* * 2024 * *

We're back at the Escanaba Farmers Market, Saturday mornings starting June 1, from 9:00 to 12:00, providing our mix of old-time tunes and (mostly) old songs for vendors and customers alike. We had a great time last year and are looking forward to another fun season. It's the place to be on Saturday mornings so come on down to the beautiful Market Place pavilion on Ludington Street to browse and shop and enjoy the good-feeling atmosphere. We'll be there (weather permitting) through September!

Starting in July we are playing about every other week at the rejuvenated Manistique Farmers Market, from 5:00-6:30, now located downtown south Cedar Street between Lake Effect Community Art Center and Triangle Park. There are plenty of vendors with an array of produce and products, along with artisans with their wares. Come on down and check it out - it's an active market! And we're glad to be back playing there.

December 7, Saturday 3:00-5:00 -- Village Artisans of Garden annual Silent Auction and celebration. Our fun and wonderful start to the holiday season! We'll be in the back room (with the deserts!) playing music, chatting with friends, and leading the sing-a-long. This is a happy friendly party open to all - a great way to help fun the Artisans' activities (like children's art classes) and take home some special surprise(s) if you are a successful bidder!

* * 2023 * *

2023 - We have a fun music schedule for this summer and we're looking forward to it. Music takes on a richer element when there is an audience to add to the mix. And we appreciate our audience members! They add to our enjoyment of the music we make. We hope to see you this summer to share some good old-time tunes and songs.

FARMERS MARKETS

Gladstone Farmers Market, 911 Delta Ave. -- Monday, 3:00-6:00. This is a new addition for us and we're looking forward to playing for customers and vendors at this small downtown farmers market in their special market alley space. They have a small, short stage just for the performers. We will be playing once a month for the Market season: June 12 - July 17 - August 14 - September 11.

Escanaba Farmers Market, 1501 Ludington Street -- Saturdays, 9:00-12:00. We are also branching out to play at the Escanaba Farmers Market under their beautiful large pavilion with a wide array of farm and craft vendors. No worry about being rained out - it's always dry under cover (though not always warm!). We'll be there most Saturday mornings June through September. It's an active and fun market so do come check it out and stop by to say Hi.

Sunday, August 27 at the Fayette State Park Historical Townsite -- for "Int'l Play Music on the Porch Day".  Saturday is the official day for PMOTPD but with high north winds off the Lake in the forecast we decided to move our day to play to Sunday (ith a calmer, sunnier forecast). It will be a fun celebration of sharing music, and we're looking forward to doing that on the wonderful porch of the historic hotel at Fayette.

Play Music on the Porch Day - "Smaller Peaces - What if for just one day everything stopped, and we all just listened to the music." A wonderful idea, began in 2013 and continuing to grow since.

December 2, Saturday 3:00-5:00 -- Village Artisans of Garden annual Silent Auction and celebration. We wouldn't miss this wonderful start to the holiday season. As usual, you'll find us in the back room (with the deserts!) playing music, chatting with friends, and leading the sing-a-long. This is a happy party open to all - a fun way to contribute to the Artisans' activities and take home some wonderful surprises (if you are a successful bidder!).

* * 2022 * *

December 2, Friday: Christmas in the Village - 4:00-6:30 pm - U.P. Steam & Gas Engine Village, U.P. State Fair Grounds, Escanaba. "Wild Cherry Wine" will be spicing up the evening with holiday songs and old time fiddle tunes Friday from 4:00-6:30 pm in the Chapel Building (which is warm and has seating!). This popular annual event is full of old-fashioned festive atmosphere, with a wide variety of shops, demonstrations, handicrafts, wagon rides, roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate and goodies galore. There is no charge but they ask that you bring non-perishable food items or new unwrapped toys to be donated to local charities. The event runs Friday 12:00n-7:00pm and Saturday 10:00 am-7:00 pm. Fun for all and so much to see you'll want to plan to spend many hours. Hope to see you there!

December 3, Saturday: Village Artisans of Garden 10th Annual Silent Auction, with a wonderful selection of art and craft to bid on, snacks and sweets to enjoy, wine and punch, and an enjoyable crowd. And musical entertainment provided by Steve and I, in the background as well as a fun sing-a-long. This is an annual event that we truly enjoy and look forward to.  

Doors open at 2:45, bidding from 3:00 - 4:30, and a holiday sing-a-long at 4:30 (while they organize and tally the winning bidders). It's a festive and fun afternoon and one highly recommended. You can preview most of what will be available to bid on at the Village Artisans website at:
www.villageartisansofgarden.org/pictur/10th-annual-art-for-the-holidays-2022/
 

August 27, 2022 -- Play Music on the Porch Day!

July 15-16, Friday & Saturday:  44th Annual Aura Jamboree. The old Jamboree is back, with their usual schedule of 15 minute performances, inside on the stage, by a wide array of musicians, Friday evening and Saturday starting at 10:00 am, with dances to follow. We're on the schedule at our usual 10:30 Saturday morning slot. We like that time since when we're done we can kick back and jam and listen to other musicians the rest of the day. A great time to look forward to!

* * 2021 * *

Manistique Farmers Market 2021 - Wednesdays, 4:00 - 6:00 pm - We're back and so are the vendors - through September. It's great seeing everyone again, and we (and the vendors) sure appreciate the many locals, visitors and tourists who make a special effort to shop at the Farmers Market. It's a special place and we enjoy being the Market Musicians. Stop by on Wednesdays to shop and listen to a bit of (mostly) old time music. If it's raining or blowing a gale the Market moves inside the nearby Little Bear Ice Arena so no matter the weather the Market is open. See you there!  

July 17, Saturday:  43rd Annual Aura Jamboree. The Jamboree won't be the same this year but the folks who put it on have come up with a way to have the event, though it will be a modified version. One day only starting at noon, outside concerts and jams (nothing inside the Hall), no fee but donations requested (the Jamboree is the Aura Town Hall's only fundraiser for the Hall's expenses), bring your own food and drink. It's simply a way for musicians and lovers of traditional music to get together to play and listen and enjoy being together again. We applaud their effort and plan to attend.

