Downtown Sounds

June 12, 2015

Harbor Springs Street Musique

Since its inception in the mid "˜90s, the popular Street Musique program has been drawing locals and tourists to listen, dance and enjoy the sounds of music wafting through Harbor Springs’ downtown streets every Thursday night.

Founded by local Sheryl McCleary (also known for running Tom’s Mom’s Cookies) with the support of Blissfest, the aim was to encourage community talent and bring a unique arts experience to the city. Today, Street Musique is managed by the Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce,

with Blissfest assisting, ensuring the music is top-notch.

BLISSFUL BEATS

"Music on the streets is a time-honored tradition. Folks go to check out the scene, then run into friends, and voila, it’s a street party," Blissfest director Jim Gillespie explained. "We continue to be a primary sponsor, plus I personally book the Thursday that falls right before Blissfest, which this year will be July 9. So, we’ll be bringing The Way Down Wanderers, The Pistil Whips, Less is More and Barefoot for that special edition of Street Musique, and all four of these acts will be appearing at Blissfest, as well." Blissfest’s influence has been key for the entire life of the festival and is largely responsible for the eclectic roster of performers.

"We’ve hosted some interesting music we wouldn’t have been able to otherwise, thanks to our relationship with Blissfest," explained Street Musique coordinator Mary Hannah.

SUPER STAGES

Much more than just a few buskers; there are musicians on every corner. This year’s program opens June 25 with seven official ministage locations: East Main Street, Mid Main Street, West Main Street, the corner of State and Bay, at the Clock tower, at the Waterfront and in the Bay Street Alcove (a permanent map of Harbor Springs is located right underneath the clock on State Street, across from the Hollywood Market).

Performers on Street Musique’s opening day will include the band My Generation, local guitarist Jeff Pagel and jazz musician Randy Reszka. There will also be a new youth/ emerging musicians location each Thursday at Harbor Inc.’s location on Bay Street.

Over the course of the summer, the program will welcome performances from folk musician Kirby, the James Greenway Trio, Peacemeal, Dr. Goodhart, the Archipelago youth band and more. It’s a solid mix of sounds old and new.

PRO PERFORMANCES

Simply take a walk around the block on Street Musique night and you’re likely to hear anything from folk to rock, classical to bluegrass. The program has expanded so much that it requires additional performance locations, including locations at the waterfront, plus a daytime version of Street Musique called Musique at the Market that takes place during the Harbor Springs Farmers Market Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9am-1pm.

Many downtown retailers are even keeping their doors open late on Street Musique night to take advantage of the local buzz.

"Street Musique has an incredible line up for this summer," Daniel DeWindt, executive director of the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce added. "Bigger name acts and returning favorites. There’s a little of something for everyone."

Street Musique 2015 will run June 25 through Aug. 27. For more information and a complete schedule, visit streetmusique.com or find them on Facebook.