2007 Performances Archipelago Group
The Archipelago Project was founded by Traverse City natives Garrett Mendez and Dan Trahey as a non-profit music education ensemble. Archipelago performs residencies, workshops, master classes, and concerts throughout the U.S. and recently completed their inaugural tour of Europe Members of the Archipelago project have performed with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Vienna Symphony, German Philharmonic, Bruce Hornsby, Orchestra Nuevo Leon, and the Toledo Symphony. Members of The Archipelago Project have held teaching positions at The Peabody Conservatory of Music, Idyllwild Arts, Yale University, Albion College, and the University of Illinois. Archipelago spends two weeks every summer in Northern Michigan performing concerts emphasizing the importance that music plays in the development of young people's education and in life. In the summer of 2007, Archipelago will once again team up with Traverse City East Junior High students, for an intense two-week camp. Archipelago runs an instrument donation program designed to put musical instruments in the hands of economically disadvantaged children. Please visit www.archipelagomusic.org for more information. Perfomances: Lars Hockstad Aug. 1 7pm,10pm; Old Town Playhouse Aug. 3 7pm; State Theatre Aug. 4 7pm; Lars Hockstad Aug. 5 7pm,10pm  Jeff "Jabo" Bihlman
Jeff "Jabo" Bihlman is the lead guitarist/vocalist for the popular blues rock band, The Bihlman Bros. Recently signing with legendary producer Bruce Robb's Quarter 2 Three Records, the new Bihlman Bros. CD was recorded at the world famous Cherokee Studios in Hollywood and is slated for release summer '07. A few songs from the new Bihlman Bros. CD will be included in an upcoming major motion picture starring Amy Smart, tentatively called "Love & Dancing". The Bros. will also be the band in the movie and are scheduled to shoot August 13-15 '07. Previous records by the Bros. have been produced by Grammy Award winning Memphis producer Jim Gaines (SRV, Journey, Santana). The Bihlman Bros. have appeared with BB King, Ray Charles, ZZ Top, Buddy Guy and many others at venues ranging from clubs to stadiums worldwide. Their music has appeared on Radio, Films and TV including NPR's All Things Considered, and All My Children on ABC. Jeff is an EMMY Award winning songwriter and composer for his scores of the CBS Documentaries Surviving the Bradley and Edmund Fitzgerald: 30 Years a Legend. Jeff is also the author of the book/DVD series "Play Blues Guitar" published and distributed by Alfred, and the DVD "Easy Songs with Jeff Bihlman" published and distributed by Workshop Arts. He is on the faculty of The National Guitar Workshop, WorkshopLive and the Interlochen Guitar Institute. As a hired gun, Jeff has been the Guitarist and band leader for the Legendary Chicago Bluesman, Son Seals, touring the US and Europe and appearing on the W.C Handy award winning record "Lettin' Go". He's also worked with Trey Anastasio of Phish, Grand Funk Railroad, Radford, Matter and Davey Boy Green. www.bihlmanbros.com Performance: Open Space movie Sat. Aug. 4  Crispin Campbell
Crispin Campbell is on the faculty of Interlochen Arts Academy, where he teaches cello and coaches chamber music. He is a member of the Neptune Quartet, and was co-founder of the Manitou Music Festival, where he served as artistic director for ten years. He has most recently been on the summer faculty at the Madeline Island Music Camp. Mr. Campbell's musical interests are wide, ranging from the classical solo cello repertoire to varying styles of jazz, rock, blues, Latin and North American folk music. His collaborative performances have involved chamber music with the Interlochen Piano Trio, the Aurora Quintet, members of the Fine Arts and Stradivari Quartets, the Raphael Trio, and others. His improvisational playing is currently with the Neptune Quartet, which appears frequently at music festivals and concert venues such 2005 Mandofest, (Lawrence, KS), the 2003 New Directions Cello Festival, Kerrytown Concert House (Ann Arbor, MI) and at the Classical Mandolin Society of North America's 2002 Festival (Toronto, Ontario). He has appeared as a soloist with the Buglisi/Foreman Dance troupe in New York City, with numerous singer/songwriters, folk musicians and bards, and has created original music for several film and stage productions. As Artistic Director of the Manitou Music Festival, he created a summer concert series of chamber, jazz and folk music in Leelanau County, Michigan, where performers from throughout the nation come to collaborate. Musicians such as composer David Amram, cellist George Sopkin, pianists David Schrader and Paul Sullivan, vocalist Claudia Schmidt, guitarist Dean Magraw and violinist Richard Luby have