Northern Mich~Mash Preserve
~ MUSIC ~
The design and compilation of the text and photos on this site are copyrighted 2017.
Most posted items will enlarge by "clicking" on them.
Most posted items will enlarge by "clicking" on them.
Please do not copy the photos on this site, many of which have been submitted by private individuals...
just come back and visit the site often to view the photos.
just come back and visit the site often to view the photos.
- Petoskey Boys' Band
- Petoskey Boys' Drum Corp
- Petoskey's Carl O. Weaver Post 194 Marching Band
- Petoskey City Band
- Petoskey Cornet Band
- Petoskey High School Bands
- Petoskey High School "Loyalty Song"
- Petoskey Military Band
- Ruch's Military Band
- Petoskey Normal Conservatory of Music
ABC Music, Inc.
Barbershop Singers
Blissfest Music Organization
Blueshounds
Boyne City Marine Band
J. Will Callahan
Clarion Band
Club Ponytail
Cowell Band
Epsilon Jazz Band
Ethel Fasquelle presents FIRST concert in Petoskey (featuring Chief Petoskey granddaughter Hattie Petoskey)
First Methodist Church Memorial Organ
First Methodist Church Sunday School Orchestra
Grinnell Bros. Music House
Hanna's Music
Harbor Springs American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps
Hemingway/Sunny Miller, writer of two local songs (Sunny's mother Grace wrote "Lovely Walloona"
Henry C. Wilde & Co.
Jelly Rolls Blues
Jusduit (Greenway and Pagel)
The Keelhaulers
Lake Street Strings
Don Large
Charlotte Ross Lee
Gordon Lightfoot
March Inn Big Bands (Walloon Lake, Michigan)
Melodian (antique at museum?)
Music Makers
Music World
Northern Michigan Brass Band
Grand ORGANIST Mrs. Norman Risk
Peacemeal String Band
Pellston City Band
Rivertown Jazz Band
R 'n R (Snideman and Marquardt)
Smith Hoover Post Drum and Bugle Corps (Harbor Springs)
The Young Americans
Various
Winsor Protege - Stella Carol
WMBN announcer Max Ansbaugh (Bob Strong and his Orchestra)
Larry Wojcik
1890
Two Excellent Petoskey Bands:
Petoskey City Cornet Band
Knights of Pythias Band
Two Excellent Petoskey Bands:
Petoskey City Cornet Band
Knights of Pythias Band
~ Petoskey Boys' Band ~
~ Petoskey Boys' Drum Corp ~
~ Petoskey's Carl O. Weaver Post 194 Marching Band ~
~ Petoskey City Band ~
Photo Below: Allan McCune a successful Petoskey businessman and local historian donated several of his albums to Petoskey's Little Traverse Historical Museum which included this photo he had labeled as "Cornet Band ~ Corner Lake and Petoskey Streets". This particular photos seems to be dated as 1884, but it also has been dated as 1875. A listing of names in the band was also included below the photo.
Photo Below: This 20 June 1883 Petoskey City Band on the corner of Lake and Petoskey Street included L>R: Henry Ide, A.L. Wingate, Rolf Coniber, M.C. Wingate, George Brockway, Ed MIlls, W.L. McManus, Charles Willcock, Stub Conible, P.L. Wingate, Rollie Trask, Elmer Tompson, Part of Arin Shawing.
Included in the photo above are: William McManus, Melvin Wingate and George Brockway.
William McManus' son Alfred A. "Fred" McManus' 1962 obituary state Fred had played in the
Petoskey City Band, the McManus Band, the Ringling Brothers Circus Band and a Scotch Kiltie Band.
Fred McManus also played the organ in the St. Francis Xavier Church in Petoskey, Michigan.
Two Photos Below:
W.L. McManus Jr.'s obituary in the 16 July 1936 Northern Michigan Review stated,
W.L. McManus Jr. was past exalted ruler of the Petoskey Lodge of Elks
and was District Deputy Supreme Knight of Knights of Columbus.
William McManus' son Alfred A. "Fred" McManus' 1962 obituary state Fred had played in the
Petoskey City Band, the McManus Band, the Ringling Brothers Circus Band and a Scotch Kiltie Band.
Fred McManus also played the organ in the St. Francis Xavier Church in Petoskey, Michigan.
Two Photos Below:
W.L. McManus Jr.'s obituary in the 16 July 1936 Northern Michigan Review stated,
W.L. McManus Jr. was past exalted ruler of the Petoskey Lodge of Elks
and was District Deputy Supreme Knight of Knights of Columbus.
