January 9, 2025 | Issue #17 | Past issues

Avalanche ice rink opens

The Avalanche ice skating rink has opened for the first time this season, and with below-freezing temperatures forecast for at least the next 10 days, it looks like it will stay open for awhile. Photo courtesy of Lacey Kotalik, the Warming House attendant. Story below has the Warming House hours and more details.

Inside this issue

• Open Space Project gets $322k in state funding
• City Commission meets three times next week
• Challenge Mountain sells Springbrook Lodge property
• Remodeled Youth Library attracts tweens and more
• Fat and Flurrious fat bike race returns Saturday
• Avalanche ice rink, sledding hill now open daily
• 6 Obituaries including Lee Ekstrom
• Patrick McCleary history: Our lamplit streets
• Thanks to the donors who keep the news coming!
• Music and entertainment listings

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Open Space Project gets $322k state funding approval ... 7 months after grant app was nearly killed

By Jim Baumann, jim@boynecitizen.com

The Boyne City Open Space Project has been recommended for $322,000 in funding by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board. 

City officials and Parks and Recreation Commission members probably breathed a big sigh of relief when the recommendation was announced in December, because the grant request was almost killed on April 30, 2024, then revived at the next meeting on May 14, one day before the grant application deadline. 

The City Commission had approved the grant application on Feb. 20, but then voted to rescind the application on April 30. The 3-1 vote to rescind the approval was led by City Commissioner Marty Moody, who was joined by Sandy Pritchard and George Lasater, with Bob Farrell voting against the decision to rescind.

Moody cited the city’s tight budget and other costly priorities such as repairing the marina and paving gravel streets. The minutes for the meeting note that Moody said “This is not in the budget, and this is a lot of money. We have not had one season of finding out how much the cost is to maintain” the Open Space. 

That decision surprised a number of people, including Parks and Recreation Commission members, who then attended the May 14 meeting. Seven people urged the Commission to reconsider, the item was placed on the agenda, and the grant application was approved on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Moody voting no and all other commissioners, including Mayor Tim Nemecek, who was absent from the April 30 meeting, voting to proceed with the grant application.

Reached for comment on the issue now that the grant funding has been approved, Moody this week said, “Nothing has changed. I haven’t changed my opinion. I still think we could put that $132,000 to better use on a lot of other projects around town.”

The recommendation for the grant funding now must be approved by the state legislature, but that step is normally not contested. 

The $322,000 grant represents 70% of the project’s total cost in this phase with $138,000 to be matched with local funds. City Manager Mike Cain said the next step for the project would be to have the Parks and Recreation Commission start the process for getting design documents submitted by the city’s engineering firm, Beckett & Raeder, so the project can go out for bids. Cain said the City Commission would also discuss timing of the project during 2025-26 budget discussions in March and April. Cain predicted that construction would be in 2026 at the earliest. 

The first phase of the Open Space was completed this past summer with sidewalks, plantings, shoreline stabilization and hydroseeding. Phase 2 includes a pervious paved parking lot on the north end of the property, connector sidewalks, and a rain garden as well as benches, tables, lighting, bike racks, trash and recycling containers. 

The Open Space preserves 600 ft. of Lake Charlevoix shoreline located at 475 N. Lake St., which used to be a factory and was once approved for a four-story Boyne Beach Club condominium building before area residents Mike Dow and Bob Grove purchased the 4.7-acre property and returned it to city control in 2018. 

Corrections

> The Dec. 19 Citizen story about Band Director Brandon Ivie mistakenly stated that he was nominated by fifth grade teachers Chris Baxter and Lisa Snyder. Actually, Baxter and Snyder were fellow nominees with Ivie for the Outstanding Person in Education recognition, which Ivie won by vote of the district teachers. The person who nominated Ivie wishes to remain anonymous. 

> The Dec. 19 Citizen story about snow plowing mistakenly gave the impression that a Main Street contractor has been hired to keep the downtown sidewalks cleared. In fact, it is up to each Main Street business owner to clear the sidewalks in front of their own businesses. The contractor clears snow in some public spaces and city-owned spots within the Downtown Development District, including the theatre and the Veterans Park Pavilion sidewalks. 

