Welcoming Spring at The Ramsdell

March 4, 2016

With A Festival For All Seasons

Soul in the stairwells, melodies in the mezzanine, honky-tonk in the hallways — there will be live music in every corner of the historic Ramsdell Theatre in Manistee this upcoming weekend. It’s time for the 4th Annual Manistee Spring and All Festival, one of the first local harbingers of spring, and the chance for the Ramsdell to help celebrate the city it calls home.

LOCAL LOVE

“The festival was actually started as a crowdfunded Kickstarted project by Brian Garcia in March of 2013,” explained Mike Terry, the Ramsdell’s executive director. “Lots of small towns in Northern Michigan can be kind of sleepy during the winter months, so Brian was looking for something to get people out of the house to celebrate all the positive things that were happening in the area.” At the core of the fest is a celebration of the Manistee River Valley, its natural resources, and the progress of its community toward creating a vibrant, sustainable place to live year-round. “This theme is supported by exhibits from local non-profit and natural resources organizations, local artist vendors, and Michigan food and beverages, in addition to the live music performers,” Terry said.

AWESOME ACOUSTICS

“Live music in every corner” isn’t an overstatement. Musicians during the event not only perform in the traditional fashion on the theater’s stage in the evening hours, but also busk throughout in hallways and stairwells, adding several levels of festivity to the happenings. “You won’t be able to go anywhere in the Ramsdell without hearing live music!” Terry said. The atmosphere of the theater itself lends another unique element to the event, with its impressive Colonial exterior and interior Victorian design and décor. “It’s got an aesthetic that allows people to connect to days gone by, while experiencing the here and now,” Terry said. “This year’s performers will be able to take full advantage of the ‘live acoustic’ design of the Ramsdell, which was needed to support traveling shows in the early 1900s.”

JAZZ TO JAMS

For 2016, the roster includes a diverse list of musicians, each quite different from the others. Hillsdale, Michigan’s David Youngman is an internationally-acclaimed guitarist who reworks traditional hymns into contemporary jazz tunes, utilizing tapping and chiming techniques on his guitar. Manistee favorite Red Tail Ring’s distinctive blend of stringed instruments and percussion is well known in town from their appearances at the local Roots on the River shows. Ian Ethan Case is another instrumental guitarist who innovates his sound by using a double-necked guitar and looping techniques. Nessa is a Detroit-area Celtic fusion group led by singer/flutist Kelly McDermott. And the grand finale of the evening will be a performance from Earthwork Music’s string band Bowhunter. “They create driving rhythmic, melodic, old time sounds that will fuel a dance floor frenzy,” Terry said.

CELEBRATE IT ALL

Elsewhere at the event, art and nature will take their places in the Rotary Grand Ballroom, which Terry calls “an iconic space from days gone by.” “Its wood floors, large fireplace, chandeliers, and metal ceiling are reminiscent of where soirees of the community’s upper class were once held,” he explained. “During the festival, the ballroom will feature our local artisans, including canoe builders, photographers, painters, jewelry makers, potters, and clothing makers in addition to the non-profit organizations.”

The Manistee Jaycees will be sponsoring a Spring and All Beverage Garden featuring local drinks, while Port City Organics Real Food Market will be bringing in coffee and tea, and local chef Brian Kissel will be offering tasty entrees crafted from local ingredients. “For me, the best part of this festival is people coming together to enjoy what makes Michigan special,” Terry said. “So we invite everyone to help us celebrate the coming of spring to northern Michigan!”

The 4th Annual Manistee Spring and All Festival will take place Saturday, Mar. 12, at the Ramsdell Theatre in downtown Manistee. For more information, visit ramsdelltheatre.org or call (231) 398-9770. Tickets are available online through mynorthtickets.com, or by calling (800) 836-0717.