Almanac

The Will Marsh-led Integration Ensemble will perform an immersive and unique ninety-minute show at the Oliver on August 17th at 5:00 pm.

Will Marsh is an internationally acclaimed sitarist, guitarist, and composer who will be joined by Crispin Campbell, Josh Mellinger, and Patrick Booth to present a unique blend of instrumentation, genres, and styles, spanning diverse influences.

Acclaimed producer Ben Leinbach described Will and The Integration Ensemble as “Ravi Shankar jamming with the Buena Vista Social Club!”

The popular Bayside Concert Series returns this summer to the Petoskey waterfront! This free, family-friendly series of outdoor concerts will take place Sunday evenings from 5–7 PM, July 6 through August 31, on the Promenade near the waterfront clock tower.

The series, co-sponsored by Big Water Creative Arts and the City of Petoskey, features an exciting lineup of local musicians performing a variety of styles — all with a stunning view of Little Traverse Bay.

2025 lineup:
July 6 – Two Track Mind
July 13 – Eric Dane Jaqua
July 20 – Steel & Wood
July 27 – The Real Ingredients
August 3 – Michelle Chenard
August 10 – Kevin Johnson
August 17 – Lara Fulford
August 24 – Laura Crowe
August 31 – Continuous Imposition

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of great music on the bay. No tickets or registration required.

For more information, visit: www.bigwatercreativearts.org or petoskey.recdesk.com.

Round up the family and head out to Coy Mountain, located at 9011 Valley St. in Alden, to enjoy a romp in the woods and reading a good book along the way.

The storybook is “The Hike” by Alison Farrell, and covers about a 1/2-mile portion of the trail.

Free Event. Sponsored by Alden District Library and Friends, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318.

Come to Alden District Library to see a display of Great Lakes Maritime History & Memorabilia. The display runs through the month of August and can be viewed during normal library hours. Mon, Wed, Th, F 9:30a-5p, Tu 9:30a-6p, Sat 9:30a-2p. 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318.

Free Event. At a later date, a video of the display can be viewed on the library's website, aldenlib.info and look for "On Display" link at left. Sponsored by Alden District Library, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318

Date: M/T/F August 18, 19 and 22, 2025
Time: 1 pm–4 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, August 14, 2025
Location: Thoreson Farm
In this introduction to slab building class, students will construct a large pitcher and set of matching tumblers by learning to use a slab roller and various hand tools. Monday and Tuesday will be spent making and decorating. Friday, we will glaze.

Paying for College: The Michigan Education Trust
Monday, August 18th @ 5:30pm
Looking at starting that college fund? Michigan Department of Treasury will share information about the Michigan Education Trust and the Michigan Education Savings Program.

Learn how you can gift credit hours to a student and more at 5:30pm.

Now that you've harvested your crops, how are you going to keep them? We invite you to join for a presentation by Kara Lynch, a Food Safety Educator with MSU Extension where she will talk about the best practices of food preservation and answer questions.

Date: 4 Mondays—August 4, 11, 18, and 25 2025
Time: 6 pm—9 pm
Registration Deadline: Friday, August 1, 2025
Location: Thoreson Farm
Learn and practice wedging, centering, throwing, and trimming basic forms. Enjoy one-on-one interaction as you learn the skills needed to become comfortable working on the potter’s wheel. In addition, the class will include the basics of decorating, glazing, and firing finished work. Open Studio and one 25# bag of clay included for all three sessions.

Concert featuring Michigan Emmy recipient Kitty Donohoe who draws from both her Irish and American roots.

Help us restore and protect the incredible ecosystems on our protected lands in Benzie and Manistee counties by aiding in invasive plant removal! Native wildflowers, mushrooms, trees, and shrubs that rely on these healthy habitats are currently under threat of being displaced by aggressive invasive plants.

GTRLC supplies all tools necessary for the work being done. 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 activity is moderately strenuous, with volunteers often bending and kneeling to pull, cut or pile plants. Porta johns are available at some trailheads in this area, but not all. There is no drinking water available on site.

Please meet us at the St. Pierre end of the Arcadia Marsh boardwalk.