The Boyne Citizen strives for accuracy and wants to correct any inaccurate statements in its news coverage. Email Editor Jim Baumann, jim@boynecitizen.com to request a correction.

City Commission meets three times next week

The Boyne City City Commission took some time off over the holidays and will start the New Year by holding three meetings in a row next week.

Their next regular meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, at City Hall. The agenda will be posted online after 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10. 

The next day, the Commission will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, (this is a corrected meeting time) to discuss the possibility of retaining the nonprofit organization Community Heart & Soul to lead a local community engagement effort for future planning and goal setting. Their website says the organization leads “a resident-driven process that engages the entire population of a town in identifying what they love most about their community, what future they want for it, and how to achieve it.”

Then at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, the City Commission will host a joint meeting with the Boyne City Main Street Board to discuss roles, responsibilities and collaboration. A number of people who are supporting the idea of renovating the Boyne Theatre have stated on Facebook that this meeting will include a discussion of the theater, although city and Main Street officials have not confirmed that issue will be on the agenda. The agenda should be posted online before the meeting.

Challenge Mountain sells Springbrook Lodge property; Lack of snow and repairs are cited

Challenge Mountain has announced the sale of their Springbrook Lodge property “as part of a strategic plan to ensure the long-term sustainability of its programs and facilities.” The property was originally donated to the organization by the Kircher family in 1984. 

Challenge Mountain did not disclose the buyer or the sale price of the 145-acre Springbrook property, but the Charlevoix County Equalization Department told the Boyne Citizen that the buyer was FCF Enterprises of Fairview, Texas, whose registered agent is David G. Sinacola. A local realtor confirmed that the sale was completed on Dec. 27 for $1.085 million.

Challenge Mountain said the buyer “has committed to preserving its current use and has agreed to allow the organization to continue hosting programs there for at least two years.” During this time, Challenge Mountain will maintain its winter programming at the lodge while expanding adaptive skiing opportunities through a partnership with Boyne Mountain Resort.

A press release stated that the property “played a pivotal role in launching Challenge Mountain’s mission to provide life-changing adaptive recreational opportunities for children, youth and adults with disabilities.”

“This property was the foundation of Challenge Mountain’s journey, and its legacy will always be cherished,” said Elizabeth Gertz, executive director of Challenge Mountain. “After extensive consideration and a comprehensive feasibility study, it became clear that the Springbrook Lodge’s structural renovation needs and lack of snowmaking capabilities would hinder our ability to provide consistent, high-quality programming. This decision allows us to honor the past while investing in a future that ensures year-round opportunities for our participants.”

“Upon learning that Challenge Mountain’s adaptive skiing program was in jeopardy due to lack of snow at our property, Boyne Mountain Resort stepped in and has been providing space to operate our adaptive skiing program,” Gertz said.

“Our partnership with Boyne Mountain Resort has been a game-changer,” Gertz said. “Without their generosity, donated programming space at Helga Haus and extensive snowmaking capabilities, we would have had to cancel winter sports activities for both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. Their support ensures that our participants can keep learning and thriving on the slopes, regardless of unpredictable weather conditions.”

“Springbrook Lodge has been a special place for so many people,” said Bill Aten, a long-time board member, past organization president and volunteer for Challenge Mountain. “Selling the property was not an easy decision, but it’s the right one. This move is about creating a sustainable future and continuing to provide life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities for decades to come.”

Challenge Mountain’s leadership is now focused on plans to develop a centrally located, year-round facility to better serve participants. The organization’s commitment to honoring the vision of its founders and supporters remains steadfast as it embraces this new chapter.

“Challenge Mountain has always focused on creating opportunities and empowering people with disabilities to thrive,” Aten added. “This next step ensures that we can continue delivering on that promise for future generations.”

In a press release, Challenge Mountain said it “welcomes questions as it moves forward with its mission” and said people could call 231-582-1186 or email director@challengemtn.org with questions. For more information about Challenge Mountain and its programs, visit challengemtn.org.

