08/22/2023
Manitou Winds, a Leelanau County-based chamber music ensemble, will perform on Friday, August 25 for the Old Art Building’s (OAB) new Song and Story concert series program that combines music, poetry, and storytelling.
The music ensemble is the first in a series of four community performance groups that will hold three unique concerts that marry spoken word and music in unique ways.
“Manitou Winds is honored to be invited to perform as part of the Old Art Building’s Song & Story concert series. Our concerts always blend music and poetry, but this performance takes it in a slightly different direction as it’s even more focused on storytelling (for grown-ups!),” said Jason McKinney, founder of the chamber ensemble Manitou Winds.
The local group will present an eclectic program of traditional works and original songs bridging classical, Celtic, and Folk styles, interspersed with inspiring spoken word. McKinney said the group is excited to present the world premiere of his latest work for the winds quintet called “Is this a poem?” The song is inspired by the poetry of Izzy Simpson, a second grader from Leland Public School where McKinney currently works. He added that people will also hear Izzy’s poem and see some of her artwork on display.
McKinney said Jan Ross, their narrator, will read a Scottish legend of the Selkie people, who transform from human to seal, while accompanied by harp. When Ross reads McKinney’s ‘Seven Unfinished Stories,’ she transforms into many characters, including a shy coffeehouse barista, an enterprising novelist with eyes for the big screen, and a chain-smoking front porch philosopher, as the musicians pair these stories with Peter Schickele’s “Seven Bagatelles.”
Tickets for the 7 p.m. August 25 “Sail Away Summer: Manitou Winds” performance is $20 for OAB members and $25 for nonmembers. Visit the OAB’s website www.oldartbuilding.com/ events/sail-away-summer-manitou- winds/ for more information.
https://www.leelanaunews.com/news/manitou-winds-begin-new-concert-series-oab
