Charlevoix‘s Black Cat

July 12, 2009

Reuse, Repurpose, Rock!
A barn sets the stage for Charlevoix’s Black Cat
By Kristi Kates 7/13/09

It began as a very informal project that would take a dozen years to reach its full potential.
Carl and Cornelia Dhaseleer first remodeled the basement of their barn in Charlevoix to add space for some other projects they were working on; this led to them cleaning out a section of the upper barn, so as to make room for a dance floor for Carl’s brother’s wedding reception.
“Everyone enjoyed the barn atmosphere so much, we thought it would be fun to do again,” Carl Dhaseleer says.
A few years passed, and the Dhaseleers had the opportunity to acquire a used gymnasium floor from the Harbor Springs High School; and that was the catalyst for what would eventually become the Black Cat Concert Series, a unique event at an equally unique venue that brings top roots and folk music talent to the Charlevoix area, and that also assists in the Dhaseleer’s historical barn preservation effort.

DANCE FLOOR BLUES
“We finally had to decide if we wanted to make something more out of the barn,” Dhaseleer says, “there had to be a way to repair it - it was built in 1874 and has been owned by our family since 1925. My wife and I have always been involved in the arts and wanted to do something arts-related with the barn; we felt that our location and the farm grounds would lend themselves well to a variety of gatherings.”
The couple decided to go ahead and purchase the gym floor, and moved it to the farm - a big job considering that the five - foot by nine-foot pieces of maple flooring weighed two hundred pounds each. Carl Dhaseleer explains that they had to store the flooring, carefully covered in plastic, for three years before they were able to re-side the barn to keep out the rain and snow, which then enabled them to finally install the floor.
“Now we had a newly-sided barn with a great dance floor; but in order to open it to the public, we needed to take out a loan,” Dhaseleer says, “we had to put in handicap accessible restrooms, wheelchair ramps, conduit wiring, and a host of other code requirements. We also went through township zoning for a special use permit. But now, since completion, concerts are held weekly in the barn throughout the summer months.”
The money raised helps pay for the barn repairs and maintenance, and the Dhaseleers also donate small portions of the concert proceeds to local charities and non-profits.

FROM BLUES TO ROOTS
The concerts themselves - held, of course, at the aforementioned barn (which is three miles into the countryside just south of Charlevoix on Barnard Road) - feature a rural, friendly environment and plenty of great folk and roots music. You’re definitely in the country here, not at some urban concert club; the parking lot is on mowed grass, while the path to the barn venue takes visitors through the Dhaseleer’s gardens. The barn has a large, open yard for picnics during the concerts, so attendees can choose to sit outdoors, or inside, where the barn’s concert environment includes lots of antiques and a “wagon wheel” lighting scheme.
“All of this plus the all-wood structure with thirty foot high peaks creates a great acoustic listening environment,” Dhaseleer enthuses.
As far as the kind of music you can expect to hear, it’s all roots music, all the time - but the Dhaseleer’s picks span all varieties of the genre.
“Our shows feature roots music - the music of the people,” Dhaseleer says, “Americana, folk-rock, bluegrass, country, regular folk, rockabilly, traditional and contemporary Irish, blues, and old time, to name a few genres. The focus is on original works by the musicians; it is hard to pick which shows are highlights.”
Many of the bands on this season’s schedule are performing at the barn for the first time.
“We try to provide openings for new musicians while still having a base core of regular acts,” Dhaseleer explains.
Some new shows this season are Chris Bathgate, The Luke Winslow-King Trio, and The Red Sea Pedestrians; the barn will also welcome repeat performances by Switchback, Breathe Owl Breathe, Seth Bernard and May Erlewine, Orpheum Bell, and some rockabilly and blues music by Hipps n’ Ricco and Charlie’s Root Fusion.
“Bring your dancing shoes for that one,” Dhaseleer says.

MICHIGAN TALENT
The Dhaseleers also try to keep ticket prices reasonable; the door price for all shows is $15, with the option to call ahead to reserve tickets for $12, as long as you call before noon of the show day. Concert attendees are also encouraged to bring along a picnic or a dish to pass during what Dhaseleer calls “the intermission break potluck”; the venue provides coffee, tea, pop, and water. It’s all part of their effort to both find use and assistance for their barn, and to bring some quality entertainment to their little corner of the community.
“There are many great music festivals in Northern Michigan,” Dhaseleer explains, “Michigan has a history of producing great musical talent, so the festivals bring that talent into the local area. Our venue provides the opportunity to experience some of that talent in a relaxed and close-up setting; small gatherings create a chance for guests and artists to meet each other.”
The Dhaseleers have also seen their summer concert series slowly expand into both spring and fall, due to the number of musicians wanting a chance to perform at the barn. So those interested might want to keep a close eye on the schedule; just because it’s September doesn’t necessarily mean the shows are over.
“The event planning process can be quite spontaneous,” Dhaseleer says, “some special events are announced short notice via our website email list. We host occasional house concerts during the winter months, as well; basically, we just hope that our series adds to the great entertainment base that’s already here in the Northern Michigan region.”

The Black Cat Concert Series is held at the Dhaseleer’s events barn at 15794 Paddock Road (follow the directional signs). Their website - with a complete schedule of concerts and event announcements - may be viewed at www.blackcatconcerts.com, and their telephone number is 231-547-6945.