Representatives from Kiwanis, Lions, Friends of the Library, the City of Boyne City, Boyne Area Chamber, the Library Board and others attended the Boyne District Library ribbon cutting.

Remodeled Youth Library attracts tweens and more with cool new furniture, toys and puzzles

By Jamie Baumann, jamie@boynecitizen.com

Attracting "tweens" to the Boyne District Youth Library was a top priority for Youth Librarian Mary Grayson as the area was remodeled. Grayson said that at fourth grade, youth attendance at the library has traditionally dropped off, so library staff purposely created an inviting place for tweens. 

They added a booth where tweens could sit and chat, as well as a video game area where now two can now play “Switch.” Two more controllers have been ordered so soon up to four will be able to play at a time.

The video game attracts younger children as well. At the Youth Library ribbon-cutting on Jan. 3, there were four children ages 6 to 9 intently playing the game. To take turns with the two remotes, much to Grayson's delight, the children decided that each had to read a chapter in a book before getting a turn with the game.

Grayson hopes that while finding the library an inviting and safe place to spend time, tweens might go home with a book. She defines "tweens" as those in fourth grade through middle school. The Youth Library is designed for children and tweens from birth through age 12. Older teens have a dedicated section upstairs with the adult library.

Representatives of the Boyne Valley Lions Club, the City of Boyne City, the Kiwanis Club of Boyne City, the Friends of the Boyne District Library and the Boyne District Library Board, as well as other library users, were part of a group of about 30 people who attended the ribbon-cutting. Thanks to a $25,001 donation from Kiwanis, a $25,000 donation from the Friends of BDL, and the Charlevoix County Community Fund Boyne District Library Endowment, the lower level of the library has been transformed into a youth library that is the envy of other area libraries. 

The renovation was necessary because of drainage issues that caused extensive water damage. Instead of simply replacing what had been there, Library Director Monica Peck and Grayson, along with the library board, worked with a library designer to create a light, airy and inviting place for youth, keeping in line with Peck's vision that a library is not only for books but should be total experience.

"We used a color scheme that reflects why people are attracted to the Boyne area," Grayson said. The decor features green and blue, with accent colors that are natural colors of the area, like oranges and yellows. In keeping with the natural environment theme, carvings on the backs of the chairs at the children's table are various animals found in the area, like frogs and squirrels.  

The Youth Library is divided into areas for tweens, younger children, pre-schoolers, and toddlers. The area designed for the youngest children is a log cabin theater surrounded by comfortable seating for parents as they supervise their children. Once in the log cabin, children can find educational toys and puzzles. Grayson said the theater could be used for puppet shows, or imaginative play like running a food truck counter with various wooden food items to sell. Also featured in this area, a Cheryl Gardner Memorial Wooden Tree towers over the log cabin adds to the nature theme in the fanciful play area. 

The parental seating creates a boundary so the youngest children can be easily supervised by those who want to work on laptops as their children play. The library requires children under age 8 to be supervised by someone at least 13 years old. For those ages 8 and 9, a person at least age 13 must be present somewhere in the library. Children 10 and above are welcome in the youth library without supervision.

One of the most popular areas is the "cubby," a padded enclosed mini-tunnel just big enough for one or two people to lie down, relax and read. A computer area with a color-coded keyboard computer and a smaller laptop has two-person, animal upholstered benches so a parent can sit with a child while using the computer.

"One of the most touching scenes in the Youth Library has been the supervised visitation between a parent and child who may be in temporary foster care," Peck said. The space creates a great place for these parents and children to have access to toys, books, computers and comfortable seating in an inviting atmosphere.

Friends of the Boyne District Library Secretary/Treasurer Larry Taylor said he is very proud of the library. "It is truly the best in class due in large part to Monica's innovative ideas and her being a great leader."

Youth Librarian Mary Grayson holds up a frog chair to show off the animal carvings on the backs of the chairs. To the left is a table with a fish and butterfly chair.  In the background is the Cheryl Gardner Memorial Tree, the log cabin and parental seating area.



The video game Switch is popular in the tweens section of the library, along with a comfortable seating booth. Library board member Deb Neidhamer watches her grandchildren Trey and Sasha Franzine of Grand Rapids, and Jonathan and Brady Nawrocki of Boyne City. Also looking on is Library board member Beth Freeman.



