The Old Art Building is thrilled to announce the return of its signature spring event, Leland Air, on Saturday, May 23. This 14th annual plein air tradition invites artists from across the region to capture the awakening Northern Michigan landscape in a high-energy, single-day celebration of art and community.
The Old Art Building is proud to announce that international singer-songwriter Jon Muq will return and perform on the main stage–Saturday, May 16. This intimate performance offers Northern Michigan audiences a rare chance to experience the soulful, uplifting sounds of an artist whose journey has taken him from the streets of Kampala to the biggest stages in the world. Born in Uganda and now based in Austin, Texas, Muq’s music is a vibrant tapestry woven from African roots and Western pop influences. After a video of him performing for homeless children in Uganda went viral, Muq’s talent led him to a stint as a cruise line performer, eventually catching the ear of legendary Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys), who produced his debut album.
The Old Art Building (OAB) is proud to announce a special solo exhibition, Charles Passarelli: A Legacy of Artistic Exploration , running from March 2-25 . This comprehensive exhibit celebrates the life and work of Leelanau County local and master artist Charles Passarelli, a figure whose career reflects the evolving landscape of American art over the last 70 years.
Residents and visitors to the county have not one, not two, but three chances to catch one of the region’s favorite bands this coming week. The little big band Tundra Tones, f.k.a. Jazz North, will be performing Aug. 28 at Leland, Aug. 29 at Music in the Park in Northport, and Aug. 31 at Little Traverse Inn.
Three diverse musical acts are among those on the horizon across the county in the coming weeks: upbeat reggae and country from the Sun Dogs, Cajun and zydeco from K Jones and the Benzie Playboys, and bracing brass traversing the musical spectrum, courtesy Bourbon & Brass Company.
The Old Art Building in Leland is thrilled to welcome rising singer/songwriter Jon Muq to the its main stage on Wednesday, June 18, from 7-9 p.m. Born in Uganda and now living in Austin, Texas, Muq draws from African as well as western musical trends and traditions. Featured on the PBS News Hour, Muq has opened for Billy Joel, Norah Jones, Lyle Lovett and other headliners. He describes his songs as small gifts, designed to settle into everyday life and provoke reflection and resilience.
Celebrate National Preservation Month with a special screening of Saving the Barn—The Leelanau County Poor Farm, a documentary that brings to life a little-known but important chapter of local history. The program at the Old Art Building in Leland on Wednesday, May 14, at 4 pm begin with remarks from Steve Stier, president of the Leelanau County Historic Preservation Society, who will share insights on the ongoing efforts to preserve the Poor Farm barn and the broader importance of saving historic places.
The Old Art Building’s historic ‘Big Room’ will be alive with music and drama all spring long, with several not-to-miss performances slated for the OAB’s main stage in Leland. Cousin Curtiss in concert is slated for Saturday, May 10, from 7-9 p.m.
This week is Earth Week, with Earth Day honored on Tuesday, April 22. It’s also National Park Week. Events in Leelanau County include a rally on Tuesday at 3 pm in Empire to support Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore—which has faced deep spending cuts and a hiring freeze by the Trump administration. Meanwhile, the Leelanau Conservancy offers opportunities each day this week, starting tomorrow, to join hikes, volunteer, attend a trivia night, and learn about local efforts to preserve trees.
Our story series celebrating songs inspired by Leelanau County and the Sleeping Bear Dunes continues with Seth Bernard’s “Manitou,” an instrumental that he wrote in June 2019 during a residency sponsored by the Old Art Building in Leland. “I wrote this simple piece on acoustic guitar looking out over the islands near Van’s Beach around sundown,” said Bernard. “It’s a little magic carpet ride to that peaceful, serene, early summer Leelanau sunset vibe. Bernard returns to the Old Art Building on April 24 at 7 pm for an Earth Week-themed concert.