Porterhouse Productions Rocks & Rolls Another Summer in Traverse City

In 2007, Sam Porter returned to his hometown of Traverse City, Michigan to make a difference. With a love of community, the arts, music and locally-centric foods and beverages, he set out to develop a series of events that would bring those passions together, for the betterment of residents and visitors to this Pure Michigan destination.

In the past seven years, Porterhouse Production and its team of employees, volunteers, business partners, community leaders and business owners have created a solid list of events which showcase all the area has to offer. The events have collectively generated millions of dollars in local economic impact by filling hotel rooms and restaurants, highlighted talented musical acts from near and far, embraced the craft beverage industry and given back to the community through charitable contributions.

This summer’s entertainment line-up includes:

July 19 — TSO @ The Village
The Traverse Symphony Orchestra is taking its show outside, to the sprawling lawns at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. Under the direction of Maestro Kevin Rhodes, this show promises to be the largest orchestra gathering of the season, with 72 musicians. Attendees will also enjoy a unique culinary picnic experience, as local foods are paired with wines from the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas, throughout the evening. The program for the concert includes a “walking tour map” of both peninsulas, featuring popular landmarks geographically placed around the Commons lawn. From above, this layout creates an aerial art showcasing Michigan’s northwest Lower Peninsula. Two lighthouse galleries, featuring local photographers and artists, pays tribute to the region’s four seasons.

August 8 — An Evening with Lyle Lovett and his Large Band at Flintfields
A singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers. Lovett has appeared in 13 feature films, and on stage and television. In addition to his four Grammy Awards, he was given the Americana Music Association’s inaugural Trailblazer Award, and was recently named the Texas State Musician. Combined with an enticing menu of local food, beer, and wine, guests are sure to have a memorable experience listening to one of music’s most vibrant and iconic performers.

August 9 — Cars, Eats & Beats at Flintfields
This will be a great day of celebrating hot rods, customs and vintage cars; local food, brews and wines; and 50s/60s-era music headlined by Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen, along with several other noted regional bands. Guests will enjoy a day of grilling, pinstripe artists, salons doing 50s hair styles, temporary tattoos, tailpipe flame contests, vending and auto awards, all at the picturesque six-acre Flintfields complex, just east of Traverse City. Refreshing treats will also be served up from a one-of-a-kind, 1946 Ford Flathead V8 old-fashion soda jerk ice cream truck affectionately known as Curbie.

August 15 — Paella in the Park
This fifth annual culinary and music event is a collaboration among the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula, Tent Venue and Porterhouse Productions, along with talented executive chefs who will prepare several unique recipes of Spanish paellas in 36” pans on-site. Music for the event will have a Latin flair with returning crowd favorite Grupo Aye’, a 10 piece Cuban Salsa Band, Rootstand a jamming bluegrass Michigan band, Ryan Montbleau an awarding winning R&B Artist and Spanish guitar duo Younce Guitar.

August 16 — TC SUP Waterman Challenge
The Midwest’s largest SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) event returns to the waters of Grand Traverse Bay and it’s adjacent Open Space in downtown Traverse City. The TC Waterman SUP Challenge is sanctioned by the World Paddle Association (WPA). This event includes recreational and elite races for all ages and skill levels, including an 11 mile down-winder from Bowers Harbor. Registration for the race is now open at www.TCWaterman.com.

In conjunction with the Waterman is the new Short’s BEER-B-Q! Short’s Brewing Company of Bellaire are bringing their amazing woody boat and ski bar for a tap takeover on the Open Space pier. The area will also feature local whole hog East Carolina-style BBQ, paired with TC famous Hall’s Farm Sweet Corn for a fantastic culinary experience for the whole family. Access to food during the Short’s BEER-B-Q is free and open to all ages, with meals ranging from $8 to $12. Those looking to enjoy the Short’s Boat Bar tap takeover on the bay will need a ticket for $10 in advance ($15 at the door), which includes a custom mug. Admission to the Tap Takeover is for those 21 years of age and older; ID is required for admittance.

August 22-23 — 7th Annual TC Summer Microbrew & Music Festival
Highlighting over 200 craft beers, cider, mead and wine, with a focus on those produced in Michigan, this annual festival returns to lawn of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. The two-day event also features over 100 musicians, marching bands, food pairings and a rare and sour beer tour. Acclaimed singer-songwriter and folk rocker Brandi Carlile will headline the festival stage on Friday evening. On tour with her band, her emotionally powerful songwriting and acoustic guitar work soon is the dominant component of their sound, and they tour regularly, headlining venues and opening shows for artists like Dave Matthews, Shawn Colvin, and India.Arie.

Tent Venue is the latest project under the Porterhouse Production umbrella. This one-of-a-kind 20,000-square-foot grand event tent can be hauled and set up anywhere, offering a protective and unique environment for all kinds of events. This space age venue is created from aircraft grade aluminum trussing with fire resistant poly vinyl covering creating a unique soft sound environment for incredible sound. Clean sight lines and a Sydney Opera House feel make for an incredible sight and sound experience. The venue is made up of 4 single spans and can be configured in several forms from an enclosed “pod” for weddings, corporate events or smaller concerts up to the dramatic 4000 capacity venue featured at many of our events.

Tickets to all of the events above are available at www.MyNorthTickets.com

For more about Porterhouse Productions and its impressive schedule of events, visit PorterhouseProductions.com (www.facebook.com/porterhouseproductions | @PorterhouseProductions). For more on Tent Venue, visit TentVenue.com.