The parental seating area, the cubby, the log cabin and the Cheryl Gardner Memorial Tree create a nice play area for younger children.



City Manager Mike Cain found a puzzle he played with in his youth - it teaches how to open all different kinds of locks.

Edward Beyne and his daughter Theodora, 18 months old, work together on a puzzle of locks.

Fat and Flurrious fat bike race returns Saturday

Fat and Flurrious, “the Lower Peninsula's most challenging fat bike race,” returns to Boyne City at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11. Bikers will start in downtown Boyne City and get a police escort to Avalanche Mountain, where they race on the same single-track and two-track that they ride in the summer. The after party and awards are at Stiggs Brewery and Kitchen during their anniversary party. Details:

• Sport Class - one lap around Avalanche 
• Open Class - two/three laps around Avalanche
• All proceeds go to TOMMBA for future trail development.

Registration and details at www.fatandflurrious.com.

Avalanche ice rink, sledding hill now open daily

The Avalanche ice skating rink has opened for the first time this season, and with below-freezing temperatures forecast for at least the next 10 days, it looks like it will stay open for awhile. That’s an improvement over last year, when above average temperatures only allowed the rink to stay open for a few days.

Here are the winter season warming house hours:

> Monday-Friday: 4 - 9 p.m.

> Saturday & Sunday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.*

* Weekend hours also apply on holidays and school snow days.

The sledding hill is also open and will remain open as long as adequate snow cover is maintained. Warming house attendant Lacey Kotalik reminds everyone that they have plenty of free loaner skates and sleds available, as well as hot chocolate. 

People Fund donates $5,000 to skate park 

Boyne Area Skate Park has received a $5,000 Great Lakes Energy People Fund grant. The grant will be used to assist in funding the construction phase of the skate park. Boyne Area Skate Park is a 501c3 organization founded in 2022 whose mission is to construct a public outdoor skate park at Rotary Park. The total estimated cost for the completed project is $365,000. 

The organization is working with the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Commission to pursue grant opportunities. Organizers continue to host fundraising opportunities locally and have merchandise available to support the cause. Additional information can be found at www.boyneareaskatepark.org.

Members of Great Lakes Energy support the People Fund by voluntarily rounding up their bills to the next highest dollar. The rounded up amount is distributed to nonprofit organizations and charitable activities that benefit people in communities served by the cooperative.

K of C raise money for people with disabilities

On Columbus Day weekend, October 11, 12, and 13, Knights of Columbus Councils across Michigan conducted the 53rd Annual MI Drive to assist Michigan citizens with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. Boyne Valley Council #6314 members, family, and friends handed out Tootsie Rolls and took donations at multiple locations in Boyne City, Boyne Falls, and East Jordan, as well as after all Masses at St. Matthew, St. Augustine, and St. Joseph churches. People in those communities were very generous. The Knights delivered checks of $2548.55 each to three local organizations - North Country Community Health, The Bergman Center (pictured below), and Challenge Mountain (pictured above), as well as $1911.42 to Michigan Special Olympics, through Michigan Knights of Columbus Charities. Knights spokesman Frank Shaler said, “We want to issue a big thank you to the generous and giving people of these communities.”

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Boyne Area News Briefs

NEW CHAMBER ASSISTANT - Boyne Area Chamber Executive Director Tricia Wilcox, at left, introduced her new office assistant, Maddie Shields, when they attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Youth Library. Maddie has experience working for Lake Charlevoix Coffee Company and Kammermann & Bascom, P.C. “We are very excited to have her on the team,” Wilcox said. 

FREE CLINIC FUND-RAISER - The Boyne City Eagles are hosting a “Left Right Center” fundraiser from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 to benefit the Boyne City Free Clinic. Admission is $20 per person. Organizers say, “You do not need to know how to play this card game, we will teach you!” 

