National Cherry Festival: Traverse City's 82nd

The National Cherry Festival will kick off its 82nd annual celebration with a highly anticipated, patriotic 4th of July weekend return visit by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels on Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6 over West Grand Traverse Bay. Visit the National Cherry Festival website for further information.
E-Mail: info@cherryfestival.org
Phone: (800) 968-3380

For Loding: PENINSULA BAY RESORT CONDOMINIUMS ON EAST BAY

Miliken Auditorium: CONCERT: Leon Redbone

Leon Redbone continues his very real love affair with the tunes from flapper era radio, Depression spawned ragtime and folk-jazz. Yet, there is always something oddly modern about this musician. His lyrical satire and cynicism wear well with any generation. 'The man in the white straw boater and shades emphasizes the era when Bing Crosby was considered a jazz singer and Fats Waller was a pop act. Not many artists who play Ragtime-era music can say they have sold 500,000 albums, appeared on Saturday Night Live numerous times and popularized the Pepsi and Budweiser jingles (This Buds For You). The Washington Post. Show begins at 8 p.m. at Milliken Auditorium, 1701 E. Front St. Tickets available online

For Lodging:
NORTHERN SHORES VACATION RENTALS

Miliken Stage: Jeff Haas Trio & Phoenix Quartet

Traverse City's own composer and pianist Jeff Haas brings his engaging mix of jazz, classical and world music to the Milliken stage in a special performance of his Double Quartet Project. Jeff's quartet featuring bassist Marion Hayden, drummer Alex Trajano and multi-instrumentalist Rob Smith (who toured with jazz diva Dianne Reeves last winter) is joined by the highly-acclaimed string quartet, the Phoenix Ensemble led by dynamic and entertaining violinist Gabe Bolkosky. A must see for both jazz and classical music lovers of all ages! Show begins at 8 p.m. at Milliken Auditorium, 1701 E. Front St. Tickets available at http://sabo.seatadvisor.com/sabo/servlets/EventSearch?presenter=COH

for Lodging:
Peninsula Bay Resort Condominims on East Bay

Interlochen Center for the Arts: Messiah - Traverse Symphony Orchestra

Arts & Culture
Messiah - Kevin Rhodes, conductor. Performances are Saturday, March 15 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 16 at 3 p.m. at the Corson Auditorium, on the campus of the Interlochen Center for the Arts. Maestro Rhodes will present Handel’s complete oratorio in a full concert performance – the first in many years in the area. Joining him will be a cast of four soloists, along with the Traverse Symphony Chorus and NMC Chorale, directed by Mark Puchala. Handel’s Messiah, completed in just 24 days in 1741, is regarded as the greatest oratorio ever written and one of the most beloved works of all time. The composer himself, according to his valet, wept often as the music flowed from his pen, overcome by its beauty. Although usually associated with the Advent season, Messiah was conceived and first performed during Easter. Among the most famous portions of the work are the soprano aria, “I Know that my Redeemer Liveth,” and the Hallelujah chorus, which concludes Part II. According to tradition, King George II was so moved by the chorus that he rose to his feet when he first heard it. When the king stood, all his subjects did likewise. Today, audiences still rise when the opening strains of the chorus are heard. For tickets, call 231- 947-7120 or visit online at http://www.tso-online.org/.

for Lodging:
NORTHERN SHORES VACATION RENTALS

Traverse City Old Town Playhouse: Into the Woods

Arts & Culture (Fri. Sat. )
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: 148 E. Eighth Street
Website: http://www.oldtownplayhouse.com/
An ambivalent Cinderella? A blood-thirsty Little Red Ridinghood? A Prince Charming with a roving eye? A Witch...who raps? They're all among the cockeyed characters in James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim's fractured fairy tale musical. When a Baker and his Wife learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the Witch next door, they embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell, swindling, lying to and stealing from Cinderella, Little Red, Rapunzel and Jack (the one who climbed the beanstalk). Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later, with disastrous results. What begins as a lively irreverent fantasy in the style of “The Princess Bride” becomes a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children. One of Sondheim's most popular works, this timeless yet relevant piece is a rare modern classic. Individual Tickets Go on Sale Monday, February 25 at 4 p.m.
Phone: (231) 947-2210

for Lodging:
PENINSULA BAY RESORT CONDOMINIUMS
on East Bay!

(231) 409-0361 (Reservations)

Morning Stroll on the Boardman Lake Trail

We will meet at the front of the library, and then head out for early signs of spring along the east side of Boardman Lake. Feel free to join us for lunch afterwards at a local restaurant. This will be an entry-level outing, so if the weather is really crummy, we'll reschedule it. Please contact Judy or Bob for details and to sign up bennettjj@charter.net or phone (231) 932-9249. We want to be able to notify you in case of cancellation.

for lodging: Northern Shores Vacation Rentals

Leelanau: Taste the Passion - Wine, Chocolate & Love

02/09/2008 - 02/10/2008

The annual Taste the Passion weekend celebrates wine, chocolate and love in anticipation of Valentine's Day! The combination of winter's beauty in Leelanau with the special pleasure of life always makes for a wonderful weekend. Each person will receive a souvenir glass at your first stop and each winery will offer you a special wine pour. To add to the weekend, many wineries will be hosting special events that celebrate the beauty and fun to be had in our region in wintertime. Attendance is limited. Tickets are just $30 each and may be purchased online at www.lpwines.com.

For Lodging Visit;
www.VisitNorthernShores.com

Traverse City: Keely & Du at Old Town Playhouse

02/08/2008 - 02/23/2008

From the author of Talking With and Vital Signs, here is a volatile drama about abortion. Du, a right to life activist, and Keely, a pregnant rape victim she is confining, transcend their circumstances and the ideological issues that separate them. Keely and Du is a mind probing issue play with a gripping human face. Who is accountable? What is the extent of individual freedom? What are a rape victim's rights? What is a Christian's realities of procreation? Their passionate stories exist on the extreme edge of everyday reality.

Performances: February 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 2008 in the Studio Theatre. Not suggested for young audiences due to adult language and subject matter. Old Town Playhouse is located at 148 East 8th Street, Traverse City www.oldtownplayhouse.com or (231) 947-2210.

For Lodging visit;
www.VisitNorthernShores.com