appeared at the festival. Crispin Campbell has balanced his career with 25 years of teaching to cello at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. His students have developed into successful performing artists and teachers in the U.S., Europe, Latin America and Asia. He has given master classes and workshops throughout the United States and Latin America, and has brought many of the leading performers and teachers of cello to Interlochen, including Janos Starker, George Sopkin, Anthony Elliott, Richard Aaron, Steven Doane, Norman Fischer, Alan Harris, Hans Jensen, Lazlo Varga and Tanya Carey. Cellist Crispin Campbell is a musician with wide musical interests, ranging from the classical cello repertoire to jazz, blues, tango and folk music. He is a member of the Michigan-based Neptune Quartet, and has performed extensively as a collaborative artist with musicians such as composer David Amram, jazz pianist Paul Sullivan, keyboard artist David Schrader, and songwriter Claudia Schmidt. In addition he has worked with Buglisi/Foreman Dance in Michigan and New York, and created original music for several film and stage productions. Crispin is a faculty member at Interlochen Arts Academy, and was Artistic Director of the Manitou Music Festival for ten years. He has appeared at music festivals in North and South America, and has been a faculty member at Madeline Island Music Camp. Crispin will perform at Lars Hockstad August 1st 4,7,10pm and Open Space movie Wed. Aug. 1  Bob Downes
Bob Downes: sings and plays rhythm acoustic/electric guitar. He is the editor and co-owner of the Northern Express Weekly, an alternative newsweekly that serves Northern Michigan. He'd like to travel the world when he grows up. Bob Downes will perform at Old Town Playhouse August 2, 7pm  Egon
Egon is a blend of funk, rock, and improvisation. Their original music incorporates a driving rhythm section with complex instrumentation and vocal harmonies. Since forming as a group in spring 2006, they have performed throughout Michigan and was selected to play at the Traverse City Film Festival. Through their energetic live performances, they have acquired a devoted fan base. They are scheduling festival performances for 2007. Kyle Avery- Drums/vocals Kyle was in choir in high school and at Michigan State University. He was in the band Eugeneous with Spencer and Jesse. He has played with Dill's Golden Garter Revue. Kyle shaped his drumming style after John Bonham of Led Zepellin. Other musical influences include Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, and Pink Floyd. Kyle Sullivan- Lead guitar/vocals Despite his age, Kyle is a veteran musician and performer. As the former lead guitarist and songwriter for Fourth House In, this popular alternative band gained national exposure upon the release of their CD "Choice Rig" received national airplay. Fourth House In opened for The Wallflowers, Solas, Fuel and performed at Blissfest. A fusion of reggae and alternative, Kyle also created 4HI while in high school and performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. He was the youngest performer to be designated a touring artist by the Michigan Humanities Council. While in college, Kyle toured with Song of the Lakes during their "Poets Say" tour. Kyle studied with jazz great Ray Kamalay, Ron Getz, Matt Hathaway, and Mark Andersen. Spencer Shattuck- Bass/vocals Spencer is a devote` of the renowned Victor Wooten of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. Spencer has studied mandolin, banjo, guitar, and bass. Spencer has been in several bands including rock groups Mue Sephy and Eugenius. Spencer attended workshops with Tony Trishka on banjo and Victor Wooten on bass. Justin Delapa- Guitar/vocals Justin has played guitar and sang in bands for several years. He studied guitar under Dan Abbott of Southwestern Michigan School of Music. Justin met Jesse and Kyle (Avery) while attending Michigan State University and began playing together in the fall of 2004. His musical influences include Jimi Hendrix, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Led Zepellin. Jesse Jason- Keyboards/vocals Jesse is self-taught and has studied piano for several years. He's been playing professionally for four years. Jesse performed in the band Eugeneous with Kyle and Spencer. His influences include Ben Fold, Herbie Hancock, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Mose Allison. http://myspace.com/egontheband Egon will perform at the Friends Party July 28th and Open Space movie Wed. Aug. 1  Brandon Everest