City of Boyne City Municipal News

BOYNE CITY HOUSING COMMISSION is seeking a dedicated individual to fill an opening on its five-member Board of Commissioners. This is a volunteer role with a chance to make a significant impact on housing opportunities in Boyne City and Charlevoix County. The Housing Commission manages Litzenburger Place and Deer Meadows apartments, individual homes in Boyne City, as well as overseeing future developments and administering housing vouchers to support individuals and families with housing costs in the area.

Position requirements:

• Candidates must reside within the Housing Commission’s service area (Charlevoix County), preferably in Boyne City.
• The commitment will be for a full 5-year term, ending January 1, 2030.
• Board members typically meet once a month (currently the fourth Wednesday at 8 AM), with additional meetings as needed. Alternative dates are available upon request.

For more information about the Boyne City Housing Commission, contact Bethany Hedgepath, executive director, at 231-582-6203 or via email at bethany@boynecityhc.com.To apply, visit the City of Boyne City's website to download the Volunteer Board Member Application: www.cityofboynecity.com/boards--commissions-23/. Completed applications should be returned to Boyne City Clerk/Treasurer Jessica Puroll or by email at jpuroll@boynecity.com. Application deadline is 12 noon Monday, Feb. 3.

CITY BOARD OPENINGS - Are you interested in getting involved and having a voice on what is happening in the City? Volunteer to serve on a board! For more information and to download an application, visit the City’s website. 

• Airport Board – 2 seats open
• Economic Development Corporation (EDC) / Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) - 1 seat open.
• Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) – 3 seats open
• Housing Commission – 1 resident position open
• Parks and Recreation Commission – 2 positions open

CITY MEETINGS – Click here for board information, agendas, and minutes.

> City Commission's next meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, with special meetings on Jan. 15 and 16 (see story above).

Obituaries

Lee Karl Ekstrom

June 21, 1938 ~ January 4, 2025 (age 86)

Reva Jean (Brooks) Spencer

September 24, 1952 ~ December 29, 2024 (age 72)

Mac Robert Smith

June 12, 1958 ~ December 22, 2024 (age 66)

John D. "Jack" Lund, Sr.

May 8, 1934 - December 21, 2024 (age 90)

Shirley Joan (Bascom) Dixon

June 24, 1936 ~ December 21, 2024 (age 88)

Jeffrey David Smith

June 24, 1964 ~ December 19, 2024 (age 60)

THROUGH THE HISTORIAN'S LENS

The lamplit streets of Old Boyne

By Patrick McCleary

The Charlevoix County History Preservation Society

As historians, the beginning of a new year finds us at a precipice of sorts. With each passing year, we reflect upon those who have passed away, and with them the knowledge and details of previous generations. We scan our memories, notes, records and files to draw both inspiration and information. We ask ourselves, “What will my preservation goals be in the coming year?” “Will I be able to meet the challenge of not simply regurgitating old information, but add to its value and content - adding new detail to both biographical and subject matter topics?”

The late Bob Morgridge and I discussed local history in detail, including these very questions. He and I agreed that one area has been sadly overlooked over the past several generations, that being the biographical information of our lesser-known pioneers and early residents. While his book, Settlers to Sidewalks provides its reader with a remarkable overview of Boyne City’s early history, it is just that… an overview. Bob highlighted locations and businesses and provided a framework for future research and detail to be added at a later date. Sadly, that date never came during his lifetime.

I am hopeful that my endeavors during the 2025 calendar year, as well as the upcoming Two Pages interpretive arts competition to be held in Bob’s memory and sponsored by the Charlevoix County History Preservation Society (CCHPS), will bring some of our area’s more obscure historic details to life. So, settle in for some interesting reading in 2025, some fantastic (and many never-before-seen) historic photographs, and a variety of opportunities to share your knowledge of local history and those who made it happen!

My regards to you and yours during this holiday season, and best wishes for a happy, healthy and historic New Year!

- Patrick

John B. Kirby in his kerosene Delivery Wagon. Photograph courtesy of the Charlevoix County History Preservation Society (CCHPS) and the Bob Morgridge Collection.

