Summer Jams!

May 24, 2015

at Red Sky Stage

The first event held at the new Red Sky Stage performing arts venue in Petoskey was a Blissfest Jam Session. Previously held at the Grain Train in downtown Petoskey, the Blissfest Jams had almost faded away until Red Sky picked up the ball.

"The Grain Train hosted for several years and it was great," said Blissfest Executive Director Jim Gillespie. "But eventually, they got busier and there just wasn’t room for us any longer in their retail location."

For Red Sky Stage owner Marty Scott, this wasn’t an end; it was an opportunity.

"Jim was one of the many people I had gotten advice from to help me get Red Sky Stage started," Scott explained. "And I now had the space, so I called him about continuing the jams under the Blissfest name, and he was delighted."

DUAL GENRES

The Blissfest String Jam has continued every Sunday since, from 1-4pm, at Red Sky Stage. Many of the folks who played at the Grain Train have become regular participants at the Red Sky version of the jam, which continues to welcome new musicians.

"Both jam sessions are open to new participants, occasional visitors and regular attendees," Scott said. "All skill levels are welcome and people who don’t play an instrument, but just want to listen or sing along, are welcome too."

Last summer, jazz musicians got their own spot at Red Sky. Jazz Jam runs Sunday evenings from 5-7pm, after the String Jam wraps up.

"The jazz events include a healthy mix of experienced, performing jazz musicians, newer musicians just getting started in jazz, and other talented performers who are expanding their musical knowledge," Scott explained. "The atmosphere is very supportive. The more experienced players help out those new to the genre."

STANDOUT SETLISTS

The Blissfest String Jam players each contribute song choices, identifying the key so other musicians can jump in. Styles span a wide range, from folk, country and blues to "˜60s favorites and rock. Red Sky Stage has an in-house piano and people bring their own instruments to expand the sound.

"Guitars, fiddles, banjos, ukuleles, harmonicas, washboards, bones, jaw harps and assorted other instruments," Scott listed. "The majority of instruments are acoustic, but some people bring electric gear. We provide a sound system and several microphones."

The Jazz Jam is a little different, focusing on a wide variety of jazz standards, but Scott said the group makes it easy for new players to follow along.

"Charts are usually available for people who aren’t familiar with a particular piece," he said. "And the group generally works from a couple of standard books that those who wish to attend regularly can get at most music stores."

Scott hosts both jams, keeping things moving and welcoming visitors.

AND MUCH MORE

"Marty had a vision of the "˜small is beautiful’ venue a little over a year ago," Gillespie said. "I remember attending the organizational meeting and I felt that the space had potential and Marty had the right attitude."

Blissfest and Red Sky Stage are proving to be a pretty great team. In addition to the Jam Sessions, Blissfest sponsors some of Red Sky’s concerts.

"This has worked out well as an added cultural opportunity beyond our Crooked Tree Arts Center shows," Gillespie said. "The CTAC shows have to be booked way in advance, but Marty is able to book groups that are touring through the area on short notice. So, this provides artists with more places to perform, which is part of our mission."

Red Sky is also the site for Blissfest’s monthly Ukulele Club meetings and it’s the venue for the Up North Swing Band, which Blissfest helped sponsor for many years.

Add Red Sky Stage’s own events, which cover a plethora of musical genres plus theater, comedy, poetry, dance, magic shows, music lessons and rehearsal and meeting space for community members, and it’s definitely a win-win.

"Blissfest has been a big help to Red Sky Stage, providing lots of advice, encouragement and moral support," Scott said. "And they generously provide financial support for many of our folk and roots concerts. I’ve long felt that there was a need for this place."

UPCOMING SHOWS AT RED SKY STAGE

5/29 – The Up North Big Band

6/1 – Red Sky Poetry Reading

6/4 – Stand Up Comedy Showcase

6/6 – Red Sky Magic Show Night

6/26 – Waving the Wind folk duo