Brandon Everest, based in Traverse City, Michigan, has been playing saxophones since age 11. He was surrounded by music in his family. His father earned a Bachelor's degree in music education from Michigan State University specializing in low brass and cello. His family boasts a long and varied musical career in Vaudeville, Dixieland jazz, and classical repertory music. Brandon's mother and her sisters also sang three part harmonies of American folk and roots music at every family gathering. Brandon studied saxophone with John Nichol and Robb Smith and began a music degree at Central Michigan University before turning to other pursuits. He taught saxophone to students, played in various jazz combos, Alma College's Jazz Band, and other rock and fusion bands before co-creating TwoTone. Brandon provides melodic and arrangement themes to the duet and appreciates linear, rapid solos combined with touching melodic ideas. In addition to playing with TwoTone, Brandon works as a community-based social worker and adjunct professor in the Social Sciences at Northwestern Michigan College. www.brandoneverest.com Performances: Opera house- August 5 @ 4,7,10  Dominic Fortuna
Dominic Fortuna has been singing professionally since the age of 13. He was a long time member of the Young Americans musical touring group. Dominic has a commanding stage presence. He knows how to read a crowd and keep an audience involved. He is very personable and he appeals to a wide audience. His performance abilities have been praised in television and large and small stage. He is certainly a crowd pleaser. In 1994 Dominic performed at the World Cup Opening Ceremonies at the Pontiac Silverdome alongside Larry Gatlin and Martha Wash. He has also performed along side Dean Martin, Arsenio Hall, Peggy Lee, Les Brown's Band, Drew Abbott from Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, Joe Piscopo and Barry Manilow. "Grease: You're the One That I Want" - NBC TV reality show semi-finalist He has toured nationally and internationally and performed in Europe in the original Ballet of West Side Story with the Young American's Song and Dance Company. He also did a Midwest Tour of "Grease" with the American Musical Theatre. Dominic performs a wide variety of music from all decades up to today's hits. From Classics, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Pop, Top 40, Country, Funk, Island, Latin, Broadway Show Tunes, Oldies, Blues and Classic Rock. Dominic has something for everyone. www.dominicentertainment.com Performing at the Open Space movie Grease Friday, Aug. 3  Ron Getz
Ron Getz, guitarist and composer, has studied at Berkeley College of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music. He has performed with a variety of jazz greats, including Arthur Blythe, Billy Hart, John Scofield, Steve Grossman, Bill Evans, Branford Marsalis and Marvin "Smitty" Smith (from the Jay Lenno Tonight Show Band). He has also shared the stage with blues greats B.B. King, Koko Taylor, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Jeff Healy, Johnnie Lang and Kenny Wayne Sheppard. He shared the bill with Edgar Winter, Leon Russell, Eric Burden, Electric Light Orchestra and Jefferson Starship. His CD release Ego State has received critical acclaim in Jazz Times and Down Beat. He has recorded and produced numerous CD projects under his own name and with other artists in the jazz, blues, rock and pop genres. He has performed throughout the U.S. and Europe. Ron currently performs at the Trillium Lounge at the Grand Traverse Resort Friday and Saturday nights (9:00pm to 1:20 am). Featured with Ron on Friday and Saturday nights are some of the area's best singers and players performing dance and listening music ranging from Motown, Pop, Blues, Funk, Swing and Jazz Performances: July 31 with Don Julin TCFF VIP Party; Aug. 1 Lars Hockstad 1pm,4pm; Aug. 3 City Opera House 4pm; State Theatre Aug. 4 1pm,4pm  Jazz North
The members of Jazz North met playing in the Jazz Big Band at NMC. Their alliance was further cemented when they participated in an ongoing open mic for Jazz at Art's Tavern in Glen Arbor in the winter of 2004-2005. The open mic night didn't last but Jazz North did Jazz North has performed on stage at the Dennos Museum and at Friday Night Live in Traverse City. They have played at Boone Dock's and at The Western Avenue Grill in Glen Arbor as well as playing private parties and weddings. Jazz North has also played music for dancing at the Just Imagine Center and at the Elks Club in Traverse City. They have been heard on WNMC during the "Jazz From the Tradition" show hosted by Dave Walker. Playing everything from swing to rhythm and blues, latin to bebop, vocals and jazz standards Jazz North is versatile and professional and just plain fun. This is music for grown ups. You can listen, dance or talk to your friends as Jazz North serenades you in the background. Perfect for weddings and parties the members of Jazz North also have the ability to play smaller gatherings and wedding ceremonies. From solo piano, piano with vocals, or solo guitar to little big bands of up to nine people and every combination in between, the instrumentation of Jazz North is flexible and it's members are able to play a large variety of styles of music. The members of Jazz North are: AJ Straw - bass and guitar Dave Goodwin - drums Carol Purcell - keyboards and vocals Bill Fromm - trumpet and flugelhorn Norm Wheeler - trumpet and flugelhorn Jeff Kozisek - tenor and alto sax Steve Carey - trombone and keyboard  Ingemar Johansson