Before the days of electric street lighting, city streets were minimally lit with kerosene lamps, which provided minimal light and required frequent maintenance. Even so, they played an important role in town growth. Lighting increased accessibility and the demand for nighttime activities. In the photograph above, John B. Kirby (1856-1939) can be seen sitting in the driver’s seat of his kerosene delivery wagon. He drove this rig with a team of chestnuts - horses noted for their reddish-to-brown coat with a mane and tail the same or lighter in color. The tank held 15,000 gallons of kerosene, which he delivered every Monday to the Boyne City lamplighters.

Many a young boy and girl stole rides on the buckboard of Kirby’s rig - so often that it quickly became a reliable source of transportation from one part of town to the next - hitching a ride with “kindly Mr. Kirby” as he made his scheduled stops throughout the community. John Bentley Kirby was born in 1856 and was a wholesale dealer for the Standard Oil Company. Like many in the early days, this was done in addition to his main occupation of farming.

Another early citizen of Boyne City, Herbert J. Schneider (1887-1981) began driving the same team at the age of 19, both with and for John Kirby. Herb was born in Horton Bay and resided in the Boyne area his entire life. At an early age, he took on the occupations of both lumberjack and farmer, but his involvement with John Kirby’s kerosene delivery wagon was the first step to his later career. He is probably best remembered for owning and operating Herb's Super Service station (pictured below) in downtown Boyne City from 1929-1946. Herb Schneider also served on the Boyne City Council for 14 years, during which he acted as Mayor pro tem - a city council member who helps set agendas, fills in for the mayor and trains new councilors.

Here is a photocopy image of Herb Schneider's service station, once located on the corner of Water and Park Streets. Perhaps some of our readers would be willing to peruse their photo collections and allow Patrick McCleary the opportunity to scan and preserve some actual photographs. The more detail that can be preserved, the better we can preserve our valuable local history. All contributions will be promptly returned and the scans credited to the donor.

> Patrick McCleary is a Certified Genealogist affiliated with the Charlevoix County History Preservation Society (CCHPS), 12555 Taylor Road, Charlevoix, MI 49720. The CCHPS promotes the understanding and appreciation of the heritage of the people of Charlevoix County and its townships by seeking out, collecting, preserving, and interpreting artifacts of historical and cultural significance. For further information, contact Patrick by email: Throughthehistorianslens@gmail.com.

Thank you to the generous 2024 donors who are supporting local journalism and the Boyne Citizen!

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MUSIC, ARTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT

Please email your special events and music information to jamie@boynecitizen.com.

BARREL BACK. 4069 M-75, Walloon Lake, (231) 535-6000.

> Live music 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays with music and trivia on Thursdays.

Mondays - Sean Bielby

Tuesdays - Lara Fullford

Wednesdays - Pete Kehoe

Thursdays - Trivia & music by Holly Keller

BC LANES/THE VENUE BAR & GRILL. 1199 M-75 S, Boyne City,(231) 582-6353.

> Open bowling 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays, 3-10 p.m. Fridays, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays.

> LIVE MUSIC

Saturday, Jan. 11 - RPM, 8-11 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 18 - Johnny and the Sundogs, 8-11 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 25 - Yankee Station, 8-11 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 1 - Country Thunder, 8-11 p.m.

BOYNE CITY FARMERS MARKET. Indoors in the pavilion at Veterans Park, 207 N. Lake Street, Boyne City. (231) 582-9009.

> Open Saturdays 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

BOYNE CITY TAP ROOM. 220 S. Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 459-4487.

> MY CLUE TRIVIA - Mondays at 7 p.m.

> SINGO BINGO - Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

> LIVE MUSIC at 7 p.m.

Thursdays - Adam and the Cabana Boys

Fridays & Saturdays - Patrick Ryan

BOYNE MOUNTAIN. 1 Boyne Mountain Rd., Boyne Falls, (855) 688-7024.

> Weekly schedule of events and entertainment at all Boyne Mountain venues.

BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS. 05325 US 131 S, Petoskey (231) 373-2090.

> LIVE MUSIC - Saturdays 2-6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 11 - Two Track Mind

Saturday, Jan. 18 - Michelle Chenard

Saturday, Jan. 25 - Chris Calleja

CAFE SANTE. 1 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 582-8800.

