Free Concert Series in Mackinaw City, All Summer Long!
In addition to the myriad recreational activities available in Mackinaw, Wisc., great music abounds, as well. Music in Mackinaw is a free concert series held Saturdays at 8 p.m. at Conkling Heritage Park and everyone is welcome! The final show hit the stage on Sept. 1 and occur on a weekly basis ‘til then, so if you’re visiting this unique region of the Midwest, work some tunes into your trip! You can also see the Straits Area Concert Band Tuesdays at 8 p.m. throughout summer 2012, also in Conkling Heritage Park. Click here to see the full schedule »
Low Road Ramblers
Saturday, July 7 | 8:00 PM
“Low Road Ramblers is a merging of four artists, each with a lengthy pedigree of performing in various Michigan bands. The members are Ann Whitford, vocals and doghouse bass; Eldon Whitford, vocals, lead guitar, and mandolin; John Warstler, vocals, rhythm guitar, claw hammer banjo, and mandolin; and Dave Eggebrecht, vocals, high and low fiddle, banjo, and mandolin. This four piece acoustic band blends tight vocal harmonies with instrumental work that can take your breath away. Their music represents the eclectic genres heard from the best bands on the old country music radio programs in the 50s.”
Sister Wilene
Saturday, July 21 | 8:00 PM
“Sister Wilene will take you back to the days when country music was a pocketful of heartfelt ballads and great swing songs you could dance to. From the traditions of Patsy Cline to Bob Wills, from the honky-tonks to the dance halls to the front porches, this band will take you down memory lane or perhaps introduce you to some of the greatest American music ever played.”
Gordon Lightfoot Tribute
Saturday, July 28 | 8:00 PM
“If you have read Mike Fornes’ newspaper work, heard him on the radio, seen him on TV or read any of the three books he has written, it’s clear that he loves the Straits of Mackinac area. The woods, the water and the wildlife blend with the North Country music you’ll hear in concert. His portrayal of Gordon Lightfoot is simply an honest effort to entertain with an accurate representation of a Lightfoot show. Mike’s music takes him a long way from the worlds of hockey and media where he usually lives. He invites you to journey along with him for “music of the north.” Four talented area musicians play the roles of Gordon Lightfoot’s stage band, replicating parts heard on recordings and in live performances by Terry Clements (lead guitar), Barry Keane (drums), Rick Haynes (bass) and Michael Heffernan (keyboards).”
42nd Royal Highlanders
Saturday, August 4 | 8:00 PM
“The 42nd of Lafayette was formed by Captain Thomas J. Griffin in 1975, for men interested in Scottish history and culture, portraying the Black Watch during the period of the American Revolution. Today, the 42nd Royal Highlanders Band of Music is America’s premier 18th century band of pipes, fifes, and drums, and has performed for audiences across the country, from the New England coast to the Mississippi River, and from Wisconsin to Fort Ticonderoga in New York, Vermont, and south to Alabama.”
Younce Guitar Duo
Saturday, August 11 | 8:00 PM
“After many years of their own individual music making, guitarist Jerry Younce and guitarist Ryan Younce have fused their musical energy to create a unique instrumental guitar duo with a dynamic sounds to behold. Creative and innovative, while accessible and audience friendly, the Younce Guitar Duo sound is distinctively balanced and rich with imaginative approach. Their performances are infused with captivating guitar that is beautifully spoken and intuitively spirited that takes listeners on a musical journey colored by influence of Jazz, Gypsy Guitar, Flamenco, Latin Music, Celtic Music and World Music. This father and son musical collaboration creates a rare axis as together they carve out time and space turning songs that move and exhilarate.”
Conga Se Menne
Saturday, August 18 | 8:00 PM
“One would not expect to find world class musicians in this small northern college town. Marquette, Michigan is not exactly Chicago, Nashville, nor even Memphis, but you couldn’t tell by listnening to Derrell Syria and the members of Conga Se Menne. While the lyrics are geared for fun, the quality of their sound is no laughing matter. Syria’s original songs carry the flavor of Michigans Upper Peninsula in lyrical silliness and the spirit of it’s hearty residence in musical excellence. Conga Se Menne live and work along the chilly invigorating banks of lake Superior and their mastery of melodic syncopation is second to none.”
Northern Michigan Brass Band
Saturday, September 1 | 8:00 PM
“The all-volunteer Northern Michigan Brass Band (NMiBB) has attracted enthusiastic adult and youth brass players from across Northern Michigan from Alpena in the east to Traverse City in the west. The current active membership comes from many walks of life and includes several current and retired band directors, doctors, secretaries, lawyers, teachers, football coaches, school administrators and former military bandsmen. Since the band was organized in January 1999, NMiBB has presented concerts at various locations throughout Michigan including Gaylord, Alpena, Midland, Cheboygan, Standish, Petoskey, Bellaire, Harrison, Charlevoix, East Jordan, Mackinaw City, Elk Rapids, Lansing and Traverse City.”