August 7, Saturday (rain date August 14):  Schoolcraft Historical Society Living History Event, 1:00 - 4:00 pm at the Lakeview Cemetery. There will be a number of appropriately costumed reinactors portraying some of Manistique's early residents, each giving short talks about their lives and sharing some history of the area. We will be providing time appropriate background music for the event. It should be an interesting and fun program and we're looking forward to it. It should be an interesting and fun program and we're looking forward to it. More information at: https://schs.cityofmanistique.org/voices-on-cemetery-hill-coming-august-7th/.

* * 2020 * *

How nice it will be when we are all getting out and about, enjoying gathering in natural, healthy, and happy ways with other people -  shaking hands, hugging, smiling, laughing, talking - in person, in public or private, playing music, listening to others making music. But it won't look like last year's schedule no matter how the year unfolds, things will be different, as they always are, but this year more so. But the music goes on, live where it begins. In our case, here on the homestead, and we decided to share as we've shared so many other things - digitally over the internet. So we've added weekly (or monthly) music videos to our lives, and hopefully to yours. Click HERE for a link to our 'Video & Audio' page where you'll find a list of our videos as well as some audio tracks from Wild Cherry Wine's last live appearance in December 2019 (see below). Also check out our Blog page (link above) for other odds and ends of happenings on the homestead. We look forward to seeing you down the road!

Good News, we think, though it does seem to be a moving target. The Manistique Farmers Market now has plans to open June 17. Things will be different, as the Manager works to comply with the most current rules and regulations. But many of the vendors are facing the challenge to be there with their products. Hurray for them! And hurray for the customers who will make that extra effort to buy from their favorite vendors, helping them and getting great fresh food. We think we'll be able to be there, too, keeping everyone company with our usual array of tunes and songs. Hope so. As time draws near check their Facebook page for the latest news on how to shop at the modified Market: https://www.facebook.com/MSTQFarmersMkt  

UPDATE: The Market did indeed start mid June with a half dozen dedicated vendors and a nice crowd of appreciative customers all summer. We so appreciated all of them. And we so appreciated being able to play! So many musicians, most probably, had (and have) no opportunities to share their music in public now and we know how much they miss it (as do their public!). It was a special Market this year and in spite of the challenges it went very well. It went into October though Steve and I missed the last two because of the cold. Our fingers just don't move very well when it gets down to 50! But we had a great time the rest of the Markets and look forward to next year, however it pans out.

* * 2019 * *

December 6, Friday: Christmas in the Village - 4:00-6:30 pm - U.P. Steam & Gas Engine Village, U.P. State Fair Grounds, Escanaba. "Wild Cherry Wine" will be spicing up the evening with holiday songs and old time fiddle tunes Friday from 4:00-6:30 pm in the Chapel Building (which is toasty warm and has seating!). This popular annual event is full of old-fashioned festive atmosphere, with a wide variety of shops, demonstrations, handicrafts, wagon rides, roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate and goodies galore. There is no charge but they ask that you bring non-perishable food items or new unwrapped toys to be donated to local charities. The event runs Friday 12:00n-7:00pm and Saturday 10:00 am-7:00 pm. Fun for all and so much to see you'll want to plan to spend many hours. Hope to see you there!

This was a bit of a "homecoming" for as Steve and I were involved back in the late 80's when the "village" was a few rough built shops and a great old steam engine driven saw mill, a shingle mill, a large impressive steam tractor, blacksmith shop, and enthusiastic "old timers" (who mostly weren't all that old!). During their annual Labor Day event, and a few other times, folks would bring their old engines and tractors to display (which they still do). We built a woodworking shop, nailing up rough hemlock boards, hauled fresh from the pile fresh from the working sawmill. The design included an attic where we could stay overnight. It was a fun time, making hand carved spoons, using the treadle lathe, talking to folks. But life was very full and we bowed out after some years, other folks taking over and using the shop.

So thirty years later bass player Tom said, "What do you think about playing at Christmas in the Village?" Well, we thought it would be fun, they were happy to have us, so play we did. The Village is now full of all sorts of shops, side streets, lights, electricity - quite a change! A few years ago they built a chapel with both heat and seating, something very appreciated by folks walking around outside in the cold. That's where we played, a bit chilly but definitely warmer than playing outside! We had a great group of folks of all ages, coming and going, singing along or not, listening, warming up. What a cheery way to spend the evening.

December 7, Saturday: Village Artisans' Silent Auction Fundraiser, doors open at 2:45 pm at the Garden Gallery. Steve and I will be providing holiday music to go with the delicious snacks as participants visit, browse, and bid on wonderful one-of-a-kind handmade art & craft items donated by Garden Gallery artists and supporters for this fun fundraiser. Proceeds help to fund their children's art classes and activities. Always a good time with the Village Artisans folks!

Thursdays at Heritage House Apartments, Manistique. From 12:00-2:00 pm, we enjoyed gathering with residents and friends much of the year to play and sing a variety of songs and tunes in the Community Room for a friendly group of people.

Wednesdays 4:00-6:00, May 29 thru Sept. 25 -- Manistique Farmers Market!  Fresh and beautiful local vegetables and fruit, fish and eggs, jams and jellies, baked goods galore and more!  And we'll be there playing cheery music for our favorite Farmers Market folks. We applaud, and enjoy, all the wonderful vendors (we have the best vendors!) and all those wonderful customers who keep the Market going. Stop by and say Hello and enjoy the music while you're shopping. Bring along a neighbor or friend - it's a special place to be.

August 10, Saturday, 6:00 pm: Lake Effect Community Arts "An Evening with the Arts", at the St Francis Parish Center in Manistique. A fun annual fundraiser with a Live Auction, and Silent Auction, Art Demonstrations, really great hors d'oeuvres, beverages, AND Live Music (by Steve and Sue, of course). Proceeds will go toward renovation and repairs of the new Community Arts Center. A good time and a good cause. More information at: www.lakeeffectarts.org/special-events.html

Wednesday, July 10, 11:30-1:30: "Lunch on Ludington" with music by Wild Cherry Wine. A new series has begun in Escanaba at the new Marketplace pavilion and we're happy to be a part of it! Every Wednesday different musicians will be playing on the stage for the enjoyment of people eating their lunch or just enjoying the music in the large open pavilion. There will be picnic tables and seating available and the playground will be open for children to enjoy as well. The Farmers Market follows at 3:00. Thanks to Wendy Pepin for this great addition to the music scene in Escanaba.

