With Manistee County garnering national attention thanks to the Mariah Power/Mastech marriage which is producing energy-generating “windspires”, it only makes sense for other Manistee entities and organizations to follow suit and showcase a green thumb once in a while. The August 8th installment of HomeGrown Saturdays in Downtown Manistee will do just that.

“We are very happy to announce that our Main Stage will be powered entirely by solar energy,” says Brian Garcia, a co-organizer of the event. “We're calling it the 'Solar Stage' and we're partnering with the Michigan Energy Demonstration Center at Northwestern Michigan College who will have their solar panel trailer on site.” Between the music sets, audience members will also be able to participate in workshops throughout the day with Ric Evans, owner of Paradigm Energy Services and an instructor at NMC. Evans (pictured) is a certified solar panel installer.

“HomeGrown is 'going green' this month,” says Travis Alden, Manistee Main Street DDA Director and event co-organizer. “There's the solar stage, as well as recycling and composting workshops that morning at the Farmers Market. People can come out for a great time and learn a thing or two as well.”

While the theme of the August 8th event might be “going green”, HomeGrown Saturdays is a new, monthly event in Downtown Manistee that focuses squarely on Michigan-based music. The calling card of the event has to be the popular street musicians, or “buskers”, singing and playing their instruments along the streets of downtown. “We're very pleased with the response the buskers have gotten,” notes Alden. “The busker element is actually expansing this month. We have so many talented musicians lined up, we're doing it in two shifts.” The first wave of buskers will serenade the crowds from 12-2pm with the second from 2-4pm.

Another bonus of the August installment of HomeGrown is that it coincides with the annual Sidewalk Sales in downtown Manistee. With the deluge of entertainment coupled with the fantastic shopping and bargain-hunting that weekend, there's something for everyone.

The Curtis Family Band will play at the downtown Farmer's Market from 9-11am; their authentic folk-country sound complimenting the atmosphere very nicely.

HomeGrown shifts its focus to the Main (Solar) Stage in the afternoon, with an eclectic roster of top-notch Michigan Talent. Manistee native Marty Yaple will take the stage at 2pm, and with a selection of accompanying musicians will bring his signature folk/indie/experimental rock to the masses.

Acoustic pop rocker Mike Vial is set to perform from 3-5pm, followed by Bluegrass kings Hardline Drive from 5-7pm.

At 7pm a new staple of HomeGrown goes primetime: the drum circle. Anyone and everyone is invited to come down and experience the synergy and syncopation of a couple dozen percussionists. Bring a drum if you have one.
At 8pm, renown world-blues-fusion band Harper takes the stage to close out the evening. Peter Harper, originally hailing from Australia, is regarded as one of the best blues harmonica players around, and will also break out the didgeridoo, a native Australian instrument, during certain songs. This unique band is certainly not to be missed.

It seems as though HomeGrown Saturdays in downtown Manistee are blending the line between entertainment, strengthening community and raising awareness of an important cause. “Someone once said, 'When you stop dreaming, its time to die' Well, let's keep dreaming together.“ says Garcia. “Maybe this is a chance for Manistee to pull ahead of the pack and emerge with a personality like no other city or town has in Michigan. Manistee, the new emerald city.”

As always, all entertainment at HomeGrown Saturdays is totally free. Bring the family, your lawn chairs, and enjoy summer in downtown Manistee! For more information about the event, and to see everything that Downtown Manistee has to offer, visit www.manisteedowntown.com. This event is sponsored by the Manistee Main Street DDA and Manistee Inn & Marina.

See this video about HomeGrown Saturdays!

PRESS RELEASE July 8, 2009

HomeGrown Saturday Goes Blues & Roots

This weekend's installment of HomeGrown Saturdays will not only feature three Main Stage acts during the afternoon and evening, but those acts share a common undercurrent: Blues & Roots.

Starting at 2pm, Manistee County's own The Nephews define the 'Roots' genre, and have become a staple in the area. Byron and Tim Joseph are “double cousins” - their dads were brothers, their moms sisters. Their vocals compliment guitar and banjo on a raft of old-time songs sure to please anyone of the folk pursuasion. “It doesn't get any more HomeGrown than Tim and Byron Joseph.” says B rian Garcia, co-organizer of the event. “The music of The Nephews is rootsy, soulful and timeless.  They are passionate about our community and keeping it strong and sustainable.”