Born and raised in his native Sweden, Ingemar studied music from a young age, leading him from percussion, horn and classical guitar to his current multitude of stringed instruments such as guitars, mandolin, swedish nyckelharpa (keyfiddle), as well as percussion and vocals. A number of the songs on the repertoire are written by him. He came to the United States at the age of 25 and launched a musical career in the Cleveland-Kent region of Ohio. Since, he has been in a number of musical groups and was a founding member of Song of the Lakes. Performances: August 4 at the Opera House 4,7pm  Ruby John
Ruby John is a 16 year old Fiddler who specializes in Old Time, Celtic, French Canadian, and Country. She is part Native American, part Irish and a member of the Grand Traverse band of Ottawa/ Chippewa Indians. Ruby plays weekly on Sundays at the Suttons Bay Tendercare Nursing Home and on Monday evenings with TC Celtic at the Loading Dock in TC Ruby has participated in many festivals such as the Spirit of the Woods Festival in Brethren w/ Lee Sloan 07', Bob Sadler 06', Chris Williams 05', Cameron and Alex Schocko 04'; Springfield Celtic Festival in Fife Lake w/Bob Sadler 07'; Original Michigan Fiddler Jamborees throughout the State since 03'. She takes party in many Tribal Elder and Community Functions including the Bayside Traveler's as a regular Guest Musician; WMBNA Bluegrass Festival in Lowell, Kalkaska Fair, and Goolais River Bluegrass Festival w/Heart to Heart 06'. Her mentors include Lee Sloan, Bob Sadler, and John Richey. Camps and Workshops she's attended include, Julie Schryer's and Pat O'Gorman's AlgomaTrad, Pierre Schryer, Mark Sullivan, Anne Lederman, Stuart Williams, and Grey Larson. Weishda@yahoo.com - http://myspace.com/rubyijohn Performances: Old Town Playhouse Aug. 3 1pm, State Theatre Aug. 5 at 10am Don Julin Don Julin is one of Michigan's premier instrumentalists. From jazz to folk, gypsy to avant-garde, Julin is loved for his talent and fluidity. Julin has achieved national acclaim or his original compositions from his cd's Tractor and Mr. Natural. Julin has won national songwriting contests and his music is often heard on NPR's radio magazine All Things Considered. Don performs thoughout the United States and Europe and has been a featured performer for the Classical Mandolin Society of America including other international events.  88 Strings is a mandolin orchestra founded and conducted by Don Julin.
www.donjulin.com/88strings.ivnu Neptune Quartet Neptune Quartet formed in 2001, the quartet is a collaboration of cellist Crispin Campbell, mandolinist Don Julin, guitarist Angelo Meli and bassist Glenn Wolff. The group plays original compositions as well as music by the likes of Django Reinhardt, Frank Zappa, and Hank Williams. Cellist Crispin Campbell is on the faculty at Interlochen Arts Academy and the Madeline Island Music Camp and is founder and former artistic director of the Manitou Music Festival. A musician whose interests defy categories, he frequently appears as a soloist, chamber music and improvisational collaborator throughout North America. Campbell's repertoire ranges from the Bach Cello Suites to Delta blues, chamber music with violinist Vartan Manoogian, pianist David Schrader, and collaborations with jazz pianist Paul Sullivan and composer David Amran. Mandolin player Don Julin has performed on over 20 CDs ranging in style from folk to gospel to jazz to avant-garde, while his original compositions have won awards at the Walnut Valley Music Festival in Winfield, Kansas. Touring Italy four times, Julin has given master classes at the conservatory in Padova at the invitation of fellow mandolinist Ugo Orlandi. He has also been a featured performer at the Classical Mandolin Society of America Conferences of 2001 and 2002. Highly regarded as a recording engineer, Julin has recorded and mixed CD projects for over twenty years in Traverse City, Michigan. Guitarist Angelo Meli was born in Detroit and attended Michigan State University and the Berklee College of Music in Boston. His experience ranges from the folk club circuit in Detroit to rock and roll in Boston to Latin bands and studio work in Florida. In Michigan, he has performed with