Marquette… where there’s never nothing to do.
In case you thought things would slow down after a busy summer… think again. After two down years, many of Marquette’s traditional events are back in full force, while new events are being added to the local calendar… which always addresses a diverse array of interests.
This weekend offers the usual Halloween fare… private parties, costume contests at area bars, Trick or Treating, and of course, the popular long-running Rocky Horror Show at the busy Masonic Center.
Next week’s schedule, what we’re previewing here, signals another step in the return to what makes Marquette interesting… our events, most of which offer some kind of entertainment, while at the same time serving as local fundraisers. What better way to raise money for a cause?
Patrons and partiers alike are eagerly welcoming back their favorite benefit functions, while social agency administrators are looking forward to putting some better numbers in the books. Though some were able to take advantage of COVID relief funds, there’s no replacing the vibe, and generosity, fostered at a social shindig.
Anyway, here are some happenings happening next week. Cool stuff. Check it out.
Brits and Brews
If you’re at all a fan of the British Invasion, the music, not the war… then this one’s for you. Next Friday and Saturday, at the Ore Dock… local bands salute the great music of the ’60s and ’70s, while raising bucks for two worthy local programs, Music for all Kids and JJ Packs.
Music for All Kids is a charitable music-education organization that gives lessons to kids who might not otherwise have access to quality tutoring. It’s run by director/instructor Nicklas Johnson, with professional oversight from seasoned music man, Jerry Mills.
The benefits of music education on the young mind are well-documented, and can often mean the difference between a kid going nowhere, and a kid going somewhere. According to people who study this stuff, music education contributes to things like improved memory, better study habits, self-esteem, and problem solving. How can you not support that?
The Friday lineup includes, among others, Johnson’s band… the Daydreamers (seen above), with that evening’s proceeds going to Music for All Kids.
We’ve talked about JJ Packs before in this space. That’s the local program that provides meals for school kids and their families, who may not have much in the fridge come the end of the week. Donations keep the program in business and volunteers are always welcome. Saturday’s take goes to JJ Packs.
Brits and Brews… eight separate acts over the two nights, with family-friendly five 0’clock starts. It’s mostly local bands, contributing their time and talent to help finance important programs. See how that “problem solving” works?
Cultivating Musical Roots… with the Hiawatha Music Co-op
Though their signature event, the Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival, took a two-year hit from the pandemic, that hasn’t stopped the folks at the co-op from celebrating their love of all things musical. Throughout the year they sponsor a number of get-togethers at area venues as well as regular jam sessions at their home in the Village Shopping Center on North Third.
And that home has a name. It’s called… The Fold, as in, bringing people ‘into the fold.’ It’s a modest setting, with a nice stage and just enough room where intimate gatherings of like-minded people can celebrate the arts… music and otherwise. Though they favor the traditional genre, the co-op membership is an eclectic bunch, with a wide range of interests. With that, they make The Fold available as a venue for groups of all kinds looking for a place to gather. Stage included.
Next week the co-op presents “Cultivating Our Roots: Traditional Art Performance, Education & Preservation.” It’s four days of concerts, school assemblies and workshops, highlighting the origins of Appalachian art and music. The event features Zoe Speaks, a band with deep roots in the hills of eastern Kentucky.
The cultivation of this musical harvest kicks off next Wednesday with a free concert at the U.P. Children’s Museum. Performances and jam sessions fill the rest of the schedule, with the festival concluding Saturday night at the co-op’s annual members’ meeting at Barrel + Beam, followed by a Zoe Speaks performance, open to the public, from 7:30 to 9 pm. Bring your own clogs.
For more information visit hiawathamusic.org.
Creative Collaboration… with Revolve CC
Are you familiar with Revolve CC? By the standards of longevity set by things like the Hiawatha Music Festival… 42 years and counting, Revolve CC is still in its infancy. Revolve CC, a collaboration of creative pros, and those hoping to join their ranks, started in 2019 to promote the creative fields and facilitate more opportunities in that ever-expanding entrepreneurial class.
Next weekend’s event is targeted at anyone with an interest in creative work, whether as a maker or as someone who works with makers. Conference sessions move through all fields of creativity including fine art, design, writing, performance, dance, music, technology, and even business.
Executive Director Keith Ellis considers Revolve CC to be an important part of Marquette’s growing creative community. “We want to promote Marquette as a creative mecca that is open and supportive of people who make things happen.”
Guest speakers on the menu include a number of experienced, accomplished professionals, willing to share and collaborate with people looking to improve their creative skills and opportunities.
New to this year’s event is a musical showcase starring keynote speakers Zoe Boekbinder and John Orpheus, from 8-11 pm Friday night. (Not to be confused with Zoe Speaks, of the Hiawatha event.)
According to their press release, “The conference will be a learning and networking opportunity to those creatives that live or wish to live in the greater Marquette area. This will help both creative and economic growth for the region and make Marquette a destination location for the creative professional.”
Again… it’s a full schedule of sessions, next Friday and Saturday, at various downtown locations. For more information visit revolvecc.net.
With apologies to Willie and Julio, to all the events we’ve loved before… welcome back.