~ Petoskey City Band ~
The LONG framed photo below was displayed (and for sale for $295.00) at the August 2019 Antique Fair at the Emmet County Fairgrounds in Petoskey, Michigan. The seller gave permission for the photos below to be taken. The close-up second photo below shows that the drum was labeled "Petoskey City Band", so the band was obviously from Petoskey. The buildings in the background, however, are not familiar as Petoskey buildings, unless someone wishes to contact this webmaster with information as to the location of the band in the photo by clicking HERE. The sign hanging behind the band reads: "THERE'S ONLY ONE PETOSKEY 629". Petoskey's B.P.O. Elk Lodge is No. 629.
The photographer's information in the right hand lower corner of the LONG photo stated:
"Photo By ~ H.N. Nelson 48 Adams Ave. W. Detroit"
"Photo By ~ H.N. Nelson 48 Adams Ave. W. Detroit"
As noted below in Perry F. Powers' A History of Northern Michigan and Its People 1912 Volume III:
C. Edson Churchill in the photo below, was a memorable Petoskey citizen,
and also "a popular member of Petoskey Lodge, No. 629 [number shown in above photo], Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks."
C. Edson Churchill in the photo below, was a memorable Petoskey citizen,
and also "a popular member of Petoskey Lodge, No. 629 [number shown in above photo], Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks."
~ Petoskey City Band ~
Photo Below: 1907 Petoskey City Band with identifications below this photo...
Below: Back of the photo above with the identifications of the band members...
Petoskey City Band
(Photo Below) Dated as Both 1909 and 1917
(Photo Below) Dated as Both 1909 and 1917
The Letter to the Editor below gives additional information about the leader of the Petoskey City Band.
Evidently a previous newspaper had misidentified the leader of the band.
Evidently a previous newspaper had misidentified the leader of the band.
Fred Rose who passed away in 1972 had played in the Petoskey City Band for several years.
~ Concert Space to Examine Train and Automobile Sound Disturbances ~
1936
"Mayor Roe of Harbor Springs, a member the Petoskey City Band ~
1944
1944
~ Petoskey Cornet Band ~
Petoskey, Michigan
Petoskey, Michigan
~ Petoskey High School Bands ~
Petoskey, Michigan
Petoskey, Michigan
Two Photos Below: The Petoskey High School Summer Band was playing in Pennsylvania Park
close to Lake Street with the Rosenthal Store in the background.
close to Lake Street with the Rosenthal Store in the background.
Photo Below: 1943-44 Petoskey High School Band posed in the PHS Auditorium
The 16 May article below, with two associated photographs below, told of the Petoskey High School's upcoming band performance on 18 May 1959 with its participation in the Mayor Swap for Michigan Week.
Photo Below: Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band
~ Petoskey High School "Loyalty Song" ~
1949
1949
Ross Stokes (1901~1992) composed multiple pieces of music,
including the Petoskey High School "Loyalty Song
which was featured for years at high school athletic games.
Words to the catchy song begin with "P-E-T-O-S-K-E-Y, colors of blue and white."
Ross Stokes was the the organist at Petoskey's United Methodist Church,
a leader of the church choir, theatre production, and concerts.
including the Petoskey High School "Loyalty Song
which was featured for years at high school athletic games.
Words to the catchy song begin with "P-E-T-O-S-K-E-Y, colors of blue and white."
Ross Stokes was the the organist at Petoskey's United Methodist Church,
a leader of the church choir, theatre production, and concerts.
~ Petoskey Military Band ~
Petoskey, Michigan
The Petoskey Military Band was organized 17 February 1893.
Petoskey, Michigan
The Petoskey Military Band was organized 17 February 1893.
Article Left: Military Band leader in 1908, Walter R. Blakey (1874 ~ 1 October 1918) served in the Spanish American War as a Private, 34th Michigan Volunteers, Co. I.
Walter Blakey, son of W.A. Blakely of 316 Fulton Street, Petoskey, Michigan died in Wisconsin after a year's illness. The body was brought back to Petoskey and was buried in the Greenwood Cemetery. |
~ Ruch's Military Band ~
Petoskey, Michigan
Petoskey, Michigan
The 14 May 1895 The Independent Democrat reported about Mr. A.F. Ruch: "He was a leading decorator and dealer in paints, wall paper room, moldings, and fine shade cooks. In Warsaw, Indiana, he owned a one-sixth interest in a $30,000 Opera House block and also several city lots."
Photo Below: The drum toward the back is labeled "Ruch's Military Band".
Obituary and follow-up funeral article below and column right: Mr. Albert Fertis Ruch served as a Private in Company K of the 88th Indiana Infantry where he became the Principal Musician of his regiment... serving as such for eight months. He continued in civilian life as a drum leader of the Petoskey Band, member of the National Association of Civil War Musicians, and on the commission of Leading Drum Major of the Department of Michigan.
|
Obituary Below Left: Carl C. Ruch not only operated the North Pole next to the Temple Theatre at one time, but also was a member of the old Petoskey City Band. Carl's father had been a drum major of the Petoskey Military Band. Carl's mother's 1949 obituary is below right.
