Arts Council Begins Season May 12

A Music in the Schools program at Mackinac Island Public School Friday, May 12, will begin Mackinac Island Arts Council's 2006 summer season schedule.

The public is invited to attend the program, which will begin at 1:15 p.m. The program highlights musical instruments such as the mandolin, the fiddle, the banjo, and the ukulele, and discussions on song-writing and the history of music.

The two-hour program includes demonstrations in step dance and other styles of dancing, which include participation from young students to get them on their feet. Interactive discussions on song-writing and the history of folk music will be explored, as well.

There is no charge, however, donations will be accepted.

The nonprofit Mackinac Arts Council was created three years ago by Becki Barnwell of Mackinac Island, after several members of the community called for the need for more arts and cultural events for residents and visitors of Mackinac.

New to the council's schedule this year is the Poetry Festival July 28 and 29, which will feature five poets, three workshops, and readings at Little Stone Church at 8 p.m. on both days.

To coordinate with the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival, the Mackinac Arts Council will present the Mackinac Music Festival at Winderemere Point, across from the Windermere Hotel, at 7 p.m., August 23 and 24. The event will include a Nashville-style Songwriters Showcase, featuring Tom Hollyer, Dennis and Scott Forbes, Mary McGuire, J.C. Whitelaw, and Stephen Grant Wood.

On August 24, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Music at the Mission will feature the Forbes Brothers, Grievous Angel, the Hummingbirds, Mustard's Retreat, and singer and songwriters Mary McGuire and J.C. Whitelaw on the lawn of Mission Point Resort.

Musician workshops will also be held throughout the festival.

Mark Arminski, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rock concert poster artist, has agreed to create a poster for the Music Festival. The posters will be available to purchase at various Island businesses. In addition, 25 lithographs of the poster, signed by Mr. Arminski, will be available.

Both the arts council and Mackinac Tourism Bureau are working in collaboration for the Music Festival.

For more information about Mackinac Arts Council, go online to www.mackinacartscouncil. org. For more information on the music festival, go to www.mackinacisland.org/ musicfestival.html.