W h e n y o u t h i n k l i v e m u s i c , C r o o k e d T r e e A r t s C e n t e r a n d B l i s s f e s t M u s i c O r g a n i z a t i o n w a n t y o u t o t h i n k o f d o w n t o w n P e t o s k e y !
W e b e g a n o u r c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i t h t h r e e g o a l s i n m i n d : O n e w a s t o c r e a t e m o r e o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r M i c h i g a n a r t i s t s t o p e r f o r m i n t h i s c h a r m i n g t h e a t e r , r e s u l t i n g i n M i t t e n S m i t t e n . T w o , w e w a n t e d t o s t r e a m l i n e t h e p r o c e s s f o r o u r a d v e r t i s e r s a n d s p o n s o r s b y j o i n i n g f o r c e s . W o w , we t h a n k t h e m f o r t h e i r g e n e r o s i t y , a n d w e h o p e y o u w i l l t h a n k t h e m , t o o , w i t h y o u r p a t r o n a g e . T h r e e , w e w a n t e d t o p r e s e n t a r o b u s t l i n e u p a c r o s s s e v e r a l g e n r e s , a l l f o r y o u r e n j o y m e n t . T h a t ’ s w h y w e t e a m e d u p t o b r i n g 1 8 p e r f o r m a n c e s f r o m O c t o b e r t o M a r c h , w i t h D o w n t o w n S o u n d !
I t ’ s b e e n a b l a s t t o p u t t h i s a l l t o g e t h e r ; t h r e e g o a l s a r e d o n e , a n d n o w i t ’ s u p t o y o u . W e i n v i t e y o u t o t r e a t y o u r s e l f t o a n e v e n i n g o u t ( o r s e v e r a l ! ) , t a k e i n a l i v e s h o w , a n d t r y s o m e t h i n g n e w !
G r a t e f u l l y ,
Megan DeWindt President
Cindy McSurely Executive Director
Music
THIS 18-SHOW CONCERT SERIES FEATURES NATIONALLY TOURING ACTS AND LOCAL FAVORITES FROM MICHIGAN’S VIBRANT MUSIC SCENE FOR SIX MONTHS OF LIVE MUSIC— HELD IN CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER’S 220-SEAT THEATER IN DOWNTOWN PETOSKEY.
CTAC PRESENTS: THIRD COAST SWING BAND WITH SPECIAL GUEST DAVE BENNETT
Saturday, October 15
MITTEN SMITTEN: BRIAN VANDER ARK & THE LAVENDER LIONS Friday, OCTOBER 21
BLISSFEST PRESENTS: SCOTT COOK WITH HEARTH & HYMN SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29
CTAC PRESENTS: STELLA!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4 BLISSFEST PRESENTS: BARBARO
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5
MITTEN SMITTEN: EARTH RADIO & CHARLIE MILLARD
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26
MITTEN SMITTEN: TROLL FOR TROUT & LARA FULLFORD
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9
THE NUTCRACKER
Saturday, December 10 & Sunday, December 11 Great Lakes Center for the Arts
CTAC PRESENTS: STEEL CITY ROVERS
Friday, December 16
BLISSFEST PRESENTS: WINTER SOLSTICE | ON THE LASH AND WINTERSONG | NIC GAREISS & LAUREL PREMO Wednesday, December 21
BLISSFEST PRESENTS: ERIN ZINDLE & THE RAGBIRDS
Saturday, January 14
MITTEN SMITTEN: SONGWRITERS IN-THE-ROUND | JEN SYGIT, RACHEL
BROOKE, BLAKE ELLIOTT
Friday, January 20
CTAC PRESENTS: INTERLOCHEN WINDS
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27
CTAC PRESENTS: CUTTIME SIMFONICA
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4
MITTEN SMITTEN: MAX LOCKWOOD BAND & ELIZA THORP
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10
BLISSFEST PRESENTS: CRYS MATTHEWS
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17
BLISSFEST PRESENTS: GINA CHAVEZ WITH THE CRANE WIVES DUO
SATURDAY, MARCH 4
MITTEN SMITTEN: ANNIE CAPPS & A BADASS BAND OF WOMEN WITH KEYNOTE SISTERS
FRIDAY, MARCH 10
CTAC PRESENTS: TUMBAO BRAVO Saturday, March 18
Tell them you saw their ad in the Downtown Sound program!