~ Petoskey Normal Conservatory of Music ~
~ ABC Music, Inc. ~
218 West Mitchell Street
(as well as a store in Gaylord, Michigan)...
218 West Mitchell Street
(as well as a store in Gaylord, Michigan)...
~ Barbershop Singers ~
TOP
~ Blissfest Music Organization ~
"Mission:
Blissfest Music Organization's mission is to preserve traditions and promote innovators of American and worldwide music, arts & crafts, and sustainable living skills through performance, education, and community participation. The mission is achieved through an annual 3-day folk & roots music festival, which draws 5,000 attendees of all ages, 50+ arts & crafts, and healing arts vendors, and approximately 120 musical acts performing across eight stages. BMO’s year-round programming includes a multi-season concert series with touring artists, singer-songwriter coffee-house style performances, a house concert series, busker bookings for area farmers markets, and downtown stroll events, family dances, an internet radio station, workshops, school."
Blissfest Music Organization's mission is to preserve traditions and promote innovators of American and worldwide music, arts & crafts, and sustainable living skills through performance, education, and community participation. The mission is achieved through an annual 3-day folk & roots music festival, which draws 5,000 attendees of all ages, 50+ arts & crafts, and healing arts vendors, and approximately 120 musical acts performing across eight stages. BMO’s year-round programming includes a multi-season concert series with touring artists, singer-songwriter coffee-house style performances, a house concert series, busker bookings for area farmers markets, and downtown stroll events, family dances, an internet radio station, workshops, school."
Additional information about the Blissfest Music Organization may be accessed by clicking HERE.
In the 26 March 2021 Petoskey News Review, Blissfest Music Organization announced that for the second year in a row, the Blissfest Music Festival would be canceled due to COVID–19 concerns, along with the inability to downsize because of cost reasons.
The 8 April 2022 Petoskey News Review reported that Blissfest Music Organization
is returning for the first time in two years, celebrating its 40th annual festival this summer.
2022
Existing Labeled Blissfest Location Areas MAP
is returning for the first time in two years, celebrating its 40th annual festival this summer.
2022
Existing Labeled Blissfest Location Areas MAP
~ Blueshounds ~
~ Boyne City Marine Band ~
Boyne City, Michigan
Boyne City, Michigan
~ J. Will Callahan ~
Bay View, Michigan
Bay View, Michigan
Additional information about J. Will Callahan may be accessed on this same web site by clicking on the pages for
Bay View and Theaters.
J. Will Callahan is noted especially for composing "SMILES".
Bay View and Theaters.
J. Will Callahan is noted especially for composing "SMILES".
~ Clarion Band ~
Clarion, Michigan
Clarion, Michigan
Named Individuals in the Clarion Band:
1st Row: Bill Curtis, clarinet; Gladis Wood, violin; Grace Jerry, cello; Edith Chichester, violin; Elsie Ryan, violin; Miss Cudney, director.
2nd Row: Miss Haynor, Ralph Feather, Gerald Curley, Bob Reed
1st Row: Bill Curtis, clarinet; Gladis Wood, violin; Grace Jerry, cello; Edith Chichester, violin; Elsie Ryan, violin; Miss Cudney, director.
2nd Row: Miss Haynor, Ralph Feather, Gerald Curley, Bob Reed
~ Club Ponytail ~
(Later Golden Horseshoe)
Between Petoskey and Harbor Springs (Off Pleasant View Road), Michigan
Property at 8470 Pleasantview Lane
(Later Golden Horseshoe)
Between Petoskey and Harbor Springs (Off Pleasant View Road), Michigan
Property at 8470 Pleasantview Lane
Article Below: Al Gerhart who owned Club Manitou gave history of the building layout and its uses.
The Douglas' bought the Manitou property from Mr. Gerhard and opened the Ponytail.
The Douglas' bought the Manitou property from Mr. Gerhard and opened the Ponytail.
Nine Photos Below: The photos and memorabilia (provided by the Duverney Sisters) were on display
during a 2015 presentation by Rick Wiles about Club Ponytail.
during a 2015 presentation by Rick Wiles about Club Ponytail.
Below: Club Ponytail Cloth Patches
Below: Club Ponytail Menu front cover, and inside Menu...
Advertisement Below: In the later years of Club Ponytail, the Douglas' Golden Horsehoe
was running on the same premises, for adults.
was running on the same premises, for adults.
Photo Below: The photos and memorabilia (provided by the Duverney Sisters) were on display
during a 2015 presentation by Rick Wiles about tragic 1969 fire of Club Ponytail's premises.
during a 2015 presentation by Rick Wiles about tragic 1969 fire of Club Ponytail's premises.
Article Below: "The first Club Manitou was built in 1929, the second one in 1945 and in 1961 was sold by Mr. and Mrs. Al Gerhart to Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Douglas. The property includes 10 acres off M-131 and Pleasantview Road. Two houses are located on the property and the Golden Horseshoe, a night club built by the Douglasses late in 1967. The Horseshoe was not threatened by the fire." Photo Below: The signs for the Golden Horseshoe and Club Ponytail both are visible with the Club Ponytail fire prominent in the background with onlookers in the foreground.
