Caribbean Steel Drums coming to the Briggs July 19
Briggs District Library will host a special program on Tuesday, July 19 at 7 p.m. featuring Caribbean Steel Drums.
Professional musicians will be singing, drumming, dancing and interacting with the audience as they explore African and Caribbean contributions to the world of music.
No library card is needed, and all ages are welcome to this free family program.
Peter Madcat Ruth’s C.A.R.Ma. Quartet to performs July 13
Are you looking for a new musical experience? Something Jazzy? Something Folky? Something Bluesy? American Roots and World Music are also part of the mix, all performed by Grammy Award winning musicians. You’re invited to come out and experience this amazing new group out of Ann Arbor.
Peter Madcat Ruth’s C.A.R.Ma. Quartet will be bringing their unique sound to St. Johns on Wednesday evening, July 13 starting at 7:00 in the William E. Tennant Performance Shell in the beautiful St. Johns City Park.
“Don’t be afraid of this wonderful mix of musical styles,” says Bill Tennant, Concert in the Park coordinator. “What makes this group extremely special is the fact that every one of the professional musicians is outstanding with national and international touring experience. This unique group will entertain you throughout the evening with their interesting eclectic traditional and improvisational blending styles.”
Peter Madcat Ruth is a Grammy Award-winning virtuoso harmonica player. He has established an international reputation through his exhilarating, riveting virtuosity on the harmonica, considered one of the best in the world. Madcat has toured with the likes of Dave Brubeck and others, and can be heard on over 130 CDs and LPs.
John Churchville is a Grammy Award-winning tabla drummer. He earned a degree in World Music Performance from the esteemed California Institute of Arts, moving back to Michigan in 2006. John was recording and performing with, and a founding member of, the award-winning Indian fusion group, Sumkali.
Brennan Andes has been a diverse member and bon vivant of the Ann Arbor music scene for over two decades. Having toured nationally and internationally, he is all about making people dance and smile. Founder of The Macpodz, he’s also performed with a variety of artists from the region and beyond.
Dan Ripke has been a professional musician and educator for nearly 30 years. He toured and performed with the rock-bluegrass quintet, Back Forty, for 15 years, then with a variety of other groups. His fondness for many musical genres shows in his playing. Performing an old folk tune followed by a funk jam is heaven for him.
Have you figured out where the group’s name comes from yet? It’s from the first initial in 3 of the member’s last names, along with “Ma” from Madcat!
The concert is sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council (CCAC) and the City of St. Johns. It is open to the public free of charge but donations are gratefully accepted.
All concerts are presented rain or shine. The Lion’s Club food trailer will be available this year. Social distancing and safety precautions are strongly encouraged. The CCAC receives funding from the Michigan Arts & Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Friday Brown Bag Concert series begins July 8
The season will kick off this Friday at noon and feature Guitar and Harmonica Virtuoso Elden Kelly. Harmonica specialist Andy Wilson joins guitarist Elden Kelly for multi-genre instrumental music: from roots, jazz, world to original music they showcase a variety of both classic and unusual harmonica and guitar styles. Widely known for their association with many different performing acts in Michigan and nationally, this duo collaboration is a chance to see a special side of each musician as they deftly navigate an ever-evolving musical course.
On July 15 Steven Easterling will present Songs From Broadway, spirituals and more. He will be joined by another local favorite, Jeff Richards.
Downtown eating establishments will be participating in this concert series by offering specials each Friday for people to pick up and bring down to the concert. Please check out their Brown Bag Specials and support our local businesses.
The Brown Bag Concert Series will continue on Fridays in downtown St. Johns at 12 noon starting on July 8 and ending on August 26. This series of 8 concerts is being presented by the St. Johns Area Community Fund with support from the Forrest and Doris Swatman Downtown Celebration Fund.
The concerts will be held in the Rotary Park Pavilion by the CIS Trail and Depot rain or shine. There are some picnic tables available, but it is advisable to bring your favorite lawn chair.
The Food Establishments
The Following Downtown Food Establishments have partnered with the concerts. Please check out their “Brown Bag” specials each Friday to enjoy at the concert. Bruno’s Bar, St Johns Brewing Co., Main Street Café and Pizza, Dershey’s Café, Swany’s Pub and Grub, Mazz’s Endzone Party Store, Domino’s Pizza, Global Coffee Co., Waypoint Coffee Company, Oh Mi Organics, Spun Confection, and Cupcakes and Kisses
Dershem celebration to raise funds for recycling July 9
The community is celebrating the life of Roger Dershem and the great impact that he has had on our area.
Roger was very passionate about the Lions Club Recycling Center, and this event will help raise funds to keep Roger’s hard work going.
Organizers will be blocking off W. Higham St. on July 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to have some community fun in Roger’s honor complete with live music, food trucks, cornhole tournament and much more.
Mike Pawlowski will be in attendance with information for the public about the Recylcing Center. Learn more about what items you can recycle, and how you can help keep the Recycling Center operating.
Chuckie D’s BBQ, Kellam’s Kettle Corn and Oh Mi Organics will be donating a percentage of their sales to the Recycling Center.
This day is shaping up to be big fun for all. Please stop by to give hugs to the Dershem family and share some stories about the legendary Roger Dershem.
It’s a Thursday Thing in Downtown St. Johns
The season opener of the Thursday Thing season featured our own Louis Longoria.
The next concert will be held on July 14 with Darin Larner.
All concerts will be held from 5 – 7 p.m.
Gallery sponsoring Outdoor Sketching Class
The Art and Soul Gallery is offering another great plein air opportunity for sketchers. Andrea Czarnik will be teaching the Outdoor Sketching Class.
The next call will be held on Thursday, July 14 from 1-3 p.m. at the Saint Johns Railroad Depot. The cost will be $25.
Andrea will guide you through different aspects of understanding perspective, composition and creating an interesting sketch. These locations give you a wide range of options for creative pieces.