Lyle Lovett & His Large Band to Perform at Acme’s Flintfields, August 8

The legendary Lyle Lovett makes his way to northern Michigan for one special night, Friday, August 8 at Flintfield in Acme. The show begins at 5pm. General admission tickets are $39; VIP tickets are $95 and includes chair seating under the one-of-a-kind 20,000-square-foot grand tent, Olympic Gran Prix Ring Viewing, VIP restrooms and a hydration station.

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.

In addition to the music of Lyle Lovett, families will enjoy carriage horse tours and horse riding demos at the famed Flintfields – home of the Horse Shows by the Bay. Classic grilled local fare, beer, wine and soda will also be available for purchase.

On Saturday, August 9, the festivities at Flintfields continues with Cars, Eats and Beats – featuring hundreds of specialty cars, food and entertainment including Delilah DeWylde and The Lost Boys, the Corvairs and headliner Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen – whose hit song “Hotrod Lincoln” is the #1 All-time car song.

Tickets for An Evening with Lyle Lovett & His Large Band, as well as the Cars, Eats and Beats, are available at www.MyNorthTickets.com.

Deluxe Motor Coach Trip Now Available from Grand Rapids to Traverse City for Summer Microbrew & Music Festival – with Special Hosts John “Gonzo” Gonzalez and Amy Sherman

Craft beer lovers in Grand Rapids and West Michigan are invited to travel to the 2014 Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival, August 22-23, in style. Passengers will travel aboard a deluxe motor coach, with hosts John “Gonzo” Gonzalez (Friday) from MLive and Amy Sherman from Great American Brew Trail (Friday & Saturday).

“We wanted to provide a safe and convenient day-trip option to craft beer lovers to attend this festival,” says Sam Porter, Owner of Porterhouse Productions and Tent Venue, the companies that present the festival. “We realize not everyone can make the weekend trip, and often hotel rooms are hard to come by. The deluxe motor coach trip also gives festival-goers an opportunity to spend the day sampling brews without having to drive home at the end of the event.”

Tickets are $100 per person and includes round-trip transportation and a VIP festival pass – which includes five (5) drink tokens, a custom logo glass, access to the exclusive VIP area with private restrooms, a hydration station, games, lounge area, side-stage viewing and nibbles. Tickets for both the Friday and Saturday trips are available online here.

The coach will leave at 2pm each day from downtown Grand Rapids (pick up is along Scribner, next to the Gerald R. Ford Museum – parking is available under the highway in that area), returning at 12:30am. Each bus offers valuable and fun information on craft brewing as well as an opportunity to watch past episodes of the Great American Brew Trail.

“Normal VIP tickets for this festival are $95, so we’re offering a real deal to people downstate to come up and experience our festival,” Porter says. “It’s like getting free round-trip transportation to the event. It’s all part of our sustainable-touring program.”

More than 40 vendors and 200-plus different craft beer, mead and cider will be served at this year’s festival. The list of participating vendors can be found online here.

Also included in the ticket price is musical entertainment, which on Friday night features international headliner Brandi Carlile and on Saturday showcases Nahko and Medicine for the People.

ABOUT OUR HOSTS
Amy Sherman is a craft beer expert, chef, writer, and educator. As the host of the state wide television program, The Great American Brew Trail, she visited over 26 different breweries, one pint at a time. She also joined Gonzo in his Mlive search for Michigan’s Best Brewery (and yes, it was as fun as it sounds!). She resides in Beer City USA where she teaches cooking classes, caters, and drinks a lot of beer. You can follow along with her adventures @amyonthetrail on Twitter and Facebook.

John "Gonzo" Gonzalez (@MichiganGonzo on Twitter) is the statewide entertainment, travel, food and beer writer for MLive Media Group, the state's largest media organization with 8 newspapers and 2 online sites. John's main job is to coordinate the Michigan's Best project where readers submit their favorites foods, restaurants and things to do, and he travels the state to come up with a Top 10 list. In the fall of 2013 he and Amy Sherman traveled to 38 breweries over 9 days in search of Michigan's Best Brewery. Check out the list here.

VIP motor coach options are available for other West Michigan cities, with a minimum commitment of 25 riders, at a price of $100 to $150 per person. Contact Sam Porter @ 231.499.4968 or Sam@PorterhouseProductions.com for more information.