Photos Below:
The photos, by Fred Lovelace and Jim Doherty, are from the Greenwood Photo Archive Collection
from the
Petoskey News Review 19 March 1969, with the associated text from the actual newspapers.
The photos, by Fred Lovelace and Jim Doherty, are from the Greenwood Photo Archive Collection
from the
Petoskey News Review 19 March 1969, with the associated text from the actual newspapers.
The 5 January 2024 Petoskey News Review featured an article titled "Storied former site of Harbor Springs nightclubs goes up for sale". Harbor Springs Realtor Nate Graham (Graham Real Estate) was working to find buyers for the house; buyers who will take care of the building. The local realtor hopes to find a buyer that would not raze the building, only to build another area mansion. The realtor was seeking a local with a love of history to restore the home to a 21st century standard; a caretaker of its historical elements. Click HERE to access the entire article. The selling price was listed on-line at $815,000.00. The property of about two acres rests on a bluff overlooking the Harbor Springs Airport. Stories of the multiple tunnels leading to the airport, abounded with the tales of the place being a Gangster Hangout for twenty years or more.
According to Emmet County's Property search, Club Ponytail owners Stanley and Jean Douglas sold the 8470 Pleasantview Lane, Harbor Springs, Michigan, property on 26 July 1974 for $48,500.00 to Mary and Keehn Landis whose Trust is the present owner in January 2024.
According to Emmet County's Property search, Club Ponytail owners Stanley and Jean Douglas sold the 8470 Pleasantview Lane, Harbor Springs, Michigan, property on 26 July 1974 for $48,500.00 to Mary and Keehn Landis whose Trust is the present owner in January 2024.
This Duffy's of Harbor Springs building and location at 8288 Pleasantview Road
has become the Little Traverse Township Hall.
This was the Club Ponytail location.
has become the Little Traverse Township Hall.
This was the Club Ponytail location.
~ Cowell Band ~
~ Epsilon Jass (Jazz) Band ~
Petoskey, Michigan
(Founded in 1964 by Dr. Bob Shanahan)
Petoskey, Michigan
(Founded in 1964 by Dr. Bob Shanahan)
In a 2 July 2001 Petoskey News Review article it told about John Wynn having moved back to Petoskey in 1959 after departing the military. "As he settled into the local business community–first with Michigan Maple Block and then as owner of an office supply store from 1963-1980 – Wynn said he became acquainted with local residents such as Dr. Bob Shanahan and the late Don Greenwell, who had developed an interest in old-time jazz while attending the University of Michigan. Wynn soon joined them to play in parades and other local performances. Around 1963, they began calling themselves the 'Epsilon Jass Band,' a name inspired by Greenwell's hunting camp in the Epsilon area and which incorporated the early spelling of 'jazz.'"
Along with parades and concerts, the band began participating in the evening Dixieland church services in the early 1980s. After supplying the music for hymns during the worship service, the band typically performs a concert afterward with the Petoskey Second Line dancers, women who strut about in New Orleans-style colorful costumes.
Although they venture into more modern styles when occasionally joined by guest musicians from around Michigan, Dixieland staples such as 'When the Saints Go Marching In' continue to be an important part of the band's repertoire," Wynn said, adding that such danceable tunes help the band's popularity endure.
"The basic Dixieland music is a simple music," he said. "It's happy."
In 1964 John Wynn toured with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and also played in musical groups at the Interlochen Center for the Arts and provided saxophone lessons at Crooked Tree Arts Center. At the time of the 2001 article Wynn continued to keep his collection of about a dozen saxophones and clarinets.
Along with parades and concerts, the band began participating in the evening Dixieland church services in the early 1980s. After supplying the music for hymns during the worship service, the band typically performs a concert afterward with the Petoskey Second Line dancers, women who strut about in New Orleans-style colorful costumes.
Although they venture into more modern styles when occasionally joined by guest musicians from around Michigan, Dixieland staples such as 'When the Saints Go Marching In' continue to be an important part of the band's repertoire," Wynn said, adding that such danceable tunes help the band's popularity endure.
"The basic Dixieland music is a simple music," he said. "It's happy."
In 1964 John Wynn toured with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and also played in musical groups at the Interlochen Center for the Arts and provided saxophone lessons at Crooked Tree Arts Center. At the time of the 2001 article Wynn continued to keep his collection of about a dozen saxophones and clarinets.
