Several successful grant awards recently have allowed the Riverfolk Music & Arts Organization to reduce the cost of its new "Passport to Manchester" program to allow more people to participate, and also have helped to support the successful 2021 Gazebo Concert series.

New registration rates for the upcoming Passport events due to the additional grants, will be $10 for general admission and a family rate of $20 (includes two adults and up to four children). In addition, attend three events and get in free to the rest for that season! This makes for a truly affordable and interesting family day filled with history and music. Passport to Manchester is co-sponsored by the Manchester Area Historical Society.

Awards of $7,000 from the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation for the Passport to Manchester program, and $2,500 for the August 14 Passport to Manchester presentation of Native American groups All Nations Dancers and Spirits Rising were supported by the Arts Midwest GIG Fund, a program of Arts Midwest that is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. The August 14 presentation of "Native American Settlements in Manchester," hosted by River Bend Gardens, from 10 am to 2 pm, will be the next Passport event. River Bend Gardens is a private botanical garden in the Village of Manchester, owned by Wayne and Julie Oliver. The property is dedicated to restoring an Oak Opening, and preserving native Michigan species in their natural communities.

Information about and registration for the Native American Settlements in Manchester program can be found at riverfolkmusicandarts.org/passport-to-manchester. Future Passport dates include Ford Village Industries at the Village Hall and Sharon Mills on August 28; Patriot Day Commemoration at Manchester Blooms on September 11; and a Riverfolk Fundraiser Luncheon at Alber Orchard & Cider Mill on September 25. Meal will be provided by Fresh Forage for an additional $25.

The 30+ year Gazebo Concert series that has returned this summer after a "pandemic break" in 2020, has also garnered excellent support from grants as well as individual donations. An award of $2,440 for the partial support of Gazebo Concerts featuring Gemily, Peter Madcat Ruth, Dodworth Saxhorn Band and Abigail Stauffer from Michigan Humanities Council Touring Fund and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. Individual donations for Gazebo Concerts as of July 22 have totaled $3220. These individual contributions assist Riverfolk in obtaining matching grant dollars for future programming. Suggested donations for Gazebo attendees is $5 per individual or $20 per family, but all donations are gratefully received.

This week's gazebo concert (July 29 at 7:30 pm) will feature the popular "chambergrass" sounds of Westbound Situation, that will conclude a one day workshop for ages 13 and up, from 11 am to 2 pm at Sharon Mills. Sign up at https://forms.gle/WFJtsT2rHDPUaAaf8. The final concert of the season, at 7:30 pm August 5th, will feature the Latin jazz quintet, Los Gatos. Don't miss these special events that reflect the varying cultures that make up our American music scene.