> LIVE MUSIC

Mondays - The Shifties, 6-9 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 10 - Pete Kehoe, 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 11 - The Band Freedom, 7-10 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 17 - Sean Bielby, 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 18 - Peter Jensen, 7-10 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 24 - Chris Callleja, 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 25 - Brian T. McCosky, 7-10 p.m.

Friday, Jan.31 - Brett Mitchell, 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 1 - Brett Mitchell, 7-10 p.m.

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER. 461 E. Mitchell Street. Petoskey, (231) 347-4337.

> Saturday, Jan. 18 - Basic Comfort is Kalamazoo, Michigan's Alternative Pop band. With the release of their latest self-produced sophomore album, Dimensions, Basic Comfort has explored and distilled the many dimensions of connection to the self and others. While their lyrics are sure to leave you in a state of contemplation, touching on feelings of love, letting go, and the confusion of internal needs, the rhythms and melodies will simultaneously leave you dancing and singing along for days. The group takes inspiration from artists like Parcels, Gil Scott Heron, Daft Punk, and Men I Trust. Tickets are $10 Students/ $35 Member / $40 Non Member.

> Wednesday, Jan. 22 - Acclaimed jazz pianist and composer Jeff Haas brings his dynamic Quintet to Crooked Tree Arts Center for an evening of original music with a message of peace and love at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15 online at jeffhaasmusic.com or $20 at the door. Doors open at 7pm.

> See website for updated entertainment, Swirl, art shows, and children's activities.

FRESHWATER Art Gallery and Concert Venue , 217 S Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 582-2588.

> LIVE MUSIC - 8 p.m. Call to reserve tickets.

Saturday, March 15 - Henhouse Prowlers. Founded two decades ago with the simple desire to play original and powerful bluegrass, this Chicago-bred quartet now finds themselves at the intersection of performance, diplomacy, and education.

Onstage, the group's enthralling performances give audiences a sense of how much they love what they do. On record – including their latest offering, 2023’s Lead and Iron, released via Dark Shadow Recording – the band explores their collective life experiences through songwriting and intricate instrumentation. While bluegrass is the undeniable foundation of the Prowlers’ music, the band bends and squeezes the traditional form into a keenly developed sound all their own.

GREAT LAKES CENTER FOR THE ARTS. 800 Bay Harbor Dr., Petoskey, (231) 439 -2600.

> LIVE PERFORMANCES

Friday, February 21, - Interlochen Arts Academy's Swan Lake, 7 p.m. Tickets.

LAKE STREET PUB. 202 S. Lake St., Boyne City, (231) 497-6031.

> TRIVIA NIGHT - Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

> Sunday, Jan. 12 - Euchre Tournament 4-9 p.m. to benefit Chain of Lakes Relay for Life. Details and registration.

MUSKRAT DISTILLING.121 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 268-0178.

> KARAOKE - 8 to 11 p.m. every Wednesday

> LIVE MUSIC 8 to 11 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 10 - Lou Thumser

Friday, Jan. 17 - The Shifties

Friday, Jan. 24 - Sean Bielby

Friday, Jan. 31 - Pete Fetters

PROVISIONS LOUNGE. 123 Water St., Boyne City, (231) 582-2151.

LIVE MUSIC, 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays

RED MESA GRILL.117 Water St, Boyne City, (231) 582-0049.

LIVE MUSIC 6-9 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 14 - Keith Scott

Tuesday, Jan. 21 - Nelson Olstrom

Tuesday, Jan. 28 - Hazel James Band

STIGGS BREWERY & KITCHEN. 112 S. Park St., Boyne City, (231) 497-6100

> Saturday, Jan. 11 - 8th Anniversary Bash in our parking lot after the Fat & Flurrious bike race. Beer truck, Stiggs smokehouse specialties, fire pits, live music, family fun activities.

> First Wednesday of the month - Open Mic Nights hosted by Nelson Olstrom, 6-9 p.m.

WALLOON JUNCTION GRILL AND BAR. 4472 M-75, Walloon Lake, (231) 535-6006.

> Roller skating party 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11. $8 admission, $2 rentals.

The Boyne Citizen

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