We had a good time, a real nice and friendly crowd and we look forward to doing it again next year! So plan your trips to Escanaba to take in this new offering. The Farmers Market follows at 3:00.

May 25 : Saturday, 10:00 - 1:00: "Fur & Feather Swap & Bazaar", at Holmquist Feed Mill in Trenary, sponsored by the Great Lakes Poultry and Livestock Connection. Wild Cherry Wine (Steve, Sue, Sharon Vierk and Tom Caron) add to the lively mix with our old time (and not so old) music for all things furred and feathered, and people, too. There is a bake sale, raffle, silent auction, concessions, and lots and lots of wonderful critters. We've had a great time playing at this popular annual family event. People are surprised at what they walk out with (be sure to bring an extra crate when you come, just in case).

May 17, Friday, 10:00 am: 'Wild Cherry Wine' gathered for a "Pre-season Warm-up" at the Rapid River Riverside Manor apartments Community Room, for a few hours of informal music. Residents, and their friends, were invited to stop in and enjoy the music and we had a good time. We plan to do this again!

March 11, Monday: Schoolcraft County Soil Conservation Service Meeting and Dinner -  We're joining our friend, Heidi Troyer to provide musical entertainment for the social hour starting at 5:30 pm, prior to the meeting and dinner, at the First Baptist Church, Manistique. For tickets and information contact the SCSCS at 906.341.8215 or schoolcraftcd@macd.org.

2018 - A good time with Music and Friends

Thursdays at Heritage House Apartments, Manistique, 12:30-2:00 pm, we head into town to join John Gores & Dave Bloom to play and sing a variety of songs and tunes for the residents and visitors in the Community Room, each adding our own flavor to the mix. Everyone is so friendly and it's a fun time.

December 1, Saturday: Village Artisans' Silent Auction Fundraiser, doors open at 2:45 pm at the Garden Gallery. Steve, Sharon, Larry Daasch and I will add cheery music to the delicious snacks as participants visit, browse, and bid on wonderful one-of-a-kind handmade art & craft items donated by Garden Gallery artists and supporters for this fun fundraiser for their non-profit Village Artisans' childrens art classes and activities. Always a good time!

Sept. 29, Saturday, 6:00 pm: Lake Effect Community Arts "Fall Fun Fundraiser", at The Warehouse, Traders Point, Manistique. Live Auction, Art Demonstrations, Silent Auction, special appearance by the LEA Readers Theatre Group, AND Live Music (by Steve and Sue, of course). A fundraiser to build up their building fund in their quest to have a building to house the Arts Center. A good time and a good cause. More information at: www.lakeeffectarts.org/special-events.html

Wednesdays 4:00-6:00, May 16 - Sept. 26 -- Manistique Farmers Market!  Fresh and beautiful local vegetables and fruit, fish and eggs, jams and jellies, baked goods galore and more!  And we'll be there playing cheery music for our favorite Farmers Market folks. We applaud, and enjoy, all the wonderful vendors (we have the best vendors!) and all those wonderful customers who keep the Market going. Stop by and say Hello and enjoy the music while you're shopping. 

May 27 - June 24 - Sept. 8 : Saturday, 10:00 - 1:00: "Fur & Feather Swap & Bazaar", at Holmquist Feed Mill in Trenary. Wild Cherry Wine (Sharon, Steve, Sue, and bass player Tom Caron) add to the lively mix with our old time (and not so old) music for all things furred and feathered, and people, too. There is a bake sale, raffle, silent auction, concessions. We've had a great time playing at this popular annual family event, sponsored by the Great Lakes Poultry and Livestock Connection. People are surprised at what they walk out with when they thought they were only coming to look!

August 12, Sunday:  "Wild Cherry Wine" were fortunate to play for a beautiful, outdoor in the orchard wedding. 

July 20 & 21, Friday evening and Saturday:  42nd Annual Aura Jamboree. This long running old time music jamboree is for the musician in everyone. An acoustic celebration of old time music of all sorts, from Finnish to French Canadian, Celtic to New England, Folk to Bluegrass. There is music happening all over all day and evening. It's a great time. Wild Cherry Wine will be there, enjoying the great music (it truly is awesome), dancing, and adding our 15 minute bit on stage Saturday. Sponsored by the Aura Community Hall Association this is a one-of-a-kind celebration of true community music, something we all look forward to every year.

   2017 - Another Full and Happy Year

Thursdays at Heritage House Apartments, Manistique. For three years we have enjoyed joining friends at noon to play and sing for the friendly residents, and visitors, in the Community Room for this long running weekly gathering, under the joyful leadership of Frank Sweeny -- intrepid, vigorous, enthusiastic, strong voice with his great memory of the words to just about any old country song you could think of, wonderful singing (in the key of C) with his equally vigorous banjo. Frank along with various musicians had played this weekly gig for many years (no one seems to know how many, 7? 10?). He generously invited Steve and I to join him and the others about three years ago and it was a good thing for us. Frank left this world in October but left behind so many great memories that one just has to set aside the sadness and celebrate his life. He lived it fully. We're glad we got to know, and play music with, him. 

December 2, Saturday: Village Artisans' Silent Auction Fundraiser, doors open at 2:45 pm at the Garden Gallery. Once again Steve, Sharon Vierk, Larry Daasch and I will add cheery music to the food and wine as participants visit, browse, and bid on one-of-a-kind handmade art & craft items donated by Garden Gallery artists and supporters for this fun fundraiser for their non-profit Village Artisans.