Members over the years:
Acker/James "Jim"
Bechtold/Herbert "Bud"
Bramer/Bill
Bryan/Bobby
Greenwell/Don
Harrison/Jeannie
Haynes/Earl
King/Bob
Perry/Jennifer
O'Gawa/Gil
Rebeck/Gene
Routsong/Gary
Shanahan/Bob (Founder)
Smith/Al
Stewart/Gig
Turner/Jerry
Twelvetrees/Dick
Wojcik/Larry
Wynn/John
The Charlotte Ross Lee Concerts in the Park (Petoskey's Pennsylvania Park) began in 1981. In the early years, the schedule of performances consisted of four performances a week with the Epsilon Jass Band opening each annual series until 2017.
Article and Photos Below: The Epsilon Jass Band played on the Little Traverse Scenic Railway in August 1988 as part of the group's 25th anniversary celebration. The photos below are from the Little Traverse Historical Society Photo Archive Collection.
A Facebook Page advertised for 27 August 2015: Epsilon Jass Band Final Performance and Tribute Event First Presbyterian Church of Petoskey with the following accompanying text and photo:
"The public is invited to the 32nd annual and final performance of the Epsilon Jass Band on Thursday, August 27 at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Petoskey. The band, formed in 1963, has been performing since 1983 for summer Dixieland Worship Services at First Presbyterian. The concert on August 27 will include a tribute to the band and all that it has done for the church over the years. There will be an ice cream social following the concert. Performing with the Epsilon Jass Band will be the Petoskey Second Line – a group of local ladies in sequined garb “strutting” to the jazz. The Second Line has been in events and parades in New Orleans, Florida, Detroit, and Northern Michigan. This tribute concert is supported by the deacons of First Presbyterian Church. No reservations are necessary, but a free will donation to offset expenses will be appreciated.
"The public is invited to the 32nd annual and final performance of the Epsilon Jass Band on Thursday, August 27 at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Petoskey. The band, formed in 1963, has been performing since 1983 for summer Dixieland Worship Services at First Presbyterian. The concert on August 27 will include a tribute to the band and all that it has done for the church over the years. There will be an ice cream social following the concert. Performing with the Epsilon Jass Band will be the Petoskey Second Line – a group of local ladies in sequined garb “strutting” to the jazz. The Second Line has been in events and parades in New Orleans, Florida, Detroit, and Northern Michigan. This tribute concert is supported by the deacons of First Presbyterian Church. No reservations are necessary, but a free will donation to offset expenses will be appreciated.
Click HERE to access additional information about the Epsilon Jass Band.
~ Ethel Fasquelle Rowan ~
(Ethel's mother was FIRST Music Teacher in Petoskey)
presents
FIRST concert in Petoskey
(featuring Chief Petoskey's granddaughter Hattie Petoskey)
(Ethel's mother was FIRST Music Teacher in Petoskey)
presents
FIRST concert in Petoskey
(featuring Chief Petoskey's granddaughter Hattie Petoskey)
"The Rowan home was full of life, music and gaiety and Mrs. Fasquelle's mother taught music lessons on a small organ for 25 cents a lesson. These lessons helped bolster the family finances and eventually the Rowan home became the center of culture in the village of Petoskey."
~ First Methodist Church Memorial Organ ~
Petoskey, Michigan
Petoskey, Michigan
~ First Methodist Church Sunday School Orchestra ~
~ Grinnell Bros. Music House ~
The Petoskey Evening News papers had advertisements for the following years and addresses... thus the photo above of the Grinnell Bros Music House appears to be when it was located across from the Post Office when it was located on East Mitchell Street... by 1917 at least until 1927. Below are the years and locations found in Petoskey Evening News advertisements for Grinnell Bros Music House:
- 1908 Next Door to Post Office on East Mitchell Street
- 1909>10>11>12>13 434 MItchell Street
- 1914 309 Mitchell Street
- 1915 319 East Lake Street
- 1916 220 Howard Street
- 1917 > 1927 303 E. Mitchell Street (Across from the Post Office on East Mitchell Street, as in photo above)
~ Hanna's Music ~
Hanna's Music LATER relocated to Lake Street, which eventually became ABC Music, and then Music Makers.
~Harbor Springs American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps~
~ Sunny Hemingway Miller, Songwriter ~
Walloon Lakes' Sunny Hemingway Miller wrote two songs...
"Walloon Forever Plus One Day" AND "I'm Not Coming Back Anymore" (frequently played by the Epsilon Jass Band).
"Walloon Forever Plus One Day" AND "I'm Not Coming Back Anymore" (frequently played by the Epsilon Jass Band).
The Hemingway Family loved Walloon Lake... Grace Hall Hemingway (Sunny Hemingway Mainland MIller's mother) loved the lake so much that she, Grace, being a highly respected musical person, wrote the words and music to her song titled "Lovely Walloona". For additional information about Grace Hemingway and her music, by this same web master's Walloon Lake Wandering web site click HERE.