back-up bands to the Drifters, the Coasters, the Platters and the Marvelletes. Angelo is also active as a songwriter and performs frequently with a variety of groups including the blues band the Corvairs. Bassist Glenn Wolff grew up in Traverse City, Michigan. As a teenager, he played in folk bands with his friend John Wunsch. While studying art at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, he played in garage bands with fellow student and singer/songwriter John Kruth. After moving to New York, Wolff played for 9 years at venues such as Figaro's, Folk City, the Speakeasy, CBGB's and Max's Kansas City, while pursuing a career as a free lance illustrator. He returned with his family to Northern Michigan in 1987 and continues to pursues a double career of visual artist and bass player. www.donjulin.com Performances: City Opera House July 31 Neptune Quartet 7:15pm;State Theatre Aug. 1 88 Strings 1pm,4:30pm; Lars Hockstad July 2 Don Julin 1pm,4pm,7pm;Old Town Playhouse Aug. 4 Don Julin 1pm,4pm,7pm;State Theatre Aug. 5 88 Strings 1pm,4pm Don will perform with Ron Getz at Federico's on July 31 VIP Party Neptune Quartet will perform at the Opening Nite Party on July 31 88 Strings will perform on Wed Aug 1 at 1, 4pm and Sunday Aug 5 at the State theatre at 1, 4pm.  Tom Kaufmann
Pianist, singer, and harmonica player,Tom Kaufmann has entertained audiences in Northwest Lower Michigan for more than twenty-five years, and has been performing regularly at the Top of the Park Place Hotel since 2001. Tom is the owner of Tinkertunes Music Studios, a music teaching facility, now in its twelfth year, dedicated to the promotion of early childhood music education. He has also become well known as a wire sculptor, and his personalized chimes called "Your Name Rings a Bell" have become a coveted memento for locals and visitors alike. Most recently, he has been devoting his attention to the construction of lithophones, and to learning to ride his Aquaskipper. tom@tinkertunes.com Performances: City Opera House Aug. 2 4pm,7pm; Old Town Playhouse Aug. 5 4pm  Millennials
Kyle Sullivan- Despite his age, Kyle is a veteran musician and performer. As the former lead guitarist and songwriter for Fourth House In, this popular alternative band gained national exposure upon the release of their CD "Choice Rig." "Choice Rig" was aired on college radio stations throughout the U.S. and was rated in the Top 10 in several major markets. A fusion of reggae and alternative, Kyle created 4HI while in high school and performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. He was the youngest performer to be designated a touring artist by the Michigan Humanities Council. The group performed throughout Michigan including Blissfest and was chosen to showcase at the Brighton Performing Arts Center. Fourth House In also opened for The Wallflowers, Solas, and Fuel. While in college, Kyle toured with Song of the Lakes during their "Poets Say" tour. He recently completed a degree in Electrical Engineering at Michigan State University, where he supplemented his income with duo work and took 1st Place in MSU's Battle of the Bands. Kyle studied with jazz great Ray Kamalay, Ron Getz, Matt Hathaway, and Mark Andersen. While completing an internship in Phoenix, AZ he assisted in marketing for Martin Sexton. Kstyle220@gmail.com Spencer Shattuck- Spencer is a devote` of Bela Fleck's and a master of avant-garde banjo and mandolin. Spencer began playing banjo, guitar, and bass by age 12. He's been playing mandolin for three years, studying under Don Julin and Mark Andersen. Spencer has been in several bands including rock groups Mue Sephy and Eugenius. Spencer has attended workshops with Tony Trishka on banjo and the renowned Victor Wooten of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones on bass guitar. While attending Michigan State University, Spencer and Kyle helped form the funk/rock group Egon. Millennials performances: State Theatre July 31 7pm;Old Town Playhouse Aug. 1 1pm,4pm,10pm; State Theatre Aug. 2 1pm,4pm;  Mue Sephei
Mue Sephei is the culmination of two projects; the acoustic, vocal based sounds of Carlos Speaking blended with the instrumental based ambient sounds of Nestoria. The band consists of Noemie and Diane Derib, Mike Parrish, Rob Piotrowski, and Paul Carpenter. Noemie and Diane are from Montreux, Switzerland, Mike, Rob, and Paul are from Traverse City, MI resulting in an eclectic slew of influences that are obvious in the music we make. But for the performances at the Film Fest it's an acoustic combination of three guitars and two voices. They have played in venues all over Europe such as: Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland Le Bleu Lezard in Switzerland Le Caveau de l'hotel de ville in Switzerland La Neuvaine de Moha in Belgium Murphy's Irish Pub in Paris, France Edward and Sons in Paris, France The Barfly in London, England The Spice of Life in London, England. More recently their shows have been in the US: Horizon Books, MI Jacob's Well, MI Mt. Pleasant CMU public radio, MI The Opera House, MI Kraftbrau and Papa Pete's. www.myspace.com/muesephei  New Third Coast
