Ross Boissoneau | Author

Follow the Music

July 9, 2022

Maybe you can’t hear the music immediately after you cross the Mackinac Bridge into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Then again, maybe you can. After all, the U.P. is home to several music festivals that take place throughout summer, and there’s no lack of opportunity... Read More >>

Romantic rockers. Gentleman swashbucklers. Orchestral pop band. Even, sometimes to their chagrin, purveyors of soft rock. Whatever appellation you might ascribe to Air Supply, there are a couple you should remember: members of the ARIA Hall of Fame, and, according to lead vocalist Russell... Read More >>

The Archipelago Project

June 18, 2022

When Dan Trahey and Garrett Mendez were attending school in Traverse City, they had dreams of playing music in their post-school careers. They were able to achieve that goal: The musical experiences of the tubist and trombonist, respectively, range from performing with orchestras and bras... Read More >>

Who’s in the Harbor?

June 11, 2022

For those who make their living at marinas and those whose summertime lives are largely defined by them, it’s the busiest and the most wonderful time of the year.

But just how slammed are marinas these days? Is there enough room for all the boats? How big and how many are th... Read More >>

The Sounds of Summer

June 4, 2022

From ageless rock stars to Americana troubadours, classical masters to blistering Blues shouters, summer 2022 has it all. And it’s right here in your backyard.

Between headliner shows, don’t forget all the performances that will take place at various wineries, brewpubs... Read More >>

Ready to Rock

May 7, 2022

Like virtually all music festivals and events, Blissfest—the iconic roots-and-more music festival in Harbor Springs—went dark in 2020. And as with many others, it followed suit in 2021. Now, as we move into a not-quite-post-COVID world, the festival is back, and Executive Dire... Read More >>

The Most Bang for Your Real Estate Buck

April 30, 2022

The last couple years have seen an unprecedented boom in sales of residential real estate. The pandemic pushed many city-dwellers to relocate to areas that promised room to breathe and boasted cultural amenities…areas like northern Michigan. Add to that the region’s increasin... Read More >>

A Tiny, Beautiful Show

April 23, 2022

Though most often associated with folk music, May Erlewine doesn’t care for labels. “I live a life of music,” she says. “Because people need to categorize people, they think of me as a singer-songwriter.”

Erlewine’s musical influences reflect th... Read More >>

Amazing Antrim

April 9, 2022

Heading to the trails? Head to Antrim County. With its many miles of hiking, biking, and other trails (hint: those made for watercraft), it is one of the best areas in the North for outdoor recreation.

For the Hikers
Where to begin? Let’s start at Grass... Read More >>

Moomers Keeps Moo-ving On: 25 years of America’s best ice cream

March 26, 2022

Northern Michigan’s most popular ice creamery began with sweet and simple roots. Nancy Plummer had always wanted to have an ice cream parlor, so the first-grade teacher at Long Lake Elementary convinced her husband Bob to construct a little building next door to their farm on North ... Read More >>

Loudon Wainwright III and the Life of a Troubadour

March 26, 2022

Actor, singer, songwriter, band sideman, TV sidekick—each are roles played at one time or another by Loudon Wainwright III. (And don’t forget Grammy-Award winner and father to several other popular musicians.)

Wainwright takes all these roles in stride. “I see my... Read More >>

Here They Come

March 12, 2022

Coming soon, a chance to hear the music made famous in the '60s by those four lovable mop tops.

Wait, are we talking The Beatles or The Monkees? Improbably, it’s both. The Sixties Sound concert at Little River Casino on March 19 will feature the music of the Beatles performe... Read More >>

Drink Disruptors

March 12, 2022

Whether you’re the designated driver, it’s dry January, or you’re just taking a night off from the strong stuff, there are countless reasons to seek alcohol alternatives. For those of us skipping the booze, the status quo has long been pop, water, or a virgin daiquiri. I... Read More >>

Funky Soul from Syria

March 12, 2022

For Bassel Almadani, sharing his experience as a first-generation Syrian American involves more than just talking to people. For a start, you can dance to it.

That’s because he’s the frontman for Bassel & The Supernaturals. The band blends his soulful melodies and ... Read More >>

Kennedy’s Kitchen to Play Petoskey & Suttons Bay

Feb. 19, 2022

While many people look to the month of March — specifically St. Patrick’s Day — for their dose of music from the Emerald Isle, the leader of Kennedy’s Kitchen celebrates his vocation on a daily basis. “Every day when I wake up, I get to do music,” says ... Read More >>

February is Snow Fun

Feb. 12, 2022

For some, February is when the winter doldrums start to set in (though that happened three months ago for others). Regardless, what better way to reckon with those feelings than to embrace the frosty temperatures. Bundle up and get outside to schuss, slide, or straddle a big sled at one o... Read More >>

Chill and Chase (for) the Dragon in Harbor Springs

Feb. 4, 2022

On Friday and Saturday, Feb. 11 and 12, the Harbor Springs Ice Fest will welcome residents and visitors downtown, where more than 30 ice sculptures are on display and a host of activities await: An interactive ice sculpture park in Zorn Park, ice carving demonstrations and competitions, i... Read More >>

Winterlochen: Hours of Free Family Fun

Feb. 4, 2022

Following last year’s virtual version, the renowned arts facility’s annual celebration of winter is rewinding to its traditonal in-person approach on Saturday, Feb. 12, with fun, kid-friendly events planned for both indoors and out. Bring the fam to make s’mores, study a... Read More >>

Short's Pub: Beyond the Beer

Jan. 29, 2022

Short’s Brewing is iconic in the area. Whether it’s Soft Parade, Bellaire Brown or Huma Lupa Licious, or slightly more exotic varieties such as Melt My Brain or Double Psychedelic Cat Grass, the company’s beers have received awards, accolades, and affirmation across the ... Read More >>

How to cook for your dog

Jan. 22, 2022

The idea of pets as family members isn’t new. But what 95 percent of pet owners around the world feel (and your monthly Bark Box subscription shows) is our love for our fur babies isn’t something that has limits — especially not in terms of the time and money we’re... Read More >>