~ Henry C. Wilde & Co. ~
~ Jelly Rolls Blues ~
~ Jusduit ~
(Bob Greenway and Jeff Pagel)
(Bob Greenway and Jeff Pagel)
~ The Keelhaulers ~
Stated in Paul Voorheis' 2022 obituary... " For more than 40 years, The Keelhaulers were the soundtrack of people's summers up North, and ski weekends. The Keelhaulers appealed to tourists, locals, and everyone in between. The band met MIchigan 'celebrities', and had private gigs that took them from sunset cruises under the Mackinac Bridge to the Michigan Inaugural Ball in Washington DC in 2004." The Keelhaulers were all about "community." The band volunteered their performance for MANY fundraisers, and even sponsored a youth soccer team called the "Keelhaulers Kickers."
In a 1986 article about retiring Harbor Springs principal George Menzi, he spoke of his longtime association with The Keelhaulers, saying... "'It never occurred to me that it would go on and go as long as it has.' That musical element of his life takes up many weekend nights, and is nothing but fun, he says. The money is just a bonus. He credits Mr. Snideman with thinking up the group's name during their tenure at the Flying Dutchman. 'The Keelhaulers is an appropriate name, he says, because 'It's the extreme form of nautical torture.'"
~ Lake Street Strings ~
~ Don Large ~
For the 3 July 1980 Emmet County Graphic, some of what Mary Doerr wrote about Don Large follows:
“Don Large jumped up on the podium, nodded to the musicians and suddenly the group of 90 people came.to life.
Watching the rehearsal of the Bay View Choir was Roger Tallman, whose father had first brought Large to the north country.
"I just wanted to jump up there and sing along," Tallman said later .
What is Don Large Like? He's a man who can bring a choir to life without uttering a word, who delights young and old weekly with his endless piano numbers at the Indian River Inn, and who held the interest of the WJR Radio ·(Detroit) audiences for over 30 years .
‘I am not a showman,’ said Large in his Alanson home recently. He has lived there with his wife Jane, since his retirement in 1976.
‘I think my success lies in the way I let my students shine out.'
In the 16 years, he directed the ‘Make Way for Youth’ choir and the 23 years he was at the University of Detroit, many of Large's students went on to take leads in Broadway musicals. Others earned parts in TV shows, movies and commercials. The Skylarks sang with Martin and Lewis, Dinah Shore, Danny Kaye, Woody Herman, Jimmy Dorsey and Betty Hutton. Still others sang with Andy Williams, Polly Bergen, and Gordon McRae.
To appreciate the extent of Large's career, one only needs to see his home basement walls, filled with pictures of performances and famous people, as well as students who made it. There are pictures of Duke Ellington, Edgar Guest, Burl Ives, Bing Crosby, Father Coughlin, Mitch Miller, Julius LaRosa, Ed Sullivan, Robert Frost, and even Charles DeGaulle.
On the shelves are beautiful Vogue records, now collector's items, electrical transcripts, which preceded tapes at radio stations, a Large takeoff on dog food commercials for the Art Linkletter Show, and files containing some 20,000 songs.
When he points out his USO pictures, Large's personality emerges. When one of his groups went on tour, it would always mean someone had to be cut from the group and there were always hurt feelings. ‘It wasn't always a matter of talent, but how well the group got along together under adverse circumstances,’ Large said.
Large's career started back in the early 1930's at WJR radio. There his natural ability to arrange music was in heavy demand. He soon learned he needed more education, so, he studied counterpoint and harmony at Jacksonville College of Music.
When Large returned to Detroit, he found he was arranging and composing music for commercials, choirs, and small singing groups . He estimates that he has composed an average of 10 songs weekly during his entire career.
At one time, Large was writing daily commercials for Marvel cigarettes. He would write the commercials in the morning, they were immediately copied and the singers would sight read the music that evening on the radio .
"I don't put it out as fast as I used to," laughed Large, who is now 70. He was referring to the arrangements he wrote for the Bay View Choir, where he will be appearing for the Popular Night July 6 Vesper Concert…”
“Don Large jumped up on the podium, nodded to the musicians and suddenly the group of 90 people came.to life.
Watching the rehearsal of the Bay View Choir was Roger Tallman, whose father had first brought Large to the north country.
"I just wanted to jump up there and sing along," Tallman said later .
What is Don Large Like? He's a man who can bring a choir to life without uttering a word, who delights young and old weekly with his endless piano numbers at the Indian River Inn, and who held the interest of the WJR Radio ·(Detroit) audiences for over 30 years .
‘I am not a showman,’ said Large in his Alanson home recently. He has lived there with his wife Jane, since his retirement in 1976.
‘I think my success lies in the way I let my students shine out.'
In the 16 years, he directed the ‘Make Way for Youth’ choir and the 23 years he was at the University of Detroit, many of Large's students went on to take leads in Broadway musicals. Others earned parts in TV shows, movies and commercials. The Skylarks sang with Martin and Lewis, Dinah Shore, Danny Kaye, Woody Herman, Jimmy Dorsey and Betty Hutton. Still others sang with Andy Williams, Polly Bergen, and Gordon McRae.