Patrick Niemisto hails from Pelkie near Baraga in Michigan's upper peninsula. He is a Northern Michigan University graduate which is in Marquette. Patrick moved to the Leelanau County area in the early 1980's, and has been a part of the music scene ever since. Playing a variety of instruments with an assortment of musicians, Patrick has enjoyed sharing the stage with some very cool people in some very cool places. In addition to being in N3C, he plays with Luunappi, a children's and family music and stories duo with Norm Wheeler, as well as other varied ensembles for special events on a regular basis. Patrick now teaches music at Glen Lake Community Schools. He also spends considerable time as proprietor of the Holy Wah! Recording Studio and Brewery in Maple City. Most of the regional musicians find their way into his studio. Patrick plays Bass, Fiddle, Mandolin, Guitar, Percussion, Piano, you name it - he probably plays it. John Kumjian's roots are in southeast Michigan, but he's spent enough time in the UP to be afforded the title of Honorary Yooper. He graduated from Northern Michigan University with a bachelor's degree in Music Education and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. John is currently teaching band and general music at Glen Lake Community Schools. Along with his teaching, "Mr.K" (as his students refer to him) is a highly sought after session percussionist/drummer who can frequently be found "filling in" for area ensembles. John spent a number of years touring regionally and nationally with various groups and artists. He plays pretty much everything! On the most recent recording he plays Guitar, Electric Guitar, Drums, Percussion, Bass, Harmonica, Accordian, Piano, and Amazingly High Vocals. Bryan Poirier is the newest member. He grew up in Grand Rapids and is a Yooper once removed via his father. Bryan earned his BA in Music focusing on Theory and Composition from Grand Valley State, did some teaching and Grad work in Music at Ohio University, and his MBA from Michigan State. Bryan's "day gig" is as a Certified Financial Planner with Advent Financial Group in Traverse City. He worked in a popular area duo with David Cisco for a number of years. Their performances took them as far away as Bermuda. Bryan left for the Detroit area in 1987 taking some time off from music, but returned to Leelanau in 2000. He started up a solo career again before being asked to join N3C in late 2004. He plays Guitar, Keyboards, some Banjo and Bass. All of these boys share songwriting duties.  The Overtones
The Overtones, a six man acapella singing group, started their singing days together in their eighth grade year at Traverse City Junior High (west). It was there that they were under the direction of Tom Stokes, in the vocal ensemble called Men of Note. They continued singing together throughout their high school years and then went their separate ways during college. In 2000 Tom Stokes assembled a men's singing group known as "The Northmen Singers." It was at that time that "The Overtones" emerged. The six friends began rehearsing and singing smaller performances that the Northmen Singers were not available for. With encouragement from family, friends and Tom Stokes, the group continued building their repertoire and diversifying their selections. Performing such genres as sacred, gospel, love songs, generational favorites, contemporary, holiday favorites, and Sea Shanties, The Overtones found themselves building shows for every type of audience. Establishing themselves as an organization, The Overtones have also donated their time to many organizations in the Traverse City area. Their recent appearances include performing the show "Forever Plaid" with Theatre North, singing for the West Michigan Whitecaps in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and regular appearances on Michigan This Morning (Live) on 9&10. While being a group of friends and keeping that "light hearted" feel, The Overtones continue to produce fine music quality and focus their time and efforts on this goal. Performances: Friday August 3rd at the Open Space Movie  Genot Picor
