Ramsdell Goes Live and Big for Summer

Tuesday Talks, classic films, triple tribute bands (Tom Petty, Journey & Queen) and more

By Ross Boissoneau | July 3, 2021

The slow march back to live presentations has become more like a giant leap at Ramsdell Theatre in Manistee. Its schedule includes concerts, exhibits, and the return of the Tuesday Talks, a free lecture series on a wide variety of topics. Ramsdell Executive Director Xavier Verna says the lattermost is part of a collaborative effort with the Vogue Theatre and the Old Kirke Museum. Midweek Mornings provides opportunities for patrons to engage with experts on a variety of topics, see classic films, hear music and more.

“The series has always been about sparking curiosity and engaging our local community in learning,” says Verna. “It’s become quite popular.”

Not only does it provide a chance for attendees to broaden their knowledge and interests, it provides an outlet for those who want to share a part of themselves. “We ask people to contribute their time and knowledge,” Verna says. Many of the presenters are full-time or summer members of the community. 

The lectures take place at 10am every Tuesday, beginning July 6. Verna says they last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, followed by a Q&A session that he says is often quite lively. “It’s always interesting to listen to,” he says.

Tuesday Talks are followed the next day by the Classic Film Series at the Vogue Theatre, and on Thursdays by First Person Stories and Songs at the Old Kirke Museum. “It made sense to harmonize,” says Verna of the collaboration. “It’s to promote Manistee.”

TUESDAY TALKS
The talk series opens Tuesday, July 6, at 10am with Tara McCrackin, president of Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University (KCAD), with Lindsay Dellinger, KCAD Industrial Design student and intern at FloraCraft and Tyler Dally, KCAD Industrial Design student.

“Innovation in Bloom: How Design is Helping Local Business” will show how design is changing the ways we live, work, and play as businesses reimagine the new normal, leading to new opportunities.

Future discussions will include immigration attorney and activist Jeanne Butterfield with a program entitled “Bridges or Walls, a Nation of Immigrants in the 21st Century”; Mark Coe of Northern Natural Cider House and Winery on the hurdles involved in USDA certification; Kevin Christ, associate professor of economics at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, discussing America in the age of hyper globalization; Matt LaMore of Black Cap Nursery in Omena on using native plants in home landscaping; and Alex Tank of 78s for the People presenting a cross-section of original 78 rpm phonograph records — early country, hot jazz, blues, bop, and more — from the runup to the Depression through mid-century.

Verna says the presentation by Paul Craig, principal dancer at the Boston Ballet, offers local and national perspective. Craig grew up in Manistee and still has family in the Manistee area. “He’s had a really successful career in dance. It’s another shining example of Manistee talent,” he says. 

For the complete schedule of all the presentations at the Ramsdell, the Vogue and the Olde Kirke Museum, go to ramsdelltheatre.org/MidweekMornings.

ART DIVAS
That’s far from the only thing going on at the historic Ramsdell. July 6 is also the opening date for the Art Divas exhibit. The five divas — Lynn Williams, Mary Wahr, Chris Wucherer, Terry Barto, and Jeanne Butterfield — are artists from and advocates for Manistee. They will present a variety of works including 3D, photography, paintings, and crafts. 

The show will run July 6–23, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11am to 1pm and Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 6pm. An opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, July 8, from 4 to 6pm. A series of workshops and classes are also being offered concurrently with the exhibition starting at 10 am, led by Lynn Williams and Mary Wahr. Go to www.ramsdelltheatre.org/art.

TRIBUTE BANDS
The theatre will also echo to the sounds of music, beginning July 9 with the Tom Petty tribute band The Insiders. It will be followed by Resurrection a Journey Tribute (pictured) July 23, and Mercury, The Music of Freddie Mercury and Queen (featuring Terry Barber) on Aug. 20, with more to come this fall. Verna says the various tribute bands have been very popular with audiences there.

Broadway veteran Karen Curlee returns to the Ramsdell Aug. 27 for an evening celebrating the songs of George and Ira Gershwin, including “I Got Rhythm,” “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off,” “Embraceable You,” “A Foggy Day,” “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” and more. Joining her on stage will be the Gershwin Band featuring Carrie Selbee (piano), Mark Stewart (guitar), Jaimie Barnard (drums), Gregg Morrison (bass), Yali Rivlin (sax/flute) with Verna on marimba and percussion.

But wait, there’s more. Violinist Hal Grossman and Jeffrey Gilliam will be performing newly composed American works for violin and piano. Then there’s Irish Night with Crossbow, the Rush Tribute Project, and a collaboration with West Shore Community College featuring Le Cirque Esprit.

It’s obvious in conversation that Verna is excited to be able to present live events once again. After a year and a half without, it’s likely audiences will be similarly enthusiastic. For more, go to www.ramsdelltheatre.org.