To appreciate the extent of Large's career, one only needs to see his home basement walls, filled with pictures of performances and famous people, as well as students who made it. There are pictures of Duke Ellington, Edgar Guest, Burl Ives, Bing Crosby, Father Coughlin, Mitch Miller, Julius LaRosa, Ed Sullivan, Robert Frost, and even Charles DeGaulle.
On the shelves are beautiful Vogue records, now collector's items, electrical transcripts, which preceded tapes at radio stations, a Large takeoff on dog food commercials for the Art Linkletter Show, and files containing some 20,000 songs.
When he points out his USO pictures, Large's personality emerges. When one of his groups went on tour, it would always mean someone had to be cut from the group and there were always hurt feelings. ‘It wasn't always a matter of talent, but how well the group got along together under adverse circumstances,’ Large said.
Large's career started back in the early 1930's at WJR radio. There his natural ability to arrange music was in heavy demand. He soon learned he needed more education, so, he studied counterpoint and harmony at Jacksonville College of Music.
When Large returned to Detroit, he found he was arranging and composing music for commercials, choirs, and small singing groups . He estimates that he has composed an average of 10 songs weekly during his entire career.
At one time, Large was writing daily commercials for Marvel cigarettes. He would write the commercials in the morning, they were immediately copied and the singers would sight read the music that evening on the radio .
"I don't put it out as fast as I used to," laughed Large, who is now 70. He was referring to the arrangements he wrote for the Bay View Choir, where he will be appearing for the Popular Night July 6 Vesper Concert…”
~ Charlotte Ross Lee ~
2010 Photo Below: Chris Koury has performed in MANY Charlotte Ross Lee Concerts in the Park.
Notice Below: Charlotte Ross Lee Concerts in the Park Series in 2023!
~ Gordon Lightfoot ~
Locally, Gordon Lightfoot is known for his penned and sung song, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." The mighty ship sank on Lake Superior on 10 November 1975, when the winds blew hard enough even to open inside closet doors in homes in Petoskey, Michigan. Gordon Lightfoot passed away 1 May 2023.
~ March Inn Big Bands ~
Walloon Lake, Michigan
Walloon Lake, Michigan
YEARS LATER: The Up North Big Band had regularly scheduled performances held, once again, in the Walloon Lake "March Inn" or "Pied Piper." Then a 25 August 2010 news article announced the Up North Big Band was slated to close down.
While the The Band was still playing at the Rustic Ballroom, the members described themselves as follows:
The Up North Big Band - Charlevoix, MI. We are a 17 piece group from the Petoskey area. We perform at The Rustic Ballroom in Walloon Lake, MI. Swing Dances are held there the 2nd & 4th Saturdays. We generally don't venture beyond northern Michigan and play primarily classic swing era tunes. The contact person is Karl Gilewicz.
While the The Band was still playing at the Rustic Ballroom, the members described themselves as follows:
The Up North Big Band - Charlevoix, MI. We are a 17 piece group from the Petoskey area. We perform at The Rustic Ballroom in Walloon Lake, MI. Swing Dances are held there the 2nd & 4th Saturdays. We generally don't venture beyond northern Michigan and play primarily classic swing era tunes. The contact person is Karl Gilewicz.
~ Melodian ~
~ Music Makers ~
~ Music World ~
430 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan
430 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan
~ Northern Michigan Brass Band ~
The Northern Michigan Brass Band is a 30-piece, British-style brass band which performs an eclectic mix of traditional brass band classics, marches, transcriptions, contemporary contest pieces, pop and jazz. The conductor Ralph Schweigert (center of photo below) was a 1963 graduate of Petoskey High School, and was the band leader in Gaylord High School for years. The Northern Michigan Brass Band has been playing throughout Northern Michigan for over 23 years.
~ Grand ORGANIST Mrs. Norman Risk ~
Mrs. Risk's husband Norman was Mayor of Petoskey beginning in 1929.
Mrs. Risk's husband Norman was Mayor of Petoskey beginning in 1929.
Photo Below: Norman and Genevieve Risk with their family at the reception noted in the above article...
~ Peacemeal String Band ~
Dale and Maureen Scott explained when they started their folk music sound, they needed a name so started calling it the Peacemeal String Band. They needed a name, and often tried to perform with a third person; meaning they fit musicians together as they performed... rather PIECEmeal, then they changed PIECE part of the name for "causes" and the name became PEACEmeal... especially as a band that promoted social issues. Additional information about the Peacemeal String Band can be accessed by clicking HERE.
The 23 August 2013 Petoskey News Review stated: "Maureen and Dale Scott have been playing music together for more than 30 years. Most know them as the Peacemeal String Band, while others know them from the Rhubarbary guest concerts they host in their home.