Storyteller-Musician Genot "Winter Elk" Picor takes his audience on a magical journey back into early Michigan history, with interactive stories, songs and dances of the Metis' people of the region. Descended from the French and Huron People of the Great Lakes region, Picor brings a wealth fun and energy to the stage. Acting as a Metis' Great Lakes scout, Picor includes the audience as his charges, with audience members learning a story in Native sign language, playing parts in stories, using puppets, singing along to songs or clapping to the beat of a Metis' dance or two. Picor has most recently performed at the Detroit Institute of Arts, at the dedication of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena and at the Detroit International Riverdays Festival. Picor has performed at schools, museums, libraries, festivals and has given teacher workshops throughout the midwest and into Ontario. A public school teacher by profession, he has studied voice and movement at the prestigious Stratford Festival Theater in Stratford, Ontario. Get ready to laugh, howl or tap your feet. There's a little something for everyone in the whole family! www.genotpicor.com Performances: Open Space movie Aug. 1  Root Stand
Brant Losinski (vocals, lead, rhythm and slide guitar) brings his soulful and smooth vocals, creative and expressive guitar work and engaging stage presence to Rootstand, as well as arrangements and songwriting. He is also one of the major organizers for the band. Brant, along with John, created the original foundation for Rootstand nearly ten years ago. Originally from Northern Michigan, Brant has also lived and performed in the mountains and streets of Seattle and the Olympic Peninsula, eventually coming back to Ann Arbor and earning a degree in Literature, Creative writing and Native American Studies at the University of Michigan. John Snyder (harmonica, guitar, vocals) John contributes lead and rhythm guitar, vocals, and smokin' harmonica, as well as songwriting and arrangment.John is also originally from northern Michigan, but has traveled extensively in Europe and has lived in Germany, Ireland, and Washington state. John has a degree from Kalamazoo College, where he studied literature, writing, musicology, and art. Matt Pernar (kit drums) mans the drum set for Rootstand, skillfully melding blues, reggae, bluegrass, and solid rhythmic interpretation to provide the foundation to the music. Matt is originally from Colorado, but now makes his home in Ypsilanti MI, painting, reading, and performing superhuman feats of long distance tour driving. We want to formally introduce Grant Jacobus, our resident farmer, keyboard wiz, and elder statesman. Grant has been jamming on his keyboard throughout most our summer shows, and still finds time to run his farm, and be a great dad to pile of smiling kids... Look for his pics and links here soon, and in the meantime, check out his operations at www.brokedownpalacefarms.com or on myspace. We want to also formally introduce Doug Albright, who has been skillfully jamming and bringing sweet harmonies to the Rootstand for almost a year now...Upright, electric, singing high harmony or backing some country boy hip hop, doug has it covered with a fresh new flavor... Another alpena native, Doug got his bachelor's degree in Marquette at NMU before moving to Detroit to attend Wayne state for grad school. www.rootstand.com Performances: Sat. August 4 at the Open Space  Claudia Schmidt - Vocals, Guitar, Dulcimer
Michigan native Claudia Schmidt has covered a lot of musical ground, beginning with a stirring rendition of "Tammy" at age 4 around a neighborhood bonfire. Then came years of choirs, a guitar, a dulcimer, and some theatre thrown into the pot. Thirty-two years as a touring professional have found her traversing North America as well as Europe in venues ranging from intimate clubs to 4,000 seat theatres, and festival stages in front of 25,000 rapt listeners. She is familiar with the mediums of radio and TV, including regular stints on Public Radio International's "A Prairie Home Companion" in its early incarnation, and starring in an hour-long documentary called "I Sing Because I Can't Fly," produced by KTCA TV in St. Paul. She participated in the delightful Les Blank movie "Gap-Toothed Women," contributing a song as well as an interview. She wrote an award-winning score and performed in the Goodman Theatre's Chicago production of Brecht's "Good Person of Szechuan." She has recorded thirteen albums of mostly original songs, exploring folk, blues, and jazz idioms featuring her acclaimed12 string guitar and mountain dulcimer playing. Recently, she collaborated with the New Reformation Jazz Band on a Dixieland gospel recording and a tribute to Gershwin and Ellington in celebration of their hundredth birthdays. Claudia's latest release on Redhouse Records -- Wings of Wonder-- features many new songs with instrumental support by Dean Magraw and Peter Ostroushko. Her most recent work in the Jazz field "I Thought About You," is her second leading her own swinging sextet - Claudia Schmidt & The JumpBoys. In the fall of 2003 Claudia released an all spoken word CD featuring some of the many pieces she's made famous in her performances over the past thirty years. The CD, ROADS, includes 17 poems and essays from her rich performance repertoire. In the Summer of 2006 Claudia released her first self-produced folk/acoustic CD Spinning. This recording is a coming home of sorts for Claudia with a studio full of Michigan's finest musicians. A musician who has always hated categories, she describes herself as a "creative noisemaker," which has irritated some critics but delighted many audiences, who learn to expect anything at a Schmidt concert, hymn, poem, bawdy verse, torch song, satire, and the gamut of emotions. Her live performances are not to be missed. Her musicality is astonishing. Her joy and love of performing are contagious. She can weave the elements of music and stage into a program so unified and full of life that one critic has described a Claudia Schmidt concert as "....a lot like falling in love. You never know what's going to happen next, chances are it's going to be wonderful, every moment is burned into your memory, and you know you'll never be the same again." www.claudiaschmidt.com Claudia will play with Steve Stargardt and Steve Little on Thursday August 2 at the Open Space after Jazz North.  Song of the Lakes
Boisterous and impressively musical, Song of the Lakes has burst on stages the world over with acoustic sea shanties, Irish ballads, sultry Brazilian jazz tunes, and "Up North" folk songs--all delivered with joyful gusto. Together for 25 years, the four musicians call Northern Michigan home and often dip into Lake Michigan for inspiration. www.songofthelakes.com Performances: July 31 Opening Nite Party  Sol de Luna
"Samba to the Sun & Swing to the Moon" is the by-line for "SOL de LUNA," a new, local band that has impressed their audiences with their Swing Moves and Latin Grooves. The band includes Matthew Toler singing male lead vocals on Congas while Cheryl Madison sounds sweet & sultry on female lead vocals. A. J. Straw keeps it real on lead guitar while Stu Ford provides the bass line. Dave Goodwin provides a swingin' beat on drums while Dave Noller lays down some sexy sax, giving Sol de Luna a solid six-piece sound ranging from Latin, Swing, Island Music, Jazz, and Funk. Check out our 2007 summer calendar and peruse through some great pictures of the band with local dancers practicing their swing, rhumba, & mambo moves at www.soldelunamusic.com!  The Turtlenecks
The Turtlenecks, Michael Sullivan and Norm Wheeler, have been creating elegant atmospheres with their inimitable eclectic mix of Latin and jazz standards and poetry; combining the cool rhythms of Brazilian bossa nova. Singer/songwriter Michael Sullivan has been entertaining appreciative audiences in the United States and Europe for over twenty-five years. Michael has produced and performed on over a dozen CDs including Song of the Lakes and the Motor Town Juke Boys, and he books musical groups for special events in northwestern lower Michigan through Sullivan Entertainment. Norm Wheeler is an astronomer, musician, storyteller/poet, and founder of the Beach Bards Bonfire, an open forum for by heart spoken word and musical performances on summer Friday nights at the Leelanau School on Sleeping Bear Bay in Glen Arbor. Norm's horn can be heard on CD's by Jay Webber, Robin Lee Berry, and Horizon Shine's Songwriters in the Round. He has performed with New Third Coast and with folksinger Denice Franke, and is a regular in the NMC Jazz Big Band. makenwavez@aol.com Performances: Old Town Playhouse Aug. 1 1pm,4pm;State Theatre Aug. 2 1pm,4pm,7pm; Lars Hockstad Aug. 3 4pm,7pm  Glenn Wolff
Artist and musician Glenn Wolff grew up in Traverse City, Michigan. As a teenager, he played in folk bands with his friend John Wunsch. While studying art at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, he played in garage bands with fellow student and singer/songwriter John Kruth. After moving to New York, Wolff played with Kruth for 9 years at venues such as Folk City, the Speakeasy, CBGBs, and Max's Kansas City, while pursuing a career as a free lance illustrator. He returned with his family to Northern Michigan in 1987 and continues to pursue a double career of visual artist and bass player for the Neptune Quartet. Performances: Lars Hockstad Aug. 2 10pm  The Windy Ridge Trio
The Windy Ridge Trio is Phil Keeling, Tim Sparling and Joe Bottenhorn. Playing in and around Northern Michigan blending a tasteful instrumental combination of Jazz and Blues Standards with a smattering of Surf Music for the discerning ear. Performances: Old Town Playhouse August 5. 1,4,7pm |
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