 Ah yes the outdoor music season is in full bloom and there are some beauties coming up. Too many good ones but we have our eyes set on The Accidentals in Sparta, Kathleen and the Bridge St Band in Rockford and the Guinness Bros. never fail to please. Lots of tunes if you don’t mind a little drive now and then. After all, there will be significantly fewer opportunities for outdoor music once we’re deep in November and edging toward December and most of those will involve carolers. Fremont Summer Concert Series Veterans Park 7pm July 4 Whiskey Bound- Country, Classic Rock July 11 The Guinness Brothers- Classic Rock July 18 NBFF July 25 6 Pak- Rock Sparta Concerts in the Park Rogers Park 6:30pm July 3: Bucket O' Maybes - Classic Rock July 10: The Accidentals - Folk Pop July 17: Twyce the Band - Oldies July 24: The Steeple Hill Band - Country July 31: Trillium Irish Band - Celtic Music Rockford Rogue River Blues Series July 2 -Laura Rain and the Caesars July 9 - The Schrock Bros Band featuring Peter Madcat Ruth July 16 - Kathleen and the Bridge St Band July 23- Big Daddy Fox July 30 - Nathan Walton and the Remedy Howard City Music in the Park Ensley Park July 9 Sea Cruisers- Oldies July 16 On the Lash- Celtic July 23 Decades- Rock July 30 Drew Nelson- Americana Baldwin Summer Concerts Wenger Pavilion 7pm July 3 Funky Uncle- Funk, Soul July 10 Jazz Deluxe w/ Robin Connell-Paul Brewer July 17 Jim Cooper Quartet- Blues Jazz & Soul July 24 Mustang Band- Classic Rock, Country Favorites And indoors… RStop Cafe Thursdays 6pm July 4 Marqui Bernard July 11 Gina and Jordan July 18 Denny Larsen July 25 Lynn Thompson
0 Comments
An oasis appears in a farmers market desert Baldwin kicked off their market season with the Wednesday June 19th Grand Opening of Pure Markette in their downtown area. We caught up with Volunteer Market Manager Meredith Gremel to get the skinny on this new initiative put on by our neighbor to the north. How did Pure Markette get started? Who were the major players in getting it off the ground? This initiative was one of the top five short-term needs identified in the Village of Baldwin Downtown Development Authority (DDA) 2023 Vision Plan. More than 750 residents, seasonal homeowners, visitors, business owners and community partners provided input and expressed the need for a community gathering space and greater access to fresh fruit and vegetables. I served on the Vision Plan Development Committee and raised my hand to lead the efforts to launch, as executing a top priority not only says ‘we listened,’ but also cultivates believers in our long term vision. My husband Andy’s company, The Gremel Group, donated initial seed funding, and as a member of the DDA, he advocated for the DDA to support financially. The DDA is our top sponsor, and several of the DDA members’ businesses also provided funding, including Lake-Osceola State Bank, Baldwin Lumber, and Wenger Insurance. Additional sponsors include Lake County Community Foundation, Priority Health, Apex-Insurance, MSU Extension Services, Lake County Chamber of Commerce, Corewell Health, ServPro, Lake County Sportsman’s Club, L Lake Association, Marquette Trails Golf, Fredenberg Carpentry, and individual donations through the Friends of the Pure Markette. Jodi Nichols, Executive Director, Lake County Economic Development Alliance, has been a tremendous supporter and advocate for the Pure Markette, serving with me as Co-Chair of the Pure Markette Planning Committee. We held our first meeting with volunteer leaders in the community in early February and have been very busy developing the Markette in time for our June 19 Grand Opening. Tell us about the name? One of the first things we did to build awareness for the farmers-makers market project was to announce a naming contest at our Feb. 28 community open house. We had great participation with 181 entries submitted and 15 played with the Pere Marquette in the name as this world renown tributary is an angler’s dream and is the location for the first brown trout planting in the US in 1884. Plus, Pure=all things fresh from the farm and handmade; Markette sounds like Marquette. Google Pure Markette and we are in fine company with Pure Michigan and Pere Marquette. Sarah Slattery, former graphic designer from when I owned a marketing communications company, designed the logo below, along with her daughter who created the illustration. Devin coincidentally did the mural in the new, extended terminal at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. You can see how the professional branding looks on the cool 10 bright blue branded tents we created for our community partners to reserve at no cost – creating greater connectivity service resources, social organizations, and other area nonprofits. Why is this project important? I like to say the Pure Markette is much more than a place to buy tomatoes and potatoes. It is a place to Explore. Discover. Connect. (EDC – economic development cultivator) … and ultimately, our community will Thrive physically, mentally, socially and ultimately financially. (This map from the Michigan Farmers Market association is a stark reminder of the food desert called Lake County. We are the lone red circle). What are the goals for Pure Markette In addition to the comment above, we have a long-term goal to continue to expand the Pure Markette, the