At 3pm Jim Crockett & the New Third Coast will take the stage and deliver a unique “power-folk” sound. With strong harmonies combined with diverse instrumental expression, the group includes Patrick Niemisto on bass, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and vocals; Bryan Poirier on guitar and keyboards; amd John Kumjian on guitar, harmonica, conga/percussion and bass. The legendary Jim Crockett will be joining the trio for this awesome performance. “I can't wait for Jim to sing the 'Manistee River Song' while playing downtown Manistee on the banks of the Manistee River.' smiles Garcia. “Does it get any better?”

The closing act of Bo White & The Bluezers will surely be a homerun. The group is a rhythm and blues band from Western Michigan and have a long history in the Manistee area. "People may remember Howie Wilson and the band Red Apple Road, which was a very popular local band in the late 70's and early 80's,” says Mark Sandstedt, another HomeGrown co-organizer. “These guys now go by 'Bo White and the Bluezers' and they can really play. I expect their blues, rock and funk sound will be well received on Homegrown Saturday. It will be a great show." The band will start at 5pm and will rock until around 8pm.

As always, start your saturday at the farmer's market to pick up some locally grown and produced products. Starting at 9am enjoy "All Strung Out & Getting Hammered" - guitar and hammered dulcimer music by Monta and Monica Klein starting at 9am at the market.

Area artisans and crafters will also be selling their wares along River Street starting mid-morning - everything from artifact pottery to beach glass jewelry.

Street musicians, or “buskers” will be performing along River Street starting at 11am, filling the air with notes from violin, guitar, bagpipes, accordion, and more. “We got a great response to the street buskers from the public last month,” says Travis Alden, event co-organizer. “It's a really fun atmosphere to be able to stroll River Street and enjoy local musicians playing for the love of simply doing it.” Bring any percussion instrument and join in the community drum circle at 1pm near the fountain on River Street.

New this month is a “Waltz Hour” starting at 12 noon in front of the main stage – down by the city marina and fountain on River Street. The organizers of the new weekly event “Waltz Wednesdays” at the Ramsdell Theatre will be doing some basic instruction followed by an open dance time with live music. Stop on down, no partner or experience necessary!

Garcia finds it difficult to contain his enthusiasm for HomeGrown Saturdays this summer. “There's always been lots of great music around town, but the community is supporting it more now.  I feel like we are starting to come full circle and there's a lot of great music flowing around Manistee County again.  We are rebuilding this community one music note and one song at a time.  Come be apart of the Manistee music scene revival.”

As always, all entertainment at HomeGrown Saturdays is totally free. Bring the family, your lawn chairs, and enjoy summer in downtown Manistee! For more information about the event, and to see everything that Downtown Manistee has to offer, visit www.manisteedowntown.com.

PRESS RELEASE June 11, 2009

When one thinks of street musicians and performers, the type of environment that normally comes to mind is a large metropolitan city such as Chicago or New York, where musicians pick away at guitars, wail on saxophones or beat on drums made of 5-gallon buckets. The public gathers around these artisans, soaking up the atmosphere of spontaneous music in a communal setting.

This weekend you won't have to travel far at all for that experience.

HomeGrown Saturdays, a new event in downtown Manistee, kicks off tomorrow with the Farmer's Market on the corner of Washington Street and Memorial Drive. The market starts at 8am, with locally-produced goods galore.

Music starts at 10am with a performance by “The Professor & Mister Curious” at the Farmer's Market. This duo features accordion and mandolin, intermixing for a very unique sound.

Over a dozen street musicians, or “buskers”, are slated to perform downtown during the event, and will be gathering at the farmer's market at 11:30am to head over to River Street, parade-style.

“I think they're planning a 'pied piper' kind of thing,” says Travis Alden, Main Street DDA Director and co-organizer of the event. “It's a great image – all together on River Street, where each performer will break off to their own performance location.”

The buskers – all from the Manistee County area – will be playing an eclectic selection of instruments. Everything from guitars and harmonicas to cello and bagpipes will be filling the air with music. HomeGrown Saturdays was devised as a way to both showcase the immense amount of local musical talent in the area, but also as a way to create a very appealing environment for people coming downtown to shop, dine or just congregate with friends and family.

