A quarter mile into the woods at Michigan Legacy Art Park in Thompsonville, you’ll come across an outdoor amphitheater surrounded by tall trees.Around dusk on Saturday, the Benzie Central Chamber Choir filled the woods with Christmas songs.
The amphitheater is lit by strings of hanging lights and there’s a bonfire in front of the stage.Nearly 100 people gathered for the show, even a corgi named Quinn chimes in.
Joe Beyer is the new executive director of the park. He says a few weeks ago the idea of having an outdoor concert in the winter sounded crazy, but not anymore.
“It’s perfect,” he says. “I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday night, honestly.”
Benzie Central High School senior Mark Crossman has a couple tricks for staying warm.
“Hand Warmers in the gloves. Hand Warmers in the shoes. Three sweatshirts and a jacket.”
It’s Mark's first year in the choir, he sings tenor.His big moment comes when he sings a solo in “Mr. Grinch.”
In total, the choir sings for about 45 minutes. Joe Beyer says it’s a classic Christmas scene.
“There is snow and it makes it kind of perfect,” he says smiling. “And the hot chocolate got here. Better late than never.”