ASPECTS OF AMERICA
PRAGUE’S TREASURES
MESSIAH
TERRA NOSTRA
FROM BOHEMIA’S WOODS & GROVES
Saturday,
FROM VIENNA with LOVE
ALL SHOWS AT CTAC-PETOSKEY THEATER EXCEPT WHERE NOTED
DOORS OPEN AT 7 PM SHOW STARTS AT 7:30 PM
Third Coast Swing is heavily influenced by the music of the late Belgium born Romani Gypsy, Django Reinhardt & his band, The Hot Club Of Paris 1930’-1940’s. Third Coast Swing specializes in the styles of Gypsy Swing, Gypsy Bossa, Bolero, French Musette & more. Think Louis Armstrong with a French accent.
A multi-instrument phenomenon, Dave Bennett is a clarinet virtuoso who plays electric guitar, piano, drums and vocalizes. He is the only artist anywhere saluting The Roots of Pop: covering music from the Swing Era to early Rockabilly and Country, to Elvis Presley, the Beatles and more.
Brian Vander Ark is the lead singer and principal songwriter for the multi-platinum alternative rock band The Verve Pipe, recognized worldwide for their radio hits Photograph, Hero, Happiness Is, Never Let You Down, and the #1 smash single The Freshmen.
The Lavender Lions are a blooming, multi-genre project comprised of Northern Michigan musicians, Lara VanHorn (uke/vocals), Erik VanHorn (guitar), Jake Keyser (drums), Joshua Hall (keys) and Greg Mastin (bass). The band is currently in the studio creating their debut album filled with sounds and songs inspired by nature, love, and life experiences weaved into whimsical storytelling.
Third In 2007, Albertan songwriter Scott Cook quit his job teaching kindergarten in Taiwan and moved into a minivan. He’s made his living as a troubadour ever since, touring almost incessantly across Canada, the US, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere, averaging 150 shows and a dozen summer festivals a year, and releasing seven albums of plainspoken, keenly observant verse along the way.
A minimalist folk duo known for their close harmony sisterhood, Hearth & Hymn rearranges old songs that move them with a queer, feminist lens. Hearth & Hymn has released two song collections through Earthwork Music: Hearth & Hymn (2013) and Lullaby Bangers (2019). The project is coproduced by songwriters Samantha Cooper (Sam) and Elisabeth Pixley-Fink (EPF), both multi-instrumentalists and independent songwriters who grew up in the kitchen music tradition of harmony singing and music-making with their families.
7:30 PM
Stella! is an all-female, American roots trio from southeast Michigan featuring three-part vocal harmonies, a variety of instrument voices and original songwriting. The Stella ladies have performed at numerous festivals and concert series in the Great Lakes region and in March 2017, were invited to record a LIVE performance for Backstage Pass on WKAR/PBS. The current iteration of the band broke ground on a new record just as the global pandemic hit. The new album features a series of intimate living room sessions of new material capturing the vulnerability and energy of the current trio. Despite years of unexpected delay, the trio is proud to finally announce the release of its sophomore album “Stella Tells the Truth” in October 2022!
Barbaro’s music is at once lively and intimate, perfect for twirling around the dance floor or cooking with someone you love. The Minneapolis based rising stars have created their eclectic sound through original songwriting craft, with inspiration derived from bluegrass, jazz and chamber music. Barbaro quartet members are Kyle Shelstad (vocals and guitar), Rachel Calvert (vocals and fiddle), Jason Wells (vocals and bass), and Isaac Sammis (banjo).
Earth Radio is a future soul group based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The band formed in 2017 when bass player Justin Avdek brought these unique West Michigan musicians together for a spontaneous recording collaboration, which turned into a progressive project that takes neo-soul to a new level. You’ll hear elements of funk, rock, soul, and progressive jazz melded together, reminiscent of Hiatus Kaiyote and Erykah Badu, into a sound that is uniquely Earth Radio.
From Michigan’s northern lower peninsula, Charlie Millard has developed a unique sound, voice and thought-provoking lyrics/ poetry of his own, with tones of an indieAmericana style that is reminiscent of a 60s/70s ’ folk-rock, singer/songwriter. He has performed at festivals and venues across the Midwest and Canada with his band, and continues to give a musical experience, like small movies for the ears.
Farms, home of High Five Spirits,
now open!
new state of the art facility features
cocktails, food vendors, and fun! Join us Thursday Sunday to experience the beauty of Little Traverse Bay & enjoy a taste of Northern Michigan in
glass
Five Spirits Happiness
Cocktail
ALL SHOWS AT CTAC-PETOSKEY THEATER EXCEPT WHERE NOTED
DOORS OPEN AT 7 PM
SHOW STARTS AT 7:30 PM
Troll for Trout is the Original “Up North” Folk Rock.