Music will continue into the afternoon, and will also feature a community drum circle at 1:00pm or so, in front of the Main Stage at the west end of River Street, at the fountain near the City Marina. “Everyone is invited to come down to play in the drum circle,” says Brian Garcia, a volunteer with the Main Street program and co-organizer of the event. “If you have any kind of drum, bongos, whatever – bring it along and join the fun.”

Main Stage entertainment begins at 2pm with Cajun zydeco music from K. Jones and the Benzie Playboyz. The popular band will play two sets, filling downtown with Louisiana-inspired tunes until 5pm. “I hear that it's nearly impossible not to dance when you hear these guys play,” smiles Alden. “I know my 3-year-old daughter is going to absolutely love it!”

For more information about the event, and to see everything that Downtown Manistee has to offer, visit www.manisteedowntown.com.

PRESS RELEASE - June 2, 2009

Looking for a good way to kick off the summer season in Northwestern Michigan? Look no further than HomeGrown Saturdays in Downtown Manistee, which holds its first installment on Saturday, June 13th.

“Bring the family and make a day of it.” says Travis Alden, Director of Manistee's Main Street DDA and event co-organizer. “From morning till dinnertime, there will be lots to do downtown.”

Things kick off at 8am with the weekly Manistee Farmer's Market, which is held in the parking lot on the corner of Washington Street and Memorial Drive, along the Manistee River Channel. A diverse selection of locally-produced goods is available to enjoy, which also supports the local independent economy.

Live music by local musicians starts up at 10am at the market, with the Mike Beveridge Band supplying their enjoyable accordion-driven sound. The farmer's market continues until noon.

The music and festivities spill across the river onto River Street, Manistee's historic Victorian “Main Street” starting at 11:30. Street musicians are slated to perform throughout the afternoon along the main drag, creating a festive atmosphere for gathering with friends, shopping or just hanging out. Benj Eker, with his guitar and cello in hand, will anchor the street performances.

While downtown, be sure to stop into one of the local independent restaurants or cafe's for a quick bite or refreshing beverage and visit any of the retailers for everything from fine wines to summer sandals to beads and jewelry.

K. Jones and the Benzie Playboyz will headline the event, playing their signature brand of Zydeco and Cajun music. The Main Stage will be located right on River Street, just to the west of shopping, by the fountain. Pull up a chair, relax in the grass or bring your dancing shoes and enjoy the authentic Louisiana-inspired sound of the Playboyz. Traditional button-accordion, fiddle and washboard supply just a few of the notable undercurrents of their upbeat music style.

“We are thrilled that the Playboyz are coming to Manistee,” notes Alden. “They bring a fun-loving sound which is the definition of what this new summer event is about.” For more about the band, visit www.benzieplayboyz.com.

On the second Saturday of June, July, August and September, downtown Manistee will be ground-zero for a celebration of the area's local people, music, produce, food, arts and culture.

Any musicians or entertainers that wish to participate as street performers in any HomeGrown Saturday event, please contact the organizing committee at 231-398-3262 or manisteehomegrown @ gmail.com.

August 8th, 2009 Schedule
(all performances are FREE and open to the public)

Farmer's Market: 8am - 12noon
(at corner of Washington & Memorial, near Oleson's Grocery)

9am - The Curtis Family Band - at Farmer's Market


9-11am - Recycling & Composting Workshops at Farmer's Market
10am-6pm - Downtown Sidewalk Sales
12-4pm - Street Musicians Busking Along River Street

Including:
John Pomeroy - Marty Yaple - Benj Ecker - Mike Beveridge Hannah Beale - Shaun Anchuk - Tom Biggs - Jeremy Engwall
Sam Rhodea - Dustin Lott
(guitar, bagpipes, cello, violin, accordion, more!)

Solar Stage Entertainment:
(on River Street near the Fountain & City Marina)

2pm: Marty Yaple & Special Guests

3-5pm: Mike Vial


5-8pm: Hardline Drive

7:00pm - Community Drum Circle at main stage. Everyone and anyone is invited to participate - bring a drum if you've got one!

8-10pm: Harper

August 8th HomeGrown Saturdays sponsored by Manistee Main Street DDA and Manistee Inn & Marina.