October 28, Saturday, 11:00-5:00: Lake Effect Art Gallery Mini-Grand Re-Opening! Our favorite local Gallery (of which Steve and I are a part) has relocated to 212 S. Cedar St., downtown Manistique. In just a few short weeks of long hours and work (a lot of scrubbing and painting and moving!) the Gallery board members, artists and friends turned a once neglected set of rooms into a beautiful space filled with a wonderful selection of local art, crafts, and gifts, ready for the holiday season. We're excited and happy to do our part for the Re-Opening by providing lively live music for the Opening. We're also happy to have our artwork at the Gallery -- spoons, bowls, boxes, watercolors, cards. It's a very pleasing place to browse and shop. Stop in! The Lake Effect Art Gallery is a part of the local non-profit Lake Effect Community Arts. More information at www.LakeEffectArts.org.

May 27 / June 24 / Sept. 9, Saturdays, 10:00 - 1:00: "Fur & Feather Swap & Bazaar", at Holmquist Feed Mill in Trenary. Wild Cherry Wine (Sharon, Steve, Sue, and bass player Tom Caron in Sept.) kept things lively with our old time (and not so old) music for all things furred and feathered, and people, too. There was a bake sale, raffle, silent auction, concessions. We had a great time at this popular annual family event, sponsored by the Great Lakes Poultry and Livestock Connection. People are surprised at what they walk out with when they thought they were only coming to look! Check out this Detroit Free Press article/photos/video of the June F&F: www.freep.com/story/news/columnists/john-carlisle/2017/07/02/upper-peninsula-animal-swap-traditions/381317001/

May 24 thru Sept. 12! Wednesdays 4:00-6:00 -- Manistique Farmers Market. Fresh and beautiful vegetables and fruit, fish and eggs, jams and jellies, baked goods galore and more!  And we will be there playing cheery music for our favorite Farmers Market folks. We applaud all the wonderful vendors and all those great customers who have kept the Market going, and we're looking forward to another Fun season. 

July 14 & 15, Friday evening and Saturday:  40th Annual Aura Jamboree. This long running old time music jamboree is for the musician in everyone. An acoustic celebration of old time music of all sorts, from Finnish to French Canadian, Celtic to New England, Folk to Bluegrass. There is music happening all over all day and evening. It's a great time. We'll be there, enjoying the great music (it truly is awesome), dancing, and adding our 15 minute bit on stage Saturday. Sponsored by the Aura Community Hall Association this is a one-of-a-kind celebration of true community music.

May 10, Wednesday, 1:00-1:30 pm: Mich. Assoc for Family & Community District Meeting, Rapid River Calvery Lutheran Church. With a theme of Chuck Wagon Picnic we'll don our best wagon train attire to entertainment the attendees at this annual gathering. This service group was formerly known as "Home Extension"

April 16, Easter Sunday:  Adding a special note to the Easter holiday with music for our friends at Woodland Manor made the day special for us, too!

2016 -- a gentle and enjoyable year!

December 22, Thursday:  Holiday Cheer via music with our friends at the Heritage House from noon till 2:00. Then at 6:00 we'll join in the party at Woodland Manor with more Christmas songs and tunes. It'll be a full and fun day!

December 3, Saturday: Village Artisans' Silent Auction Fundraiser, doors open at 2:00 pm at the Garden Gallery. Once again Steve, Sharon Vierk, Larry Daasch and I will add cheery music to the food and wine as participants visit, browse, and bid on one-of-a-kind handmade art & craft items donated by Garden Gallery artists and supporters for this fun annual fundraiser for their non-profit Village Artisans.

Nov. 21, Monday -- Woodland Assisted Living, Manistique, Thanksgiving Dinner, 5:30 pm. We'll be sharing the resident's special dinner with family and friends by providing background music while they eat and visit.

Nov. 4, Friday -- Alger County Soil Conservation Annual Meeting/Dinner -- 5:30 - 9:00 at 387 (formerly Sydney's), Munising. Though we no longer play regularly with the Falling Rock Old Timer Jammers we're happy to join them for this event, providing music for entertainment, and dancing, after the dinner and meeting. Should be a good time!

Wednesdays 4:00-6:00 -- May-Oct.: Manistique Farmers Market. Fresh and beautiful vegetables and fruit, fish and eggs, jams and jellies, baked goods galore and more!  And we will be there playing cheery music for our favorite Farmers Market. We applaud all the wonderful vendors and all those great customers who have put up with the challenging road construction all summer. 

Sept. 4, Sunday -- We'll again be joining our friends "Lost Lake Effect, and Friends" playing for the occasionally annual Lost Lake lake party. Good food, friendly people, and lively music! The weather may be variable but the fun is always reliable.

August 4, Thursday: Schoolcraft Hospital Healing Garden Fundraiser -- Wine, cheese, silent auction of art, and music (that's us!) at the Mackinaw Trail Winery, US 2, Manistique, 6:00-9:00 pm.

July 15 & 16, Friday evening and Saturday:  40th Annual Aura Jamboree. This long running old time music jamboree is for the musician in everyone. An acoustic celebration of old time music of all sorts, from Finnish to French Canadian, Celtic to New England, Folk to Bluegrass. There is music happening all over all day and evening. It's a great time. We'll be there, enjoying the great music (it truly is awesome), dancing, and adding our 15 minute bit on stage Saturday. Sponsored by the Aura Community Hall Association this is a one-of-a-kind celebration of true community music.

June 25, Saturday: Schoolcraft County Pioneer Day, Manistique, 12:00-2:00 pm. We'll be entertaining folks for several hours at this annual event which this year is being held at the Marina, highlighting the history of local fishing with a special display inside the Marina building. This is an family-friendly fund-raiser for the Schoolcraft County Historical Society.

June 15, Wednesday: Schoolcraft Medical Care Facility Birthday Party, Manistique, 2:00-3:00 pm. The Heritage House Thursday Group (see above) will be playing for the monthly birthday party celebration for the residents. We'll add some musical cheer to the cake and ice cream.

March 26, Saturday: Woodland Meadows Assisted Living, Manistique, 1:00-2:00 pm. We're happy to help the residents and their family and friends celebrate the season by providing background music for their special Easter Luncheon.