'We have been building our house for years now, a little at a time,' said Maureen Scott. 'About six years ago we built the final addition and decided it was a lovely concert setting. Musicians need places to play so we decided to give it a go. The Blissfest helped initially and then we were on our own.'
As hosts of the concerts, the Scotts do all the promotional work, setup and hospitality. With the comfortable and unique setting the Rhubarbary offers, the energy is easily passed between the performers and the audience."
The 23 August 2013 Petoskey News Review stated: "Maureen and Dale Scott have been playing music together for more than 30 years. Most know them as the Peacemeal String Band, while others know them from the Rhubarbary guest concerts they host in their home.
'We have been building our house for years now, a little at a time,' said Maureen Scott. 'About six years ago we built the final addition and decided it was a lovely concert setting. Musicians need places to play so we decided to give it a go. The Blissfest helped initially and then we were on our own.'
As hosts of the concerts, the Scotts do all the promotional work, setup and hospitality. With the comfortable and unique setting the Rhubarbary offers, the energy is easily passed between the performers and the audience."
~ Pellston City and High School Bands ~
~ Rivertown Jazz Band ~
(Performers of Vintage 1890's – 1940's Jazz)
A Northern Michigan group of like-minded musicians who perform in outdoor venues,
dedicated to the preservation of New Orleans style, vintage jazz;
also known as Trad Jazz or Hot Jazz.
(Performers of Vintage 1890's – 1940's Jazz)
A Northern Michigan group of like-minded musicians who perform in outdoor venues,
dedicated to the preservation of New Orleans style, vintage jazz;
also known as Trad Jazz or Hot Jazz.
Click HERE to listen to the Rivertown Jazz Band music on the Facebook Page.
~ R 'n R (Robert Snideman and Randy Marquardt) ~
~ Smith Hoover Post Drum and Bugle Corps ~
Harbor Springs, Michigan
(See also above American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps)
Harbor Springs, Michigan
(See also above American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps)
~ The Young Americans ~
Harbor Springs, Michigan
Harbor Springs, Michigan
The Young Americans Dinner Theatre at The Highlands of Harbor Springs are proud to announce
they are celebrating 45 years in the summer of 2023
with a show that highlights the monumental achievement and pays tribute to
The Incredible Mind of Sondheim.
Click HERE for additional information.
they are celebrating 45 years in the summer of 2023
with a show that highlights the monumental achievement and pays tribute to
The Incredible Mind of Sondheim.
Click HERE for additional information.
Click HERE to learn...
What Is The Young Americans Dinner Theatre Experience?
What Is The Young Americans Dinner Theatre Experience?
~ Various ~
Mrs. Grace Chandler Horn, an artistic photographer with her store on Park Avenue, Petoskey, Michigan, hosted a gathering for music lovers. Instruments played were a solo apollo, improved musical instrument of the nature of a pianola, and a granola.
~ Winsor Protege Carol Stella ~
Click HERE to access additional information about Carol Stella.
Click HERE to access additional information about Carol Stella.
Photo Below:
Stella Carol |
Article Above: Petoskey’s Ina Winsor was the daughter of Franklin and Anna (Johnson) Winsor. Franklin and Anna moved to Petoskey about 1883. For a number of years Mr. Winsor operated a woodenware factory on Bear River. He also operated a factory at Walloon Lake. He also successfully operated a cider mill on Ingalls Avenue on the west side of Petoskey. Ina Ann Winsor was the firstborn of Franklin and Anna Winsor; before three brothers for Ina.
Ina Winsor, born in 1882, married Hugo “Louis” Sherwin in 1910 in New Jersey and became the mother of three children, who all were abandoned in 1914 by Louis. Ann barely supported her children by writing short stories and working as an interior decorator, while often living in abandoned habitats. As described in the article above, it was in 1912 while Ina still was married to Hugo Sherwin, that Hugo’s mother Amy Sherwin took two street urchins in off the street, upon hearing “Stella Carol” singing “for alms." Amy Sherwin proceeded to "practically adopt" Stella Carol. Frances “Amy” Lillian Sherwin was herself a recognized soprano and opera singer whose stage name was Amy Sherwin. She was known as "The Tasmanian Nightingale". Amy recognized talent, and promoted it for Stella Carol who sang in Queen’s Hall… an honor. This musical connection to Ina happened before Hugo “Louis” Sherwin left Ina and their three children in such straits, thus the 1912 article above. Louis had been married once before Ina, and married again after Ina, when Ina finally gave in to giving him a divorce. It is assumed Ina remained a defiant woman as she had to be a great deal of her life, until her unknown passing… Ina Winsor Sherwin just disappeared. |
~ Bob Strong and his Orchestra ~
(Audience Led in Applause by WMBN Announcer Max Ansbaugh)
(Audience Led in Applause by WMBN Announcer Max Ansbaugh)
~ Larry Wojcik Band ~