variety of vendors and community partners joining us each week, and ultimately raise funds for a permanent, year-round Community Gathering Space that is financially self-sustaining. Will this be held every week? If so, what part of the year will it operate? We are open Wednesdays from 3-7 pm through Labor Day (the free, live music concert series starts at 7 pm in the Pavilion adjacent to the Markette and draws a great crowd). We are surveying our vendors to switch to Saturdays through October to take advantage of the fall harvest, color tours, salmon run, side-by-side events, and deer hunting. How do potential vendors get information? Both the vendor and community group applications are online at www.villageofbaldwin.org. The completed application can be emailed directly to me at [email protected], or mailed to the Village offices at 620 Washington, Baldwin, MI 49304 – attn: Pure Markette (office hours are M-Th, 8 am – 4 pm). We will reach out to applicants after we review their information. Products must be grown, processed or produced in Michigan, as close to Lake County as possible. We do not allow resale items, and we are looking for ‘up north’ themed makers that reflect the beauty of our natural resources and Lake County. We are also careful to have a wide variety of products and minimal duplication so our vendors do well. Anything to add? The Pure Markette is a 100% volunteer run initiative and we are most grateful to everyone who has stepped up to provide their time, talents and in-kind donations each week. Markette sustainability is much more than our commitment to the environment and providing healthy food products. It takes many volunteers to help run the Markette and ensure an exceptional visitor and vendor experience. Anyone interested in volunteering can sign up at the Pure Markette Welcome Center, or email me. We also GREATLY appreciate all those who follow Pure Markette on Facebook, our new Instagram channel PureMarketteSocial, and encourage family, friends and colleagues to attend and support the Markette. Our Grand Opening was on Wed., June 19 and drew several hundred attendees and 31 vendors and community partners – not to mention the 30 volunteers who stepped up in the blazing heat to help. The Markette is located in the parking lot behind 830 Michigan (M-37) in downtown Baldwin. The iconic Jones Ice Cream is an easy marker.   NCCA-Artsplace Statewide Photo Competition Award Winners - (L-R) Stone Peng, Tim Motley, Bob Brown, judge Randall Nyhof, Dianne Carroll Burdick and Russ Barneveld The award winners of the 2024 NCCA-Artsplace Statewide Photography Competition were announced on Saturday, June 15 at the exhibit reception. Photographers and their families and community members waited in anticipation as the first, second, third place winners were announced, as well as the two honorable mention winners. The competition is an annual event that exhibits and acknowledges some of the finest photographers in the state of Michigan. The exhibit and awards this year were selected by Randall Nyhof, a professional West Michigan photographer. Award winners are: 1st Place – Bob Brown of Grand Rapids for “Tulip – Elegance of Form" 2nd Place – Dianne Carroll Burdick for “Lotus Flowers” 3rd Place – Tim Motley for “Boys in the Band”, Honorable Mention – Stone Peng for “Milkweed Pod” Honorable Mention – Russ Barneveld for“The Visitor" This interesting exhibit is a must-see and everyone is encouraged to stop in and take a stroll around the many photographs on display through July 20. NCCA-Artsplace is located at 13 E. Main Street in downtown Fremont. Gallery hours are Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Bob Brown's winning entry "Tulip- Elegance of Form"  L-R Elizabeth Ostoin, Alex Svoboda and Isaac Frisbie of Cold Leather Seats West Michigan Americana band, Cold Leather Seats perform at the Dogwood Center Black Box on Friday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m. The band's music is described as, “if the Zac Brown Band recorded an indie-folk album.” Composed of frontman and lead singer Alex Svoboda, bassist Issac Frisbie, vocalist Elizabeth Ostoin, the band has found success through their evocative storytelling and genre bending performances. Rounding out the band are drummer Drew Peohl, Sejeon Karrip on lead guitar, John Robey on fiddle, and keyboardist Erin Brown. In 2020, the band joined the label, White Elephant Records, and released their debut single, “Roots”. Since that time, their success has shown no signs of slowing. In 2022, Cold Leather Seats’ music video, Where We Are, was nominated for a Michigan Music Video Award. In 2023, the band was nominated for, “Artist of the Year,” at the WYCE Jammies. They have opened for renowned acts such as, Full Cord, winner of the 2022 Telluride Bluegrass Festival; Drew Hale, recently named ‘Best New Act in Country Music’; Rachael Davis, Michigan Rattlers, and more. Ever committed to their values and their craft, the band is working relentlessly to bring authentic song-writing and spectacular performances to life. Join us for a great night in the Dogwood Black Box! Tickets are $12.50 and are available through the Dogwood Center Box Office, NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont, on-line at www.dogwoodcenter.com or just click here! Beer and wine will be available at a cash bar. For information, phone 231.924.8885. The Dogwood Center is located one mile east of downtown Fremont. A Guide to local and not quite local music in summer’s opening month