December 5, Saturday: Village Artisans' Silent Auction Fundraiser, doors open at 2:00 pm at the Garden Gallery. Once again Steve, Sharon Vierk, Larry Daasch and I will add cheery music to the food and wine as participants visit, browse, and bid on one-of-a-kind handmade art & craft items donated by Garden Gallery artists and supporters for this fun annual fundraiser for their non-profit Village Artisans.

Oct. 24, Saturday -- Schoolcraft County Health Fair, 8:30 am - 12:00 n, at the Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital. There will be displays, demonstrations, vendors and medical stations at this annual event. And when you're done, or in-between, come on down to the Cafeteria for some refreshments and food while you enjoy some old-time (and maybe some not so old) music. We'll be there with healthy music for healthy living, in a background sort of way. Even if you're not hungry, stop by and say Hi.

Wednesdays at the Manistique Farmers Market 4:00-6:00. Whether it's hot, cold, sunny, cloudy, calm (seldom), or windy (usually!), ManyTracks has a good time adding our bit of old time music to this wonderful local event at the Little Bear West Arena parking lot (near Central Park). Bring your shopping bags and fill them with great local and regional fresh food and goodies -- vegetables of all sorts as they come into season, fruit, fresh whitefish, local beef, eggs, and luscious jams, baked goods, local honey, maple syrup, flowers. It just feels good to be there. And if the weather is too challenging, the Market moves inside the Little Bear Arena, and so do the customers. It's a great group, both vendors and customers. Check out their website at ManistiqueFarmersMarket.com. The Market is closed now. It was a fun season! See you next May.

Sept. 6, Sunday -- We'll again be joining our friends "Lost Lake Effect, and Friends" playing for the occasionally annual Lost Lake lake party. Good food, friendly people, and lively music! The weather may be variable but the fun is always reliable.

July 17 & 18, Friday evening and Saturday:  39th Annual Aura Jamboree. This long running old time music jamboree is for the musician in everyone. An acoustic celebration of old time music of all sorts, from Finnish to French Canadian, Celtic to New England, Folk to Bluegrass. There is music happening all over all day and evening. It's a great time. We'll be there, enjoying the great music (it truly is awesome) and adding our 15 minute bit on stage Saturday morning. Sponsored by the Aura Community Hall Association this is a one-of-a-kind celebration of true community music.

June 27, Saturday:  Munising Bay Arts Festival, at Bayshore Park and Marina in Munising. The Falling Rock Old-time Jam group, of which we are a part, will be playing lively old-time tunes from 3:00-4:00 pm for the enjoyment of visitors and artists alike. It's a great day to enjoy wonderful art from area artists and a variety of music as well.

most Thursdays at Heritage House Apartments, Manistique, 12:30-2:00 pm, we head into town to join Frank Sweeney on banjo along with Dave Bloom on ukelele, John Gores on guitar, to play and sing a variety of songs and tunes for the residents and visitors in the Community Room, adding our own old time flavor to their country/rock/variety music. Everyone is friendly and it's a fun time.

Wednesdays at Falling Rock Cafe, Munising, 7:00-9:00 pm (in the summer) -- with the "Old Time Jam Group" -- lively and fun. Our core group expands in the summer with many visitors. Come enjoy the music while having a mocha and ice cream, or soup and sandwich. We're usually there.

Third Tuesdays at the Medical Care Facility -- ManyTracks plays for the residents from 2:00-2:45 in the Special Needs area, then 3:00-3:45 in the main area Dining Room.  If you have friends or family at Medicare come on in and enjoy the music with them. We have a good time.

May 1, Friday - "Night of Hope & Joy" at the Cooks Congregational Church. Larry, Steve and I will be providing suitable background music from 5:45-6:30 during the potluck meal at this annual inspirational evening with a special speaker, physical therapist Lisa Jones.

Dance!-- Steve takes up his fiddle to provide toe-tapping lively music with guitarist friend Larry Daasch for the twice a month Lake Effect Arts Old-time Dances, Sept.-May. I'm the caller for the dances and we have a great time. You're welcome to come join us! For more information go to www.LakeEffectArts.org (or give me a call).

February 23-26 -- Manistique Library "Geek the Library" week, with "Geek Night" Thursday, Feb. 26, 5:00-7:00 pm -- ManyTracks will be there with a display -- Old-time Music, Dance, and Making and Repairing Musical Instruments -- and will be playing a set of old-time tunes in the entertainment line-up. This is sure to be a fun event as community members and businesses gather at the Library to share their many and varied passions.

December 6, Saturday: Village Artisans' Silent Auction Fundraiser, doors open at 2:45 pm at the Garden Gallery. Once again Steve, Sharon Vierk, Larry Daasch and I will add cheery music to the food and wine as participants visit, browse, and bid on one-of-a-kind handmade art & craft items donated by Garden Gallery artists and supporters for this fun fundraiser for their non-profit Village Artisans. Larry, Steve, and I along with Ginny Smith and Rick Rissman gather together weekly at the Gallery from May to November to play and share tunes and songs. Ginny and Rick are now off to other regions for the winter but we're happy to have Sharon come down from Sundell to join us for what has become an annual event for us.

August 31, Sunday -- We'll again be joining our friends "Lost Lake Effect" playing for the occasionally annual Lost Lake party. Good food, friendly people, and lively music! The weather may be variable but the fun is always reliable.

July 19 & 20, Friday evening and Saturday:  38th Annual Aura Jamboree. This long running old time music jamboree is for the musician in everyone. An acoustic celebration of old time music of all sorts, from Finnish to French Canadian, Celtic to New England, Folk to Bluegrass. There is music happening all over all day and evening. It's a great time. We plan to be there, enjoying the great music (it truly is awesome) and adding our 15 minute bit on stage Saturday morning. Sponsored by the Aura Community Hall Association this is a one-of-a-kind celebration of true community music.

July 12, Saturday:  "Wild Cherry Wine" will be playing a few after dinner tunes for a private wedding, then the guitarist from 'Steppin' In It' will step in and I'll switch to calling dances for the reception. A great way to celebrate a wonderful wedding!

