Riverfolk receives grant to put on musical assembly and concerts

Photo courtesy of Riverfolk Music and Arts

The Riverfolk Music and Arts Organization was fortunate to receive a grant of $4,000 to provide several educational and artistic opportunities for youth and adults in Manchester between January and June of this year.

The grant, as part of the support by the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) Minigrant Program, and administered by The Arts Alliance, allowed for a total of five programs geared to all ages in Manchester.

The Jimmy Leach Jazz Combo​, a program for Manchester Community High School Jazz and Choral (ages 14-18) explored jazz techniques in playing and singing. The Jimmy Leach Jazz Combo also performed for the community at the evening Blacksmith Shop Concert in February.

Duo Mosaic​, an eclectic violin and cello duo, provided a daytime workshop program for area string students of all ages, exploring techniques required for different styles from Classical, Folk, Jazz, Klezmer, Irish, Tango, Gypsy, and more. The duo then performed at a sold-out show for the community at the evening Blacksmith Shop Concert in March.

In June, Mike Deren appeared in an all-school assembly Klager Elementary School (open to the community). “The Past in Person” PIP, Deren is an accomplished musician, songwriter, and storyteller. His presentation at Klager was a historical, musical, educational, and participative program presented as an 1875 Great Lakes schooner captain. He also has several other persona in which he enacts various stages of Michigan History. During the assembly, Klager teachers also showed the students that they had what it takes to be “eager beavers.”

The  next evening, June 15, Kitty Donohoe, along with special guest David Mosher, was the featured artist at the Gazebo Concert in Wurster Park, downtown Manchester. Her historic program, “Bunyan and Banjos,” ran the gamut of Michigan history–from lighthouses to lumberjacks; from maple syrup to pasties; and from the Great Lakes to the Mackinac Bridge. This event was enjoyed by children and adults alike.

On June 22, Duo Mosaic came for a community engagement at the gazebo at 7:30 pm, and also had assisted earlier in the day at a special workshop for the Cultural Arts Strings camp. Young string musicians from the camp also joined Duo Mosaic for part of the evening performance at the gazebo.

“You’ve inspired the kids and inspired many of the adults as well,” Riverfolk board member Carol Palms said while thanking Duo Mosaic for their performance at the Gazebo.

Photo courtesy of Riverfolk Music and Arts

Photos courtesy of Riverfolk Music and Arts

photo courtesy of Riverfolk Music and Arts

courtesy of Riverfolk Music ad Arts

Photo courtesy of Riverfolk Music and Arts

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.