The Homestead Introduces Sounds of Sleeping Bear Outdoor Mountain-Top Concert Series

Without question, the most scenic locale for an outdoor summer concert is the top of Bay Mountain at The Homestead – a resort in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The 2011 Sounds of Sleeping Bear Series features three nights of unique entertainment set against the backdrop of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Bay and the Manitou Islands to the west and Glen Lake to the east. A special July 28 concert with the Blackthorn Celtic Quartet will also be held in conjunction with the Glen Arbor Art Association’s, Manitou Music festival.

Enjoy a chair lift (or golf cart) ride to the top of the mountain for these spectacular shows:

Friday, July 8 - String Cheese
String Cheese is the electrifying combination of fiddler, Diana Lodio, and cellist, Alison Lynn. With their feel-good melodies, and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms, these girls have put a fresh, enticing spin on Celtic and Americana music. Though rooted in tradition, the two perform on state-of-the-art electric instruments, and offer listeners the unique opportunity to experience two of the world's best-known instruments and oldest genres through a young, progressive lens. The girls put on a fun, polished and family-friendly show that leaves audiences smiling almost as much as the two performers. String Cheese' captivating sounds and ability to connect to all audiences has made it one of Michigan's most promising instrumental acts. www.stringcheesemusic.com

Thursday, July 21 - Will Ready
R&B/Soul singer, Will Ready, has performed in North America, Europe, Japan and The Caribbean and has opened for Chaka Khan, The Temptations, The Whispers and Al Jarreau. He attributes his silky, seductive style to his love for "old school" R&B, Soul, Jazz and hit makers like Smokey Robinson, Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Baby Face and Keith Sweat. Will describes his new music as "romantic music with a groove-its food for the soul." Will's live performances invariably turn into dance parties. His infectious energy, joy and deep groove laid down by his excellent band, RMG, make it all but impossible to stay in your seat. When Will Ready plays a club date, his audience quickly becomes part of the act. Ready lives in Atlanta, Georgia in the winter and Traverse City, Michigan in the summer. Ready's new music video, "Seduction" was filmed in the restored village sloop on beautiful Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City, Michigan. www.willready.com

Sunday, August 14 - Who Hit John?
Performing, jamming, and busking since 2006, Who Hit John? has tenaciously evolved from their beginnings as an old-time string band playing on the street corner for tips. Incorporating Gypsy Jazz, Swing and European flavors into an already eclectic collage of barnstorming old-time originals and traditionals, they blend old-world music with a vibrant breath of excellent and soul. Expect fanciful fiddle and trumpet melodies over a thick core of acoustic rhythm. www.whohitjohn.com

All shows are from 7-9pm, with the chair lift and golf cart rides starting at 6pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase. In the event of rain, the concerts will be held in Mountain Flowers Lodge.

THEN...

On Thursday, July 28, enjoy the sounds of the Blackthorn Celtic Quartet as part of the Manitou Music Festival on top of Bay Mountain. Based in Detroit, Blackthorn plays throughout the Great Lakes region since 1984. Blackthorn welcomes you to the rich tapestry of Celtic music. Each member of the band plays multiple instruments, which complement the lead vocals of Belfast native Richard McMullen, the band's tight blend of four-part harmony.

The Manitou Music Festival presents exciting and diverse concerts featuring national and regional performers of classical, jazz and fold music in idyllic outdoor and family-friendly locations. Founded in 1991 by members of the Glen Arbor Art Association, the Manitou Music Festival takes place in the pastoral splendor of Leelanau County.

Children are not free for this Glen Arbor Art Association benefit event. Tickets are $15 (Glen Arbor Art Association members receive $2 discount). For information on Manitou Music Festival and to reserve tickets, visit www.glenarborart.org.

The Homestead is Northern Michigan’s largest waterfront resort community located in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – a unit of the National Park Service. Along with its unmatched natural setting and miles of frontage on Lake Michigan and the Crystal River, the resort offers guest pools, tennis and golf in the summer; downhill and cross country skiing in the winter; and shops, restaurants, meeting centers and the luxurious new Spa Amira throughout all four seasons.

For more information, visit www.thehomesteadresort.com or call 231.334.5100.