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.

Traverse Symphony Orchestra to Host Outdoor TSO @ The Village Concert at Grand Traverse Commons - Saturday, July 19

The Traverse Symphony Orchestra is taking it show outside, to the sprawling lawns at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, on Saturday, July 19. The high-energy TSO @ The Village – directed by Maestro Kevin Rhodes and featuring the largest orchestra gather of the season, with 72 musicians – will take place under a one-of-a-kind 20,000-square-foot grand event tent, provided by Traverse City-based Tent Venue.

“We invite the community to experience the Traverse Symphony Orchestra in an approachable and fun format,” says Krista Cooper, TSO Executive Director. “Much like the music we create, the Traverse Symphony Orchestra is vibrant. We are providing experiences that open the door to classical music via programming and environments that are fun, energetic, moving, powerful and engaging.”

TSO @ The Village 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.

Gates open at 5pm and the show begins at 8pm with The Accidentals and Satchmo – a Louis Armstrong tribute band. The Accidentals will be performing a musical number they wrote with the TSO.

“This is an event like no other to gather with friends in a magical environment, our new company Tent Venue offers symphonies a much needed outdoor covered stage and concept we are calling Symphony 2.0 that will help build the next symphonic music loving audience,” says Sam Porter, Owner of Porterhouse Productions.

TSO @ The Village is the first in a probable series of outdoor classical concerts entitled Symphony 2.0 that Porter hopes to make a nationwide concept.

“The model and patron experience is key to the vision and look,” Porter says. “We’re actively building in new concert technologies, from lights to film and video walls and possibly fireworks, to create an energizing arts experience all offered under our unique Tent Venue.”

The family-friendly atmosphere of TSO @ The Village includes lawn seating for picnic blankets and low 16 inch high chair backs. Tickets begin at $35 for lawn seating. An upgraded $95 ticket also includes access to the VIP area and all its amenities, but no reserved seating. VIP reserved seating is available for $150 per ticket or $1000 for a table for eight (8), which also includes linens and fresh flowers on the table for an added touch of elegance. The VIP area includes a covered dining area, cocktail tables, upgraded restrooms, hydration station, backstage viewing, local nibbles and more. Tickets are on sale now at www.mynorthtickets.com.

TSO @ The Village is presented by the Traverse Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with Porterhouse Productions and Tent Venue. Presenting sponsors are Cordia at Grand Traverse Commons and Golden Fowler Home Furnishings; supporting sponsors are Cherry Capital Cadillac Subaru, Traverse Motors and The Minervini Group.

ABOUT TRAVERSE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Traverse Symphony Orchestra is the region’s premier orchestral group providing high quality musical experiences to northern Michigan. Founded in 1952 as an amateur community ensemble, it has since grown to a well-respected professional symphony, attracting members from all over Michigan to perform with the ensemble. The company has soared to new heights since Maestro Kevin Rhodes took the position of conductor in 2001. Maestro Kevin Rhodes is extremely accomplished, conducting around 50 orchestras all over the world. A sought-after commodity in the European ballet circuit, Rhodes has conducted the Paris Opera Ballet, The Dutch National Ballet, The Verona Ballet, and many others. Many of these performances and have been filmed and distributed in theaters and on television all over Europe and the rest of the world.

Acme Township Board Approves Lyle Lovett Concert (August 8) and Car Show (August 9) at Flint Fields Horse Park

At a special meeting to discuss and vote on the Special Event Permit requested by property owner Karin Flint, the Acme Township Special Events Committee voted to formally approve the special events planned on August 8th and 9th for Flint Fields Horse Park in Acme Township, MI. Following the vote, board members were unanimous in their support for the events as a very positive direction for Acme to bring new business to their township.

This vote ends the confusion over the ability to put on the events planned for that weekend including a Lyle Lovett concert on Friday evening and the Cars, Beats & Eats event on Saturday with Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airman. Sam Porter, the event promoter when contacted said “This will allow us to continue to develop this wonderful new festival and cultural events destination in Acme Township and bring new economic development to an area that can gain much from a rich cultural identity. Having an artist the caliber of Lyle Lovett at your venue brings an immediate credibility that will help fuel the future of great diverse gatherings there.”

