Foundation Gets $5,400 Concert Grant

The Mackinac Island Community Foundation has received a $5,400 grant in support of its Summer Concert Series from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. This summer, the foundation is planning nine concerts between June and August. The grant was one of 300 considered by the council and part of $7.7 million awarded to arts and cultural organizations across Michigan in 2008.

The series is organized by Community Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Bloswick and volunteers Melissa Straus and Tess Miller.

"The concerts create a stronger sense of community between the musicians who live and work here and brings the Mackinac Island youth and elderly a chance to experience live acoustic music by highly skilled musicians," said Mrs. Bloswick.

This year's concerts will be given mostly by music professionals who live on Mackinac Island, and include commissioned work by composer and Central Michigan University music professor and part-time resident Scott Harding. A concert is planned with pianist Peggy Bynoe, who will be performing with singer Carolyn May. Flautist Heather May will offer a concert.

Drs. Straus and Miller will perform a piece composed by American Indian composer Brent Michael Davids, and Grand Hotel music director Alex Graham and his septet will present original works from his new CD, "Brand New."

The only non-residents musicians scheduled are a chamber ensemble from Northern Illinois School of Music.