07/13/2007

Northwind Brass at Art Park tonight

THOMPSONVILLE — "Summer Sounds 2007” continues at the Michigan Legacy Art Park with a concert by Northwind Brass tonight at 7 p.m.

The Northwind brass consists of area artists including Jeanette Fehner and Darrell Graves on trumpet, John Beery on tuba, Curt Wilson on French horn and Paul Schultz on trombone. The group performs a panorama of American pop music spanning from the early 1900s, through the decades to current popular tunes, and including such composers and performers as Gershwin, Cole Porter, the Beatles, Sting, Joplin and Ellington.

The audience participates in challenges to guess the name of some of the old favorites the group performs.

Steppin' In It is scheduled for next week, July 20, also at 7 p.m. The Lansing-based ensemble draws on a supply of vintage instruments and a sound that brings listeners back to the days of old-time radio with a combination of old-time country, swing and blues.

Upright bassist Dominic Suchyta and multi-instrumentalist brothers Andy and Joe Wilson compliment the strong songwriting talents of singer/songwriter Josh Davis, whose vocals paint a picture of rural and urban Michigan breaking its blue-collar back under troubled times.

Friday, July 27, brings a bluegrass performance by Detour at 7 p.m.

On Friday, Aug. 3, it's a Family Fun evening at 5 p.m. Built around celebrating the 50-year anniversary of Crystal Mountain, activities include an Art Park tour, silent auction, art activities, music and a picnic dinner.

Then at 7 p.m., the Blue Water Ramblers will offer folk songs about Michigan.

Concerts are held in the Art Park's Jessie Frohlich Amphitheatre located in the Art Park on the grounds at Crystal Mountain. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children, or $20 for a family. Some seating is provided, though concert-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnics.

In case of rain, concerts will move indoors.

For more information, or to make reservations for the Aug. 3 Family Fun dinner, call (231) 378-4963.