Porter is the owner of Porterhouse Productions and Tent Venue who are bringing Lyle Lovett and his Large Band to Flint Fields. Porter is known for producing large scale award winning food and music events in Northern Michigan and will bring their philosophy of local business first, green sustainable events and nonprofit fundraisers driven by a great patron experience to Flint Fields. Over the last 7 years, Porterhouse has created millions of dollars in local economic impact through Hotel bookings, supporting hundreds of local businesses and contractors, artist and talent payments and always supporting local values that make our region better.

Inaugural Lansing Microbrew & Music Festival Coming Up April 18-19 at Adado Riverfront Park

Craft brew, music and culinary lovers will gather at Adado Riverfront Park in downtown Lansing for the inaugural Lansing Microbrew & Music Festival scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 18 and 19.

The festival will feature 50+ carefully selected Michigan, national and international craft breweries, 250+ craft beers, ciders, meads and wines as well as more than 100 musicians, marching bands, Homebrewer’s Challenge, food and brew pairings, rare and sour beer tours, and local food vendors.

Rockville, Maryland, band O.A.R. and reggae and hip hop musicians Dirty Heads will headline the Lansing Microbrew & Music Festival, festival producers announced today. Dirty Heads will play on Friday, April 18, and O.A.R. will perform on Saturday, April 19.

To celebrate the eleventh Microbrew and Music Festival, the popular regional event will tour to Lansing to host the event on the banks of the scenic Grand River. VIP and GA tickets include five 8oz. pours and custom tasting glass and feature 50+ carefully selected Michigan, national, and international craft breweries, rare beers including a unique festival edition, representatives and brewers from each brewery, 250+ flavors of beers, wines, ciders and meads, live musical acts, including headliners O.A.R. and Dirty Heads, marching bands, a silent disco DJ dance tent, and local food vendors. Festivities are scheduled to take place from 5-11 p.m. daily. In addition, VIP ticket buyers will gain early admittance and have access to entertaining lawn games, a heated VIP area, private restrooms, a dining area, hydration station, and custom food and beer pairings.

Microbrew & Music Festival will be working in conjunction with the Greater Lansing Food Bank and Xero Waste Events to bring you a wonderful event. 100% of proceeds from alcohol sales will benefit both of these non-profits. GLFB provides emergency food to individuals and families in need in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Shiawassee, Clare, Isabella and Gratiot counties. Food is distributed through an extensive network of food pantries and community kitchens located throughout the region. The Food Bank annually serves tens of thousands of people, many of them seniors and children. Our recipients also include the “working poor,” those individuals who are employed but don’t earn enough to meet housing, health, transportation and food needs. Xero Waste Events, is a Michigan non-profit organization providing comprehensive recycling services and educating communities on sustainable event practices. With the help of XWE, the 2013 Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival helped raise over $20,000 for Traverse City non-profit CherryT Ball which directly supports local food banks and Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center. We are proud to partner with Xero Waste, as they also contribute an annual portion of its revenues to local charities.

Sam Porter, founder of the Microbrew & Music Festival, anticipates the festival will provide a burst of energy to the central Michigan region. “We’re excited to launch our eleventh festival as the first annual Lansing Microbrew and Music Festival. We have welcomed over 50,000 ticket buyers to ten [Traverse City] Microbrew and Music festivals over the past five years to experience the craft brew culture and great music of Michigan. Our goal is to have another sold-out festival and help drive thousands of residents and visitors into area businesses, bars and restaurants during an otherwise slower week in April,” he says. Porter adds that after-parties at downtown establishments will further connect festival attendees with the retailers.

The Microbrew & Music Festival at Adado Riverfront Park will take place under a 4,000 capacity mobile tent – the first of its kind in the US. It will house the main stage and provide cover and protection from the elements, if needed. Previous patrons have compared this spectacular structure’s appearance to the Sydney Opera House. Visit Tent Venue’s Facebook page for more information.

The Microbrew & Music Festival educates, celebrates, and inspires community collaboration through the joy of craft brew and great music while raising funds for non-profits.

Tickets and festival details are available at www.microbrewandmusic.com/lansing-tickets. Festival announcements, giveaways, and other information can be found at www.facebook.com/microbrewandmusic. Attendees are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, as the festival has sold out in past years.

Ticket buyers must be 21 years old.