It is most definitely summertime. We have passed the kickoff weekend, the first of the Big 3 and now it is that wonderful month of June when you barely nestle into seasonal mode before it’s suddenly 4th of July weekend. And with this wonderful time of year comes a cluster of opportunities near and far to experience the delight of outdoor music. Here’s what we’ve been able to glean thus far for June’s Tunes Fremont- Thursdays Veteran’s Park 7pm Love this series and no better way to begin it than to see Fremont’s Favorites, the B3. June 6: The nearly world famous Braunschweiger Blues Band kicks off a month of great tunes in the park. June 13: Bat Bennett. This performer was described in one review as “A Kaleidoscope musical experience.” June 20: Wyatt and Shari. A little Americana Bluegrassy sound with some bluesy beats tossed in. Newaygo- Farmers Market Fridays 2-6pm June 14: Neil Jacobs. The 12 string guitar is a treasure for the listener when placed in the hands of one who can make it sound like a magical chorus. Mr.Jacobs will be putting his 12er through its paces with some fine tunes touched by a bit of Folk,Celtic and Gypsy influence Rockford- Rogue River Blues SeriesTuesdays 7-9pm Garden Club Park Stage This great series has been dishing up some serious blues for over 20 years. Once again an impressive lineup beginning with these three stellar acts for June. June 11: Jake Kershaw June 18: Chris Canas Band June 25: Joe Johnson and the Bluebacks Sparta- Wednesdays 6:30pm Roger's Park Sparta continues to step up their lineup each year and they come out strong with the ever popular Soul Syndicate. Guaranteed good time. And we will definitely be mentioning The Accidentals who will play the Park in July. Truly a scheduling coup for organizers. June 12: Soul Syndicate - Soul/R&B/Funk June 19: Two Beers In - Rock/Classic Rock/Country June 26: Grace Theisen - Rock/Blues Croton- The Driftwood Saturdays 4-8pm Sundays 3-7pm. Unlike those above, this one’s not free but there is no better outdoor deck to hear good music benevolently shared with anyone on or near the Pond. Another great lineup for June and winding up the month with local favorite Guinness Bros. June 1 Gone Country June 2 Trilogy June 8 Innuendo June 9 Gordon Thayer Band June 15 Mustang June 16 Mustang June 22 Stolen Horses June 23 Stolen Horses June 29 Guinness Brothers June 30 Guinness Brothers Also Riverstop Cafe: Thursdays 6:30-9pm Check their fb page for performers The Dogwood brings in Langford Lads June 7 https://www.nearnorthnow.com/features-and-fun/langford-lads-at-dogwood-on-june-7 Emerson Drive the 9th https://www.nearnorthnow.com/features-and-fun/emerson-drive-at-the-dogwood-center-on-june-9 and Cold Leather Seats the 28th. All showtimes are 7:30 pm. Any we missed? Send suggestions to [email protected] We’ll be back in July. “Ah, music," he said, wiping his eyes. "A magic beyond all we do here!”- J.K. Rowling., Harry Potter and the Scorcerer's Stone  Langford Lads will perform in the Dogwood Center Black Box on Friday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m. Started by Bob Phillips, Larry Halverson, and Tim Staudacher, and musically known as the Langford Lads, the trio is an upcoming folk trio. The music of Langford Lads can only be described as sonically stunning, where the intersection of Irish, old-time, and folk music meet. Featuring guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo, tin whistle, flute and vocals they perform a cascade of folk based tunes that will entertain and delight. Based in West-Michigan their years as life-long music educators brings a unique perspective to their music and performance. Phillips, a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, taught orchestra in Saline. Called “the father of fiddling in schools,” he established the Saline Fiddlers in 1994. Phillips has authored more than 25 book series and published 200 pieces of music in the educational market. Staudacher, a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, retired from teaching instrumental music at Mona Shores Public Schools. He nurtures his deep interest in folk music by playing in groups that perform American and Irish music. Halverson, from Roosevelt Park, is a saxophonist who added the Irish tin whistle and the flute after attending a concert by Kennedy’s Kitchen. Through study with Ireland’s leading performers and instructors, he learned tin whistle techniques while developing his own unique style. Tickets are $12.50 and are available online at www.dogwoodcenter.com, at the Dogwood Box Office, at NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont or click here! The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Tuesday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. For information, phone 231.924.8885. The Dogwood Center is located one mile east of downtown Fremont. |
Features and FunConcerts, Plays, Happenings, Local Recipes, Gardening, Entertainment, Charities, Fundraisers, upcoming events, Theater, Activities, Tech, and much more. Archives
January 2025
Categories“We don’t have a choice on whether we do social media, the question is how well we do it.”
- Eric Qualman |
RSS Feed