Saturday, July 5: Manistique Art & Craft Fair, 10:00-4:00 at Manistique's Central Park, in conjunction with the annual Independence Day celebration. "Wild Cherry Wine" will be providing entertainment throughout the day. Listen for the fiddles and guitar and look for Sharon's booth (with wonderful woodburning and painting of birds and wildlife on specially selected driftwood pieces), and stop by and say Hi!

June 28, Saturday:  Munising Bay Arts Festival, at Bayshore Park and Marina in Munising. The Falling Rock Old-time Jam group, of which we are a part, will be playing lively old-time tunes from 1:00-2:00 pm for the enjoyment of visitors and artists alike. It's a great day to enjoy wonderful art from area artists and a variety of music as well.

June 21, Saturday:  "Wild Cherry Wine" is playing for a beautiful, outdoor (in the orchard) wedding. 

June 20, Friday, 7:00 pm: Wild Cherry Wine will be at Indian Lake State Park providing some suitably Old-time entertainment for the annual Upper Peninsula History Conference attendees. They have a fully packed weekend of interesting events, presentations, tours, and fun. For information and registration forms visit www.hsmichigan.org, or call the Historical Society of Michigan, 800-692-1828.

June 18, Wednesday: We will be joining our violinist friend Heidi Troyer from 2:00-3:00 to play at the monthly Birthday Party at the Medical Care Facility with lots of happy fiddle tunes and music for the party. If you have friends or family at SCMCF with a birthday in June come on in and enjoy the party with them. It's always a fun time.

And after the Farmers Market -- Wednesdays at Falling Rock Cafe with the "Old Time Jam Group" -- You can find us there from 6:00-8:00 playing with friends that lively, foot stomping music that makes you want to get up and dance. Anyone who plays this type of music is welcome to join us!

Wednesdays at the Manistique Farmers Market! 4:00-6:00. Whether it's hot, cold, sunny or cloudy, ManyTracks has a good time adding our bit of old time music to this wonderful local event at the Little Bear West Arena parking lot (near Central Park). Bring your shopping bags and fill them with great local and regional fresh food and goodies -- vegetables of all sorts as they come into season, fruit, fresh whitefish, local beef, eggs, and luscious jams, baked goods, local honey, maple syrup, flowers. It just feels good to be there. And if the weather is too challenging, the Market moves inside the Little Bear Arena, and so do the customers. It's a great group, both vendors and customers. Check out their website at ManistiqueFarmersMarket.com

BiMonthly -- Steve exchanged his dancing shoes for his fiddle to provide toe-tapping lively music with guitarist friend Larry Daasch for the bimonthly Lake Effect Arts Old-time Dance . I'm the caller for the dances and we have a great time. You're welcome to come join us! For more information and dates go to www.LakeEffectArts.org (or give me a call).

Friday, March 21: Wild Cherry Wine will play in the Holiday Inn Marquette lounge from about 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm for an informal session of that fun old-timey music! If you're around stop in.

Tuesdays, once a month (usually): Medical Care Facility -- ManyTracks often plays for the residents from 2:00-2:45 in the Special Needs area, then 3:00-3:45 in the main area Dining Room.  It's a friendly place with a lot going on! If you have friends or family at Medicare come on in and enjoy the music with them. We have a good time.

December 17, Tuesday: ManyTracks will be joining with violinist Heidi Troyer (who organizes the weekly Tuesday music sessions for the Special Needs folks) at the Medical Care Facility with lots of fiddle tunes and Holiday music and songs for the residents. From 2:00-2:30 we'll be at the Special Needs unit, then we'll move to the main area Dining Room to play for the residents there (who are great at singing along!).  It'll be a good time to come visit and join in singing some familiar songs.

December 7, Saturday: "Village Artisans' Art for the Holidays" Silent Auction Fundraiser, doors open at 2:45 pm at the Garden Gallery in Garden, Michigan. Once again Steve, Sharon Vierk, Larry Daasch and I will add lively music to the food and wine as participants visit, browse, and bid on one-of-a-kind handmade art & craft items donated by U.P. artists for this fun fundraiser for the non-profit Village Artisans of Garden. Larry, Steve, and I along with Ginny Smith and Rick Rissman gather together weekly at the Gallery from May to November to play and share tunes and songs. Ginny and Rick are now off to other regions for the winter but we're happy to have Sharon come down from Sundell to join us for what has become an annual volunteer gig.

October 1, Tuesday: ManyTracks will be at the Medical Care Facility with a bit of old-time musical cheer for the residents. From 2:00-2:30 we'll be at the Special Needs unit, then we'll move to the main area Dining Room to play for the residents there.  If you have friends or family there come on in and enjoy the music with them.

May 29 - Sept 25, Wednesdays: ManyTracks at the Manistique Farmers Market, Little Bear West Arena parking lot (near Central Park). Steve and I are having fun adding a bit of old time music to the Farmers Market this summer so stop by for a listen and a hello as you shop this wonderful local market from 4:00-6:00 pm. It's a great group of local and U.P. vendors selling wonderful fresh food from vegetables of all sorts, fruit, fresh whitefish, local beef, eggs, and luscious jams, baked goods, local honey, maple syrup, flowers. It just feels good to be there. And if the weather is too challenging, the Market moves inside the Little Bear Arena, and so do the customers. I love watching so many (many, many) people come out each week to buy fresh local food and support their local growers.

After the Farmers Market we head north to Munising to play at the Falling Rock Cafe with our Old-time Jam buddies from 7:00-9:00 (until Labor Day, then we switch to 6:00-8:00). So come see us either in Manistique or Munising! Wednesday is a great music day for us.

July 19 & 20, Friday evening and Saturday:  37th Annual Aura Jamboree. This long running old time music jamboree is for the musician in everyone. An acoustic celebration of old time music of all sorts, from Finnish to French Canadian, Celtic to New England, Folk to Bluegrass. There is music happening all over all day and evening. It's a great time. Sharon Vierk, Tom Caron and I (Sue) will do our 12 min. onstage Saturday morning, then spend the rest of the time happily listening and playing. Sponsored by the Aura Community Hall Association this is a one-of-a-kind celebration of true community music.

