On Saturday, July 19th, attend a special Northern Michigan event at the beautiful Village at Grand Traverse Commons and listen to vibrant live music under a covered outdoor stage and nibble on delectable local food paired with wines from the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas. Headlined by the Traverse Symphony Orchestra, this concert experience is unlike any Northern Michigan music event: concertgoers will enjoy the sprawling lawns of the Grand Traverse Commons as the TSO performs under a one-of-a-kind 20,000 square-foot tent. Attendees will also have the option to participate in a silent art auction benefiting the TSO and take a geo-tour of Old Mission and Leelanau with large scenery prints featuring work by Mark Lindsay and other local photographers. With so much going on in one midsummer evening, it’s a lot to take in—here’s how to get the most out of the Traverse Symphony Orchestra @ the Village at Grand Traverse Commons.
Tickets Available at MyNorthTickets.com:
Musical Mastery, 3 Different Ways
The TSO will be directed by Maestro Kevin Rhodes and, with 72 musicians performing, will showcase the largest orchestra gathering of the season. Executive Director Krista Cooper says this venue will allow the classical music played by the TSO to be presented in an accessible, compelling perspective to the community. “We invite the community to experience the Traverse Symphony Orchestra in an approachable and fun format,” Cooper says. “Much like the music we create, the TSO is vibrant. We are providing experiences that open the door to classical music via programming and environments that are fun, energetic, moving, powerful and engaging.” For an inside look at Kevin Rhodes and his vision of the Traverse Symphony Orchestra, check out the video below:
The evening will kick off with Traverse City’s own pop-folk powerhouse duo The Accidentals performing a song they composed with the TSO. The Accidentals have captured many a Northern Michigander’s heart with their breakthrough album Bittersweet and have attracted attention and critical praise across the nation. This is an exclusive performance you won’t want to miss.
With folk and classical musical covered, what else is missing? Jazz! Satchmo, a Louis Armstrong tribute band, will also be a precursor to TSO’s performance. Much like the fine cabernet you’ll be sipping, the brassy tones of Satchmo will surely go down smooth.
Art Beyond Sound
Another aspect of this event that makes it distinct is the marriage of culinary and visual arts. Concertgoers will be able to take a walking tour around the grounds of the Grand Traverse Commons and enjoy a “unique culinary picnic experience,” as local foods will be paired with wines made in the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas throughout the evening. The two peninsulas will be outlined on the campus grounds—with the stage representing Traverse City. Wine stands will be geographically placed across the Commons lawn, and when seen from above the grounds will depict Leelanau County, West Grand Traverse Bay and Old Mission Peninsula:
- Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas outlined in orange, with the purple and white circles representing winery stands. The stage sits in between the two peninsulas.
Two lighthouse galleries will include a silent auction displaying the work of local photographers and artists—including large prints from photographer Mark Lindsay. All the proceeds will benefit the TSO.
What to bring
For general admission lawn seating, bring along picnic blankets and chairs with seats no taller than 16 inches. Upgraded tickets are also available that permit access to the VIP area and its amenities, which will include a covered dining area, cocktail tables, upgraded restrooms, a hydration station, backstage viewing, local bites and more. Still searching for a more elegant experience? VIP reserved seating tickets can also be purchased per person or for your group, featuring linens and fresh flowers on the tables for extra ambiance.
Tickets are available at MyNorthTickets.com: