From staff reports
The 18th annual Sleeping Bear Dune Climb concert will take place Sunday, July 10, at 7 p.m. Imagine a beautiful summer’s evening at the foot of the Dune Climb in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, hundreds of families enjoying their pre-concert picnics and then a musical program provided by artists of national stature: this is the magical mixture which has filled audiences with warm memories every year since the first Dune Climb concert in 1998. The setting is magnificent and the music is even better. The concert at the Dune Climb is presented annually by the Glen Arbor Art Association and is free to the public. Because of the unique venue and incomparable music it routinely draws a large audience.
This year’s performers will be the Way Down Wanderers. Equal parts fast-paced and soulful, this five-piece modern folk Americana act draws listeners in with energy, originality and generosity. Youthful and professionally trained, they captivate audiences with soaring instrumentals, foot stomping sing-alongs and a lively stage show.
There is no charge for the 7 p.m. concert; however, a National Park pass is required for parking. Free shuttle buses will provide transportation to overflow parking lots. Bring chairs or blankets to sit on. Some folding chairs are also provided in front of the stage. In the event of rain, the show will go on at the Glen Arbor Town Hall.
The Dune Climb concert is part of the Glen Arbor Art Association’s Manitou Music Festival which is underwritten by a grant from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs, as well as corporate sponsorships from Art’s Tavern, Cherry Republic, Cordia, Cottonseed Apparel, Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce, McCahill’s Crossing Dairy Bar and Motel, On the Narrows Marina, Quick Storage, and individual contributions. The full schedule of concerts is available at glenarborart.org.