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	The Manchester Enterprise A Heritage Newspaper Weekly Publication

Series to include local musicians, varied styles beginning June 14

By Daniel Lai, Editor

PUBLISHED: June 7, 2007

The flowers are blooming, seasonal rains pass through the area and temperatures have gone from a stark 70 degrees to the lower 90s in the past month - summer is officially here.

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In Manchester, nothing will make the season more true than the start of the weekly Gazebo Concert series at Wurster Park beginning next Thursday, June 14.

"We have a pretty good line-up this year," concert committee member Carl Curtis, said. "We try to run a good spread of entertainment while providing a cultural music program for folks in the community."

The weekly concert series will kick-off with the children's music duo Gemini.

"At the start of the series, we try to get a group in here that has something aimed at younger kids," Curtis said.

Curtis said all bands are selected by volunteers in the Gazebo Concert Committee.

"The committee starts meeting in October to set up the following summer's activities," he said. "We usually have a cadre of groups over the years that we like to get back to."

Curtis said most acts are usually booked based on recommendations from committee members that have heard that band play at other venues.

"There are various ways we hear about groups," he said. "It basically comes down to what we would like to provide people."

This year's line-up of talent is quite diverse. Following Gemini's performance, local Manchester musician Chef Chris will perform a blues concert with the Nairobi Trio on June 21. On June 28, Ann Arbor-based band The Raisin Pickers, a string bluegrass band, will perform. On July 5, the II-V-I Orchestra will treat concert goers to the sounds of the classic melodies from the big band era.

"All of the bands that will perform are fun to watch," Curtis said. "They are all very good."

On July 26, the Traver Creek Ramblers will perform bluegrass tunes and the Saline-based group Fiddlers ReStrung will finish out the series with lively violin and guitar music.

According to Curtis, all performances are free and open to the public.

"Anyone who walks in is welcome," he said. "Donations are certainly appreciated. Donations help fund the concerts."

Curtis said the committee, which has sponsored the concert series for the past 19 years, relies heavily on donations.

"Before severe financial problems hit Michigan, we received some of our funding from the Touring Artist's Council," he said. "Now we rely on corporations and service organizations."

Concerts begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. with performances until 9 p.m. Curtis said over the years, turnout to the concerts has been fairly large.

"It depends on the weather," he said.

If it rains, Curtis said the musicians are still contracted to perform and the show is transferred indoors to Emanuel Church across the street.

"We don't cancel," he said.

Editor Daniel Lai can be reached at 428-8173 or dlai@heritage.com.