“Gettin’ out of town, driving in your car Pulling off the road, stoppin’ at a bar Yeah, we’re headin’ out tonight, the mirror compass reads N And it feels so free to be this direction again”
Those lines from Troll for Trout’s anthem, “Gettin’ Out of Town,” capture the spirit of the band’s colorful 25-year history – a legacy that’s earned the Michigan band a diehard following and spawned an impressive trove of acclaimed recordings.
Lara Fullford, who Blissfest Music Organization refers to as “the songstress of the Inland Waterway” has years of experience singing songs to crowds across northern Michigan. Between classic songs you know and love, and her own original tunes, Lara offers a variety of genres and will have you smiling by the end of the night!
The Steel City Rovers perform dynamic and expressive music that is a unique composite of traditional Celtic music and North American styles including bluegrass, folk and roots. Their sophisticated arrangements are inviting for the most casual listener but are rewarding for those who are well versed in the nuances of musical complexity. The Rovers stand out for their powerful, emotive vocals and engaging entertainment
ALL SHOWS
WHERE NOTED
PM
PM
In honor of Irish traditional music, On The Lash creates timeless sounds through original voices. With new takes on classic songs and original constructions of established standards, OTL aims to explore the inherent energy and versatility of the genre.
In this new collaboration, multi-instrumentalist and singer Laurel Premo and dancer, singer, and musician Nic Gareiss partner to craft an evening centering winter, solstice, and Yule. Combining traditional tunes and step dance from across the North Atlantic with seasonal songs, ballads, and fiddle tunes, Wintersong offers sound and gesture to kindle warmth during the shortest days of the year.
For more information about Downtown Sound visit BLISSFEST.ORG OR CROOKEDTREE.ORG
Saturday, December 10, 2022
3:00 pm & 7:00 pm and Sunday, December 11, 2022
3:00 pm
Great Lakes Center for the Arts Bay Harbor
The Nutcracker was first performed in Saint Petersburg in 1892. The story begins on Christmas Eve at the home of the Stahlbaums. The family holds a lavish party in which young Clara receives the most wonderful gift of all – a wooden nutcracker. Just as she is drifting off to sleep, she hears a sound and wakes up to look for her nutcracker. As she is searching, she is confronted by a slew of large mice and their king. The nutcracker and a battalion of toy soldiers battle the Mouse King. Although the nutcracker fights bravely, the mouse knocks him down. Clara takes off her slipper and throws it at the Mouse King, who is startled long enough for the nutcracker to recover and win the battle. The nutcracker is actually a handsome prince, and Clara’s love for him has broken the spell. The prince takes Clara on a journey, through the snow, to a magical kingdom where people from all nations take turns showing off their own special dances. It is all so perfect…but even the most beautiful dream must end. The next morning Clara wakes up with her wooden nutcracker beside her.
Celebrate the holiday season with the ballet dancers of Crooked Tree Arts Center’s School of Ballet. This dynamic and beautiful show, with original choreography, has become an annual family tradition for many Northern Michigan families and friends.
A portion of the proceeds benefit the CTAC Dance Scholarship Fund.
ALL SHOWS AT CTAC-PETOSKEY THEATER EXCEPT WHERE NOTED
DOORS OPEN AT 7 PM
SHOW STARTS AT 7:30 PM
Led by dynamic, multi-instrumentalist Erin Zindle, The Ragbirds create music that is equally danceable, intelligent and vulnerable. They incorporate indie-pop melodies, global-infused beats, rock guitar riffs and folk sensibilities into a high-energy live show which leaves every listener in a higher place than when it began.
Blake Elliott has a recipe for a sweet sound: start with a little folk, throw in some jazz, add a touch of funk, and finish off with a healthy dose of the blues and soul. Elliott delivers an eclectic mix of original music that blends the present with the past.
Michigan’s Rachel Brooke might just be one of the best kept secrets in country music. Growing up performing in the family bluegrass band, as well as women-fronted punk bands, Rachel Brooke’s honesty, authenticity and DIY work ethic has earned her the title of “The Queen of Underground Country”.
Jen Sygit has three albums under her belt with her latest release “So Long Pollyanna” named as album of the year by both John Bommarito (107.1 fm Ann Arbor, MI) and The Progressive Torch & Twang (88.9 fm East Lansing, MI). “So Long Pollyanna” was also nominated for two Jammie Awards (WYCE Grand Rapids, MI) including Best Song for “Sugar High”.
The Interlochen Winds comprise the resident woodwind faculty of the Interlochen Center for the Arts including Nancy Stagnitta, flute; Dane Philipsen, oboe, and Bryan Conger, clarinet with YaJu Chuang, piano. In their kaleidoscopic programs, the Interlochen Winds embrace the full spectrum of tonal colors for which the woodwind instruments are known. From bold contrasts to cool complements, the Interlochen Winds are inspired by repertoire both classical to contemporary. The musicians bring their own distinct personalities to the ensemble, and with this vivid palette they engage each other and connect with their audiences in a true spirit of collaboration.
Learning of the worldwide Classical Revolution movement, CutTime began to bring classical music into Detroit clubs, pubs and casual settings during the 6-month Detroit Symphony Orchestra strike in 2010. The response to this “New Classical” was so positive, Rick Robinson resigned his DSO position in 2012 to begin working nationally with musicians, orchestras, summer festivals, clubs and collaborators to develop more context, methods, music and appetite for classical music taken off the pedestal. CutTime creates adaptive and addictive new musical experiences specifically for communities of new listeners, because everyone deserves beauty. Hear recordings, discover more and support this work at www.cuttime.com.
Songwriter, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and poet Max Lockwood has a sound rooted in songcraft and heartfelt lyricism. His music is a unification of rock & roll with folk and pop. With full arrangements and rich, poetic lyrics Max creates deep, sonic landscapes that reveal truths of love, adversity, growth. The intertwined essences bring a thoughtful and fresh new take on the singer-songwriter genre.
Eliza Thorp is an up-and-coming Singer/Songwriter to the Northern Michigan area. In her youth she grew up listening and dancing in the kitchen with her Mom to the likes of Carol King, Diana Krall and lots of Simon and Garfunkel. She credits her Grandmother, Peg, for instilling a deep love for the piano and grew up playing on the very upright her Grandmother used to play.
A prolific lyricist and composer, Matthews has found inspiration in her surroundings; from driving through the Blue Ridge Mountains to the compelling and heartbreaking love story of Richard and Mildred Loving. Thoughtful, realistic and emotional, Matthews’ songs speak to the voice of our generation and remind us why music indeed soothes the soul.
If there’s one thing we all share, it’s that our lives are all unique. Backed by sophisticated resources, a Raymond James financial advisor can help you plan for what’s important to you. That’s LIFE WELL PLANNED.
S y m o n s G e n e r a l S t o r e h a s b e e n a c o r n e r s t o n e o f d o w n t o w n P e t o s k e y f o r m o r e t h a n 6 0 y e a r s . F o u n d e d o n p r o v i d i n g t h e b e s t f o o d a n d d r i n k t o o u r c u s t o m e r s , t h e S y m o n s f a m i l y o f f e r s t h e f i n e s t s p e c i a l t y f o o d a n d c a s u a l t o u p s c a l e d i n i n g a t o u r f o u r l o c a t i o n s i n P e t o s k e y a n d H a r b o r S p r i n g s .
ALL SHOWS AT CTAC-PETOSKEY THEATER EXCEPT WHERE NOTED
DOORS OPEN AT 7 PM
SHOW STARTS AT 7:30 PM
In an industry that looks to define artists, Gina Chavez refuses to fit into a box. From her Mexican and Swiss-German raices, to her life as a queer, married Catholic in Texas, to her bilingual music, the Latin Grammy nominee is unapologetically herself. And people are taking notice.
Mitten Smitten: Annie Capps & a Badass Band of Women with Keynote Sisters
An all-women supported project spanning the U.S. and into Canada, “HOW CAN I SAY THIS” came to life with contributions from over 40 artists whose exceptional talents culminated into a sonically lush, emotionally charged production. The album boasts stunning performances throughout, most notably The Accidentals (Sav Buist and Katie Larson), Tracy Grammer, Heather Pierson, Suzie Vinnick, Telisha Williams (Wild Ponies), Jenny Bienemann, Edie Carey, Louise Mosrie Coombe, Sue Demel & Deb Lader (Sons of the Never Wrong), and many more.
The Keynote Sisters present a fresh-faced look at Americana, tied together by pure harmonies only sisters can create. Their storytelling lyrics give you a glimpse into their lives and leave you feeling like you walked through these times by their side. The Keynote Sisters are avid songwriters and have no intention of taking their foot off the gas any time soon.
Formed in August 2003 by reedman Paul VornHagen and conguero Alberto Nacif, Tumbao Bravo has released five critically acclaimed CDs of mostly original compositions that have been featured on all the major jazz public radio stations throughout the United States. Winner of the 2005, 2007 and 2013 Detroit Music Awards for Best Jazz Recording and Best World Music Band, this combo has performed at all the major Michigan jazz/music festivals including Detroit, Lansing, Birmingham, Raisin River, Great Lakes Folk, Blissfest, Wheatland Dance and Ann Arbor to name a few.
This project is funded in part by Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.
beauty of Northern Michigan
Hotel Walloon. Stroll
quaint
waterfront dining,
