2015 Manitou Music Festival Dune Climb Concert

Manitou Music Festival … at the dune climb II by Ken Scott

The 17th annual Manitou Music Festival Dune Climb concert will take place Sunday, July 12 at 7 PM at the foot of the Dune Climb in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The concert is presented annually by the Glen Arbor Art Association, is free to the public and always one of the best nights of any summer in Leelanau County. It’s perfect for the whole family and the Dune Climb provides one of the most beautiful natural amphitheaters you will ever experience.

This year’s performers will be the The Hip Pocket, an eleven-piece band based in Grand Rapids that have been entertaining crowds for over twenty years. They have opened for artists such as The Temptations, The Four Tops, and Patti LaBelle and specialize in music from the likes of Chicago, Tower of Power, Earth, Wind & Fire along with hits from the Big Band and Motown eras.

There is no charge for the concert beyond the required National Park pass for parking, and free shuttle busses will provide transportation to overflow parking lots. There are some folding chairs provided in front of the stage, but definitely bring your own chairs or blanket if you can. Coolers are allowed and in the event of rain, the show will go on at the Glen Arbor Town Hall.

The Dune Climb concert is part of the Glen Arbor Art Association’s Manitou Music Festival which is underwritten in part by grants from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and Oleson Foundation, as well as corporate sponsorships from Art’s Tavern, Cherry Republic, Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce, The Homestead Resort, McCahill’s Crossing Dairy Bar and Motel, On the Narrows Marina and individual contributions. The full schedule of concerts is available at glenarborart.org or by calling the Glen Arbor Art Association 231-334- 6112.

Here’s the Hip Pocket from a show at the Grand Rapids Art Museum: