Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic to start second half of gazebo season

On July 25, at 7:30 pm, Manchester welcomes the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic, America’s (and certainly Washtenaw County’s!) premier youth fiddling show band. Their fantastic repertoire will keep your feet tapping all evening long.

Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic astounds audiences each time the group takes the stage,” says their website. “The musicians, all from Saline High School, present an energetic and polished show that features a diverse range of music from American folk, fiddle, bluegrass, jazz, western swing, and Celtic traditions.”

The group began in 1994 with the idea of introducing an alternative style of music education to public school students, in order to expand their interest in music performances. The program has set a high standard for extracurricular music programs in the United States, and is being emulated across the nation.

More than 1,500 performances in the majority of states, including three performances at the White House, two at the Kennedy Center, and at the State of Michigan’s Presidential Inaugural Ball, are an indication of the widespread fame of the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic. They have also performed in Canada and toured Europe. Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic has produced recordings bi-annually since its inception.

Come and enjoy an evening of musical innovation right here in downtown Manchester. Don’t forget to pre-order your picnic dinner on Wednesday from Gazebo Concert sponsor, Frank’s Place, so you can bring downtown deliciousness right to the park–or choose to eat at any of our other great Manchester restaurants before you come! There’s also the amazing St. Mary Ice Cream Social, right across the street. Dinner, ice cream and cake … does it get any better than this?

Partial support for the concert Saline Fiddlers is being provided by the Michigan Humanities Council and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. Other sponsors include Manchester Wellness Coalition, supported by the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation; Jody Flowers–Edward Jones Investments; and LaRock Dental. The Gazebo Concert series also depends on the generosity of concert attendees as we pass the basket during intermission. If you would prefer to contribute online, it’s easy to do at www.riverfolkarts.com. Local support for these concerts is important, as it helps us maintain eligibility for larger grants in the future.

Bring a chair or a blanket and maybe even your dancing shoes, as you enjoy a summer evening in the park with Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic.

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.