Almanac

Joan Shelley is a songwriter and singer who draws inspiration from traditional and traditionally-minded performers from her native Kentucky, as well as those from Ireland, Scotland, and England, but she’s not a folksinger. Her disposition aligns more closely with that of, say, Roger Miller, Dolly Parton, or Tom T. Hall, who once explained—simply, succinctly, in a song—“I Witness Life.”

Her perspective and performances both have been described, apparently positively, as “pure,” but there’s no trace of the Pollyanna and there’s little of the pastoral, either: her work instead wrestles with the possibility of reconciling, if only for a moment, the perceived “natural” world with its reflection—sometimes, relatively speaking, clear; other times hopelessly distorted—in the human heart, mind, and footprint.

Nathan Salsburg is a frequent collaborator of Joan Shelley and a prolific singer-songwriter through his own endeavors as a guitarist, composer, and curator for the Alan Lomax archive for over 20 years.

He has left an indelible mark on the folk music scene: He’s collaborated with additional renowned artists like James Elkington, and Shirley Collins, and dedicates his other time to preserving musical heritage.

The National Writers Series is thrilled to welcome Katie Yee, a bold new voice in literary fiction, to discuss her darkly funny and deeply moving debut novel, Maggie; Or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar.

Told in inventive fragments, Maggie follows its narrator as she navigates motherhood, identity, and survival, crafting bedtime stories rooted in Chinese folklore, writing a guide to her ex-husband for the other woman, and speaking to the tumor as if it’s a roommate she never asked for. With echoes of Crying in H Mart and the acerbic wit of Nora Ephron, this unforgettable novel transforms personal tragedy into artful comedy—and tender reflection.

Katie Yee is a writer from Brooklyn whose work has appeared in The Believer, Los Angeles Review of Books, Literary Hub, and more. She’s a past fellow of the Center for Fiction, Kundiman, and the Asian American Writers’ Workshop, and currently works at the Brooklyn Museum. When she’s not writing, she’s hanging out with her very judgmental rescue dog, Ollie.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of laughter, insight, and literary brilliance as Katie Yee takes the stage to share how heartbreak, illness, and mythology intersect in her wildly original debut.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://nationalwritersseries.org/author-event/katie-yee/

This is a general admission event. A book purchase is not required for entry. Additional copies of "Maggie: Or, a Man and a Woman Walk into a Bar" will be available for purchase through Horizon Books at the event.

Blissfest Music Organization and Downtown Petoskey bring you Sounds of Summer for a third season! Sounds of Summer will feature a dynamic range of music that caters to everyone. With each concert curated by Blissfest Music Organization, this free, five-concert series will be held in Pennsylvania Park in Downtown Petoskey beginning at 7 pm, July 18 through August 15.

Grab a takeout or a drink from one of Downtown Petoskey's Social District bars and restaurants, bring your blanket and chairs, and enjoy the Sounds of Summer concert series!

July 18th - The Go Arounds
July 25th - Dig a Pony - A Beatles Tribute
August 1 - Great Lakes Brass Band
August 8 - Chloe Kimes
August 15 - Katy Guillen & The Drive

The Suttons Bay Farmers Market is held every Saturday morning from 9 AM – 1 PM.

For the 2025 season, we will be at our established location on St. Joseph St. at the north end of the village. Located on the east side of the intersection of M22 and M204 (between Concord St. and Race St.)

Market Dates of Operation: May 24 – October 18, 2025

FRIDAY, JULY 25th & SATURDAY, JULY 26th, 10am-4pm. Many quilts and artisan items on display and for sale in the Boutique.

All items were crafted by talented guild members.

Free Admission. Held at Helena Township Community Center, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden. Sponsored by Alden District Library, 231-331-4318.

A unique shopping experience on the shores of Betsie Bay, this juried fair will feature painting, ceramics, photography, woodworking, fiber art, toys and more, created by 30+ regional artisans. The fair will take place both indoors and outdoors at the Oliver Art Center. Admission is free.

Live music, an art center open house, ceramic studio demos and food and drink will round out the fun.

 A fundraiser “Bloody Mary Bar” will open at 10:00 am, with wine and beer also available for those over 21. Frankfort favorite Red Top Gourmet Hot Dogs food truck will be on site throughout the day selling their famous hot dogs, ice cream, chips, Bavarian pretzels and soda.  

Singer-songwriter Chris Skellenger will share his original songs alongside classic covers in performance from 11:00 – 1:00 PM.

Local favorites, The Nephews will play a wide variety of music that appeals to all kinds of people, including folk, old time country, rock and roll, jazz, and country & blues songs from 1:30 – 3:30 pm.

Torch Area Artisans Guild will hold a Quilt and Artisan/Boutique Show at Helena Township Community Center 8751 Helena Rd, Alden MI., on July 25th and July 26th 10:00AM to 4PM both days.

Although the Guild is known for quilting, many of the members are also talented artists. Their artistry will be on display and many items for sale. There will be needlework, paintings, pottery, and more on exhibit.

No Entry Fee
Please find us on FACEBOOK.COM/TorchAreaArtisansGuild
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Thank you for your consideration

Join GTRLC and the Invasive Species Network as we work to remove invasive baby's breath from Elberta Beach in Benzie County! Spreading easily over northwest Michigan's beaches and dunes, baby's breath crowds out vulnerable native plants and degrades important habitat.

GTRLC and ISN supply gloves and tools. We will teach you everything you need to know about tool use, safety, and the importance of the work you will be doing. No experience necessary, just come ready to learn something new! This is a moderately strenuous activity, with volunteers often bending and kneeling to dig out plants. There are porta johns available at the parking area.

Dress for the weather! Always check the forecast in advance
Sturdy footwear recommended

Long pants and closed shoes recommended as there is poison ivy present

Bring a reusable water bottle and some snacks

Sunscreen and bug spray for your safety and comfort

Please meet us in the lower parking lot at Elberta Beach.

Women's March Traverse City will lead a March for Justice on Saturday, July 26, 1:00-3PM. Gather at F & M Park on Railroad Street, downtown Traverse City. We will march peacefully through downtown TC, then return to the park.

Due to construction on the Parkway, we will not line the streets this time. Donations of granola bars, protein shakes, easy breakfast foods and snacks to benefit Pete's Place, to support homeless youth in our area, will be gratefully collected.

See our Women's March Traverse City event page on Facebook or call Monica 231-325-6812 for more information.

CSI3* Grand Prix
Head to Flintfields Horse Park for a Saturday afternoon of fast-paced show jumping, great food, boutique shopping, and open-air fun. Gates open early, and the main competition begins at 5 PM.

Bring a blanket for the lawn or upgrade your experience with shaded seating, VIP access, or a Cabana Box for your group.

All general admission proceeds benefit local nonprofits—this week, your ticket supports Hospice of Michigan, providing expert, compassionate care and support for patients and families facing end-of-life journeys.

Tickets begin at $15 and are available online or at the gate. For an enhanced experience, consider our VIP upgrades.

Details at: traversecityhorseshows.com/visit