electrifying combination of fiddler Diana Ladio, and cellist Alison Lynn. With their feel good melodies and foot stomping rhythms, these girls have put a fresh, enticing spin on Celtic and Americana music. Their ear catching originals and dance worthy traditional tunes have quickly made them one of Michigan’s most well-loved instrumental acts. $15, children 18 and under are free.
Rain location: Glen Arbor Town Hall
Jeff Haas Quintet/Jazz
Wednesday, July 22, 7 p.m. The Homestead, Top of Bay Mountain (by chairlift or golf cart)
Well known to many local jazz enthusiasts, Jeff Haas is heard weekly on Classical IPR New Jazz Archive and at other venues that feature his trio, quartet and quintet. The Quintet will perform at the top of the ski hill in the spectacular setting of Sleeping Bear Bay. Familiar and new jazz tunes will fill the air as the sunsets over Lake Michigan. Jeff Haas comes from a musical family. His father, pianist Karl Haas, was his first teacher and was well known throughout Michigan. No carry-in food, drink or chairs please. Refreshments available for purchase. Chairs are provided. $20
Rain location: Homestead, Mountain Flowers Lodge
The Crane Wives/Indie Folk
Sunday, July 26, 8 p.m. Studio Stage at Lake Street Studios
The Crane Wives are a home-grown indie-folk group that defies musical stereotypes. They utilize three-part harmonies, eclectic instrumentation, and a passion for songs crafted to create music that is both accessible and innovative. Their live show features contagious energy with original music that ranges from quiet ballads to danceable grooves. $15, children 18 and under are free.
Rain location: Glen Arbor Town Hall
Peter, Paul & Mary Remembered/Folk
Wednesday, July 29, 8 p.m. Studio Stage at Lake Street Studios
Reviving many beloved hits such as Puff the Magic Dragon, If I Had a Hammer, and a host of others, Peter, Paul & Mary Remembered are seasoned musicians who present a smooth blend of authentic harmonies and 1960’s nostalgia. This high-energy show combines stellar musicianship, humor, costumes, and audience participation for an unforgettable experience. $15, children 18 and under are free.
Rain location: Glen Arbor Town Hall
Dave Hardin/Americana
Sunday, August 2, 8 p.m. Studio Stage at Lake Street Studios
Dave Hardin’s music exemplifies the combination of hill music, bluegrass, twang, and flat-top pickin’ now known as Americana. His songs come from observing life’s triumphs and hardships. Dave’s voice is instantly recognizable, and his style of playing is full and rich, with notes, chords and percussion all from his guitar. $15, children 18 and under are free.
Rain location: Glen Arbor Town Hall
Socks in the Frying Pan/Irish
Wednesday, August 5, 8 p.m. Studio Stage at Lake Street Studios
Socks in the Frying Pan from County Clare blend traditional Irish melodies with innovative rhythmic and melodic garnish. Three-part harmony and an obvious love for live performance compliment the traditional essence of both tune and songs. Brothers Shane and Fiachra Hayes play the accordion, fiddle and banjo and they are accompanied by Aodán Coyne on guitar and vocals. $15, children 18 and under are free.
Rain location: Leelanau School Auditorium
The Accidentals/Indie Folk-Alternative
Sunday, August 9, 8 p.m. Studio Stage at Lake Street Studios
Multi-instrumentalists Katie Larson and Savannah Buist are creating quite a name for themselves among music lovers of all genres. Their influences come from classical, jazz, bluegrass, country, alt-rock, and the obscure. In addition to playing guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, accordion, and kazoo … you can’t miss the edgy violin and cello that define The Accidentals. $15, children 18 and under are free.
Rain location: Glen Arbor Town Hall
Summer Singers/Choral
Tuesday, August 11, 7 p.m. Glen Lake Community Reformed Church, Burdickville
Enjoy an evening with the Summer Singers, an all-volunteer group of 50 voices who will present a wide variety of vocal works under the direction of Dana Allen. This enthusiastic group of mixed voices has been singing to a packed house for many years. They are a popular local tradition. FREE
Billy Strings & Don Julin/Bluegrass
Wednesday, August 12, 8 p.m. Leelanau School Green
American roots duo Billy Strings & Don Julin have been tearing up stages across America and generating huge buzz based on their intense live shows. With just two instruments (guitar and mandolin) and one voice, they showcase bluegrass as a rough-and-tumble art form made with great virtuosity and huge attitude. $15, children 18 and under are free.
Rain location: Leelanau School Auditorium
