Concert Series Will Feature Classical Music
By Bernie Nguyen

Those who see Mackinac Island as the perfect romantic getaway with just the right touch of Victorian charm will enjoy the soundtrack in the instrumental strains of the Summer Concert Series. Six programs will be presented free on Sundays from July 2 to August 20. The 2 p.m. programs will be at Ste. Anne's Catholic Church.

The concert series will feature classical music.

"It's an enhancement to the Island because there's nothing else like it here," said Jennifer Bloswick, Executive Director of the Mackinac Island Community Foundation, which is sponsoring the series through its art and music funds.

"Mackinac seems like a perfect place to have music," said Melissa Straus, who is a double bassist with the Lansing Orchestra and is coordinating the concerts with Tess Miller.

Community Foundation endowments to support the arts allow the events to be offered free to the public.

"This is a very nice family event," said Ms. Bloswick. "It's at a great time of the day for people to just sit down and relax and listen to professionals play music.

"Feedback from previous concerts has been nothing but positive," she added. "It is good fun for all ages. We do it because we feel there is a need. It is wonderful for the yearround community who can't go to see symphonies, and great for summer people who are looking for something to do."

Likewise, she said, the performers love their time on the Island.

"For a lot of them, it's a dream come true," she said. "We're always trying to get a nice mix. It's people who want to come up here to Mackinac Island and perform here, and there's also a huge local connection."

This summers performance schedule follows:

+ July 2: Heather May, a summer resident of Mackinac Island, flute in recital.

+ July 16: Collaborative concert featuring Tess Miller and Melissa Straus.

+ July 23: Helix 7, a fresh and modern chamber ensemble performance.

+ July 30: Musical Informance, The Classical Era and You! Music and presentation with Melissa Straus and Tess Miller.

+ August 13: Island summer resident Roger Humphrey, guitar in recital.

+ August 20: Folias, a flute and guitar duo, performs original works and tango music.