Music...Music...Music!

It's that time again...the Music Fest is upon us.
But first, I have to say this Island is quite rich in gifted musicians of the local variety. Friday night, was a great example as we were treated to the Hansens: Next Generation down at the Red Barn...amazing!
Barbara and Ray Hansen have 20 grandchildren and most of them took part in this special evening. The young Hansens' Uncle Dan is the Codirector (along with Timmy Lyons) of the Red Barn. The young ones have grown up with a love of music, thanks in part to Dan.Here's a reprise of Faithful Friends, a group which included/includes several Hansen Ladies. The group formed on the Island during their high school years and continue to sing together at Island events.Young Jesse Hansen took his turn on the shared guitar...another talented representative of this next generation...getting more polished each time I see him.Okay, this may not be the best photo of Con and Ray but it does show that the house was packed. Everyone seemed to enjoy the variety of their music. Olivia played Chopin! Just as they supported those grandchildren who wished to learn to play piano...*Barbara and Ray also supported the development of the Music Festival from its beginning. They even held the Memorial Day Benefit Concert in their home for many years. So the night at the Red Barn seems a fitting way to start Scandinavian Weekend... and to  segueway into the first week of the 22nd season of the Washington Island Music Festival.Here is the Prometheus Trio + 1 performing in Milwaukee this Winter...just a few of the musicians who will participate in at least five concerts based at the TPAC. The range of music, runs from things classical to an evening of lively "Under the Big Top" funkiness next week on the 15th.

Well, the schedule is posted on our frig...Opening Concert tonight! - 7:30pm (Preconcert talk - 7:00pm)

Red Barn Talks - 10:00 am Wednesday, August 7 &  2 pm Friday, August 9   

The Children's Music Camp will be held August 12-16 at Bethel Church...call Patty Herschberger for more info.

The Music Fest runs from today thru the 16th ....  Click here for performance details.

It is indeed amazing how these folks transport their musical wherewithal to the Island! I am sure glad they do! They make it all look so easy...just like those young Hansens did...fortunate to be able to hear such wonderful music...all on Washington Island!

In Addition...

Tuesday - 

"Quirky Card Making" - Katie West - Art & Nature Center - 1:00pm

Steve Waldron will present an introductory talk on Beekeeping - Art & Nature Center - 7:00pm

Friday - 

Matt Grandy & Steve Reiss - Red Barn - 7:30pm

Have a great week!

*Thanks to Elizabeth Hansen for the use of the Hansen family photo.

Here's the Scoop!

Scoops come in many shapes and sizes...

When I saw this photo* a week or so ago, I couldn't help thinking about my one of my favorite things...ice cream...ice cream is plentiful on the Island...especially this time of year.The Albatross has great soft serve yogurt as well as quite a selection of ice cream...I think their hours have increased since this photo was taken in June. I just thought the ice cream cone hit the spot!KK's or The Koyen Collection serves Cedar Crest Ice Cream. Praline Pecan is good. However, my favorite is Mackinac Island Fudge. We need more, Kenny. I guess other people like it too.

The Fragrant Isle Lavender Cart at Main and Lobdell Pt. has gelato...chocolate, cherry and of course, lavender!

The thought of Ice Cream leads me to the recent ANC Ice Cream Social aka "Art in the Park".Choosing a flavor is serious business...one has only so many tickets.It doesn't matter how old we are...when it comes to Ice Cream, we are all children at heart!Arbutus is a fan of chocolate and Harold likes strawberry. What's your favorite flavor?

Another idea from the Oldenburg "Dropped Cone"...okay, this is a stretch...I can't help myself...I noticed one of the upcoming concerts for the Washington Island Music Festival is called "Ice Cream Sundae"...well, they do know how to get my attention!Opening concert is next Monday. The evening starts at 7:00pm with a preconcert talk by Samantha George...concert begins at 7:30pm with a reception following on the patio. www.washingtonislandmusicfestival.com

This Week...

Tuesday...

Story time on the Cherry Train - I think the train may be filled but contact Marcia at the Library for further info - Who knows? If interest is high, they might be able to schedule another storytime "run"! -  847-2323.

Wednesday...

Critter Class for Kids - ages 6 to 10- Art and Nature Center - 1:00pm

Basket Making - Family Pioneer Day - Farm Museum - 1:00pm

Star Party with Amateur Astronomer Emmett Woods - sponsored by the Art & Nature Center - meet at the field behind the Farm Museum - about 9:00pm to 10:30pm - telescopes provided or BYOT

Friday...

Hansen Night (the next generation) - out at the Red Barn - 7:30pm 

The 10 nieces and 10 nephews of Red Barn Co-Director Dan Hansen are taking over the show. For the first time they are producing, managing, and performing...should be fun!

Saturday...

Scandinavian Song and Dance Fest  - outdoor stage at the Community Center - 7:30 PM

The 65th Annual actually... a fundraiser for the Community Center Committee, all monies earned go toward improvements to benefit the Community Center and/or the Island community. The main project this year is the updating of the Rutledge Room in the Community Center.  

Sunday...

Baseball - 1:30pm - Egg Harbor plays here...last home game! 

Have a great week!

*Claes Oldenburg "Dropped Cone" 2001

Island Thoughts...Patriotic

Different people have different views...on Patriotism....expression can be quite various.
This Winter on the Island, creative minds and hands gathered  to make a distinctly significant contribution to those who have served our Country.Quilts of Valor and Under Our Wings were the resources. Contributions and materials came from Island organizations and individuals to make this effort happen.
Ellen Graf spearheaded the project as the Quilts of Valor Coordinator. Sievers School provided the location.Most of the quilters worked in teams.A "rookie" with a Quilts of Valor "coach"...countless hours were spent...planning...cutting...sewing...learning...I was fortunate to be able to visit the Sophie Studio at Sievers School as the teams prepared to put finishing touches on their work this Spring.After the March session, the quilt tops had been sent throughout the state to be assembled by volunteers using longarm sewing machines. Binding was the order of the day at this session in May.
Ellen demonstrated the process.Everyone chose from the same materials...... it was amazing to see the wide range of designs!Carolyn Foss has written about the Quilts of Valor Project in the online Sievers Newsletter. For more information,  Click here  to see the posts for March 12 and May 3rd as well as to see more of the completed quilts! 

 Yes... this Project will continue next year! The goal is to create ten more quilts...adding to the eleven produced this Winter... beautiful!  To make a donation to the Island Quilts of Valor Project, contact Ellen directly at 847-2484. 

Take Note...

•Red Barn Opening Picnic Friday July 5,  6 pm  w/ the Hagen Family Singers 7:30 pm

•Almost Maine - Island Players Summer Show - July 5, 6, 7 @ the TPAC 7:30 pm Advance tickets are available at the Red Cup and the Rec Center.

Rock Island: Saturday July 6 - Friends of Rock Island will hold their Annual Picnic...lots of activities...all are welcome!

Blessing of the Fleet, Saturday July 6 - 11:00am Ferry Terminal

Upcoming...

Laura Sawosko will perform her original music at TPAC on the Green - Tuesday, July 9 @ 7 PM.

Have a great week!