Saturday, July 6: Manistique Art & Craft Fair, 10:00-5:00 at Manistique's Central Park (behind Little Bear Arena, by the Bandshell) in conjunction with the annual Independence Day celebration. "Wild Cherry Wine" will be providing entertainment throughout the day as people shop and enjoy the wonderful array of arts and crafts. Listen for the fiddles and guitar and look for Sharon's booth (with great woodburning and painting of birds and wildlife on specially selected driftwood pieces).

June 29, Saturday:  Munising Bay Arts Festival, at Bayshore Park and Marina in Munising. The Falling Rock Jammers, of which we are a part, will be playing at the Festival at 11:00 am with lively old-time music for the enjoyment of visitors and artists alike. A great day to enjoy wonderful art from area artists and a variety of music as well. The Falling Rock Jam (from which the Jammers arise) is an open Old Time Jam Wednesday evenings at the Falling Rock Cafe. Anyone interested in this type of music is welcome to come join in! It is informal and all levels of players are welcome.

March 21, Thursday: "Frost Dancing!" at the Manistique Senior Center, 4:00-5:00. "Frost Dancing!" will be providing a St. Patrick's Day entertainment before the monthly Senior Center potluck dinner.

March 19, Tuesday: "ManyTracks" (Steve & Sue) will be at the Medical Care Facility Alzeimer's unit at 2:00 with a bit of Irish musical cheer for the residents. If you have friends or family there come on in then and join us.

December 8, Saturday: "Village Artisans' Art for the Holidays" Silent Auction Fundraiser, 6:30 - 9:00 pm at the Garden Gallery in Garden, Michigan. "Wild Cherry Wine" (Steve, Sue, & Sharon) + Larry Daasch will once again be adding lively music to the food and wine as participants visit, browse, and bid on one-of-a-kind handmade art & craft items donated by U.P. artists for this fun fundraiser for the Village Artisans.

August 11, Saturday:  Fayette Heritage Day - 11:00-4:00, Fayette State Park. The historic iron smelting town of Fayette is a great visit most any time but this day is especially fun with 19th century music, blacksmith demonstration, children's game of the era, baseball game, an 1875 Great Lakes Schooner Captain performance by Michael Deren, and the popular pie sale. And to add to the festivities Wild Cherry Wine will be here and there around the townsite during the day from 12:00 - 3:00 providing lively traditional music that might likely have been heard when the town was active, and is still heard and enjoyed today! AND at 11:00 the Falling Rock Jammers (of which we are a part) will be playing in the Hotel. At 3:00 Wild Cherry Wine will help launch the traditional old-time baseball game at the ball field with the national anthem.

July 20 & 21, Friday evening and Saturday:  Aura Jamboree, Aura. This long running (36 yrs!) old time music jamboree is very musician friendly, and friendly musicians abound! This is a true hands-on, acoustic celebration of old time music of all sorts, from Finnish to French Canadian, Celtic to New England, Folk to BlueGrass. There is music everyway and more fiddles and accordions than I've ever seen in one place -- all out of their cases and making great music. We'll be there! Listening and playing and soaking it all in, with our 12 min stint onstage Saturday morning. Put on by the Aura Community Hall Association this is a one-of-a-kind celebration of true community music.

Saturday, July 7: Manistique Art & Craft Fair, 10:00-4:00 at the Manistique Marina Park, in conjunction with the annual Independence Day celebration. "Wild Cherry Wine" will be providing entertainment throughout the day. Listen for the fiddles and guitar and look for Sharon's booth (with wonderful woodburning and painting of birds and wildlife on specially selected driftwood pieces) and the Lake Effect Community Arts booth. And while you are there, sign up for the free drawing for a great array of art and craft supplies.

June 30, Saturday:  Munising Bay Arts Festival, at Bayshore Park and Marina in Munising. The Falling Rock Jammers, of which we are a part, will be opening the Festival at 10:00 am with lively old-time music for the enjoyment of visitors and artists alike. A great day to enjoy wonderful art from area artists and a variety of music as well. The Falling Rock Jam (from which the Jammers arise) is an open old-time style jam session Wednesday evenings at the Falling Rock Cafe. Anyone interested in this type of music is welcome to come join in! It is informal and all levels of players are welcome.

Thursday, March 29: "Science Rocks" Talent Show Fundraiser for Superior-Central Science Olympiad Students, 7:00 pm at Sion Lutheran Church on M-94 in Chatham. A great time with a wonderful array of interesting talent from the area, both students and adults. "Wild Cherry Wine"'s Sharon Vierk is well known to the students as their bus driver (and strong supporter of the Science Olympiad), so we'll be contributing a set of fiddle tunes to the evening's entertainment. The Middle and High School teams did a great job placing 2nd and 3rd in the U.P. competition so they now head to Lansing to compete against schools of all sizes from all over the state. This has come to be an annual event for this school! It's a fun and interesting night and supports a good cause.

March 23, Friday: "Traditional Country Dance" at the "Dance Zone", 1113 Lincoln Ave, Marquette. Dance from 7:30 - 10:00 pm, with live music by "All Strings Considered"  with Steve and Sue sitting in this month for Jamie and Phil. Come on out for a family fun evening of music and called dances with Marge Sklar.

March 20, Tuesday: St. Patrick's Day at the Schoolcraft Medical Care Facility's Alz. unit. We'll be joining our fiddler friend Heidi Troyer to offer a bit of Irish cheer to the residents. This is always an enjoyable time. (Heidi is also the coordinator for the weekly music at the unit and a familiar face, with her violin, there.)

March 16, Friday: 'Tip a glass for the Irish' -- And celebrate Saint Patricks Day with a special leisurely dinner at the Rock River Cafe in Chatham while enjoying the Celtic tint of the music by "Wild Cherry Wine" (Steve, Sharon Vierk, Sue), from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. The food is delicious and the music will have you tapping and sighing with a smile while you wait and while you eat. Reservations recommended (906-439-5509). Cover charge by donation.

December 30, Friday: 'Fast away the old year passes; Hail the new ye lads and lasses' -- Celebrate both with a delicious leisurely dinner at the Rock River Cafe in Chatham and enjoy the joyous music of "Wild Cherry Wine" (Steve, Sharon Vierk, Sue), from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. The food is special and so is the music. Reservations recommended (906-439-5509). Cover charge by donation.

December 10, Saturday: "Village Artisans' Art for the Holidays" Silent Auction Fundraiser, 6:30 - 9:00 pm at the Garden Gallery in Garden, Michigan. "Wild Cherry Wine" (Steve, Sue, & Sharon) + Larry Daasch will be adding atmosphere and music to the food and wine as participants visit, browse, and bid on one-of-a-kind handmade art & craft items donated by U.P. artists for this fun event for the Village Artisans.

Fridays, November 18 and December 16: "Traditional Country Dance" at the "Dance Zone", 1113 Lincoln Ave, Marquette. Dance from 7:30 - 10:00 pm, with live music by "All Strings Considered"  with Steve and Sue. Come on out for a family fun evening of music and called dances with Marge Sklar.

We will also be playing at the Father Marquette School in Marquette Dec. 16 at 1:00, and at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility in Negaunee Nov. 18 at 2:00.

November 4, Friday: "Wild Cherry Wine" (Sharon Vierk, Steve and Sue) will be providing cheery dinner music at the Rock River Cafe in Chatham from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. At this small and unique Cafe you will find wonderful, quality food cooked and served with attention. From sandwiches to latte's to dinners, make your evening special with a trip to the Rock River Cafe and enjoy the food as well as the music. Reservations recommended (906-439-5509).

October 15, Saturday: "New Lost Lake Ramblers" concert at Falling Rock Cafe, Munising, 7:00 pm. Old-time music in tune and song to get you tapping your feet and humming along. We have fun playing and we trust you'll have fun listening! Falling Rock Cafe suggested donation $5 at the door. www.fallingrockcafe.com

Sept 2, Friday & Sept 5, Monday:  ManyTracks at Fayette Historic State Park. Steve and Sue (ManyTracks) will be roaming the beautiful reconstructed historic iron smelting townsite of Fayette with fiddle and guitar providing old time music as it might have been heard during the late 1800's time that Fayette was active.

August 13, Saturday:  Fayette Heritage Day - 11:00-4:00, Fayette State Park. The historic iron smelting town of Fayette is a great visit most any time but this day will be especially fun with 19th century music, blacksmith demonstration, children's game of the era, baseball game, and the popular pie sale and fish boil. The New Lost Lake Ramblers will help get you into the time period with great toe-tapping traditional tunes and acoustic music from 1:00-3:00 at the renovated casting house down by the harbor.

July 30, Saturday:  Flannel Jack Fest - Bay Shore Park, Munising. A fun community summer festival celebrating the romance of the logging days, with music, demonstrations, and wonderful smells and tastes from the Community Bread Oven. The New Lost Lake Rambers will be adding to the spirit of the day with plenty of traditional tunes of the era (acoustic, of course! Our specialty.), from 12:00-1:00, and from 2:00-3:00. So come out for this family and community event and enjoy the music and the fun.

July 29, Friday:  Marquette  Blueberry Festival, downtown Marquette, 12:00 - 2:00 pm under the canopy near Pocket Park: The New Lost Lake Ramblers will once again be providing foot-stamping lively old-time dance music for the enjoyment of those coming downtown to take part in this annual, busy event, which runs from 9:00 am - 7:00 pm. The NLLR are Steve and Sue, Rochelle Schuster, Marilyn & Barney Ouellette.

July 22-24, Friday-Sunday: Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival, Marquette. The 33rd for this popular festival with a great line-up of diverse and very talented traditional musicians! Wonderful music on stages and in workshop tents, and a great dance tent as well! Friday afternoon look for (and listen for!) the Hiawatha Acoustic Jam group playing near the Park office. Better yet, bring your instrument and join in! This festival is a greatly anticipated annual event for an enthusiastic crowd who fill Tourist Park with energy and appreciation for such a stellar line-up. For Info go to www.hiawathamusic.org

July 15 & 16, Friday evening and Saturday:  Aura Jamboree, Aura. This long running (35 yrs!) old time music jamboree is very musician friendly, and friendly musicians abound! This is a true hands-on, acoustic celebration of old time music of all sorts, from Finnish to French Canadian, Celtic to New England, Folk to BlueGrass. There is music everyway and more fiddles and accordians than I've ever seen in one place -- all out of their cases and making great music. We'll be there! Listening and jamming and soaking it all in, and onstage Saturday afternoon with friends Sharon Vierk (fiddle) and Tom Caron (bass). Put on by the Aura Community Hall Association this is a one-of-a-kind celebration of true community music. More info at www.aurajamboree.com

June 25, Saturday:  Munising Bay Arts Festival, at Bayshore Park and Marina in Munising. The Falling Rock Jammers, of which we are a part, will be providing lively old-time music for the enjoyment of visitors and artists alike from 3:00-4:00 pm. A great day to enjoy wonderful art from area artists and enjoy the music as well. the Falling Rock Jammers are an open old-time style jam group playing Wednesday evenings at the Falling Rock Cafe.

Friday, April 15: Talent Show Fundraiser for Superior-Central Science Olympiad Students, 7:00 pm at Sion Lutheran Church on M-94 in Chatham. A great time with a wonderful array of interesting talent from the area, both students and adults. We'll be adding our bit to the mix with local artist, bus driver and fiddler Sharon Vierk playing a mix of fiddle tunes as The Falling Rock Trio (Falling Rock Cafe being where we met). Sure to be fun and interesting, and supporting a good cause.

January - April: Monthly Square/Contra Dance at the Dance Zone, Marquette. Sklar's "Dance Zone", 1113 Lincoln Ave, Marquette. Dance from 7:30 - 10:00 pm, with live music by All Strings Considered  - Steve and Sue, Phil and Annette Watts, Rochelle Schuster, Jamie Kitchel, Maggie Morgan.

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updated 02/01/2017