Manitou Music Festival offers magnificent music and spectacular view on July 28
From staff reports
The Homestead’s ski hill overlooking Lake Michigan will provide the perfect venue for the music of Blackthorn, a Celtic quartet, on Thursday, July 28. What a night it will be with magnificent music at a spectacular venue. This event is part of the Manitou Music Festival summer concert series. It is hosted by The Homestead Resort and presented by the Glen Arbor Art Association.
Blackthorn welcomes you to the rich tapestry of Celtic music. What makes a Blackthorn show unique is the variety of tunes, tempos and textures. Each member of the band plays multiple instruments, including wooden flute, accordion, tin whistle, five string banjo, cittern, bones and more. These instruments complement the lead vocal of Belfast native Richard McMullen and the band’s tight blend of four part harmony.
Blackthorn has played throughout the Great Lakes region since 1984. Based in Detroit, venues include concert halls, universities and festivals, including main stage appearances at the prestigious Michigan Irish Festival and world renowned Milwaukee Irish Fest.
Metro Detroiters fondly remember Blackthorn’s annual appearances on J. P. McCarthy’s St. Patrick’s Day show on WJR radio in the 1980s and 1990s, and later with Paul W. Smith. They have released seven CDs, and have performed with guest musicians such as members of the Michigan Opera Theater and the Motor City Brass Band. In 2010, Blackthorn was voted “Best Folk Band/Artist” by the readers of The Detroit Metro Times.
From large festival, to pub, restaurant or intimate performing arts center, Blackthorn provides time tested entertainment. Blackthorn is an adjudicated performer of the Michigan Humanities Council and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
Tickets for this concert are $15. Starting at 6 p.m., audience members will be given chairlift or golf cart rides to the top of the hill and the concert begins at 7.
The Homestead does not allow concert guests to bring personal food, drinks, bags or backpacks. A variety of snacks, soft drinks, wine, and beer will be available for purchase at the concert. Chairs will be provided, but concert goers are welcome to bring blankets for grass seating. Sunglasses, visors, or caps are highly recommended.
In the event of rain, the concert will be indoors at the Homestead’s Mountain Flower Meeting Center.
Other Manitou Music Festival sponsors are Anderson’s Market, Art’s Tavern, Cherry Republic, Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce, and The Leelanau School.
