Beats and Bands at the Bidwell

June 12, 2015

Back in 2013, Crooked Tree Arts Center wanted to update the atrium between the center itself and the Carnegie Building, which had an overgrown and underutilized lawn.

"It seemed to be the ideal space for an outdoor venue for the arts center," explained Liz Ahrens, president/executive director of CTAC. "So, we approached Marsha and Neil Bidwell for their support."

Residents of Petoskey and Bay View, the Bidwells have long been known for their community-mindedness and they immediately lent their blessing, financial support and name to the construction of the plaza.

DOWNTOWN DESTINATION

Located on the Mitchell Street side of CTAC, Bidwell Plaza sits in a prime location, just on the edge of Petoskey’s bustling downtown, with plenty of free parking within a block or so.

Once the plaza was completed, the fun of figuring out how to best use the new space began.

"CTAC has been presenting the Concert in the Park series in Pennsylvania Park (down the street from the arts center) for many years," Ahrens said. "So, with those performances on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays all summer, we thought that adding Thursdays would be a great asset to downtown."

The new Bidwell Plaza concert series makes four days of music in Petoskey’s downtown and also brings visitors up to CTAC’s end of Mitchell Street.

MUSIC AND MORE

Electrical outlets and a shade tent are now available for performers at the new plaza, and tables and umbrellas are available for audience and visitors.

After enlarging doorways, replacing windows, adding a reception window to the ground floor and electrical outlets to the outside, and adding a shade tent at the ready, weather was really the only challenge the new plaza had left.

Thanks to CTAC’s beautiful indoor theater, Ahrens pointed out that, even if there is rain, the show can still go on. People who haven’t visited CTAC or the Petoskey District Library before will find there’s even more to do in addition to the music.

"The plaza, and the labyrinth at the outside space at the library, are both lovely spots to bring lunch, meet friends and use WiFi," Ahrens said.

CULTURAL CORNER

A half-dozen shows are booked at the Bidwell so far, beginning June 25 with cellist Alison Lynn and fiddler Diana Ladio of The Moxie Strings, a Celtic/Americana/rock duo that Ahrens called "a favorite."

The big sounds of Spectrum Brass, a group of musicians from Bay View, will be featured at one of the shows and Ali Ryerson, a worldrenowned flutist, at another.

"I’m also really looking forward to hearing our CTAC jazz band," Ahrens said. "Since they are performing three times, we know that each week will feature different performers from our youth and adult jazz bands, and they’ll be playing great jazz standards.

"But most of all, we really want to encourage people to visit this cultural corner of downtown," she added.

The 2015 Bidwell Plaza Concert Series

All concerts start at 12:30pm

June 25 – The Moxie Strings

July 2 – CTAC Jazz Band

July 23 – Spectrum Brass

July 30 – CTAC Jazz Band

Aug. 13 – CTAC Jazz Band

Aug. 20 – Ali Ryerson