The Raisin Pickers are back at the Gazebo this week

The Raisin Pickers played to a sold-out house at the Blacksmith Shop in January.

Since the very first gazebo concerts back in 1989, Manchester’s own Raisin Pickers have been a standby of each season. Their sound includes “ace fiddling, boffo banjo work, and harmonies as sweet as sugar,” according to a review of the band by the Ann Arbor News, and that has been true for all of the 29 or so years they’ve performed on the Gazebo stage.

Manchester residents Mark and Carol Palms, and Ann Arbor’s David Mosher (who also recently appeared with Kitty Donohoe on June 15), are original band members. They are joined by Billy King, who has literally grown up at the gazebo concerts, and brings a fresh new energy and sound to the favorite traditions of this band.

Their combined experience and heritage include classical training (Carol Palms), self-taught musicianship learned from studying with old-time legends (Mark Palms), songwriting and versatility of instruments (Mosher) and King’s multi-genre electric guitar and songwriting skills.

We’ve been asked, “What other don’t-miss concerts are coming up this summer?” and our answer is, “ALL OF THEM!” But definitely The Raisin Pickers will bring a memorable musical touch to your summer evening. Make plans to attend this Thursday, July 6, starting at 7:30 pm. Bring a blanket or a chair, bring a picnic or takeout from a downtown eatery–come and enjoy this free concert that is open to all ages. A freewill donation will be accepted during the intermission, which helps to support this long-standing tradition in Manchester.

A special thanks to our sponsors: Manchester Wellness Coalition, Frank’s Place, Over The Edge Sports Bar, LaRock Dental, and Adiska Dental, as well as the Michigan Humanities Council for grants that help to support many of this season’s concerts.

At the close of Duo Mosaic’s performance on June 22, cellist Martin Torch-Ishii told the audience, “You’ve got a good thing going here!” High praise for a small town venue from an internationally known musician. Come down and see and hear this “good thing” each Thursday (with